It's been about a month since my last blog... and there's SO much catching up to do. I'll get right to it-!
At left: Alec, Sam, Brandon, and Seth hang out while younger Hurlburt cousins play in the background.
She was only about nine pounds, and it never stops being amazing, holding a baby that little. She seems very content and alert.
The day after the party, David came to stay with us a few weeks. We did some fun things while he was here, but he was with us long enough to also be included in our more mundane activities, like dish-washing and weed-pulling.
But he was a good sport throughout.
One thing we did while David was here was make a trip to Rhinelander. My brother Don and his family were there, too, staying at my parents' house. Since they live in Arkansas and make it to Wisconsin only a few times a year, we didn't want to miss a visit with them.
We took all the kids to Buck Lake, and David took turns burying kids in the sand. They loved it.
Leila and Stephen were little partners in crime during the visit. I might add that Stephen really seemed to take a liking to David.
Beautiful little Beth begins kindergarten this year.
And then-! Another piece of news, this time involving Jonathan.
On July 4th we had a graduation party for my stepson David. We had the party at the Mill Yard Park in Cornell... and David travelled all the way from Beckley, West Virginia to be there (and stay with us awhile).
Pictured above: David and Jon at a picnic table with Jonathan and Lindsay (Jonathan's girlfriend-- more on those two later :).
At right: Logan, Leila, Emma, and Michael.
It rained sporadically all day, but the covered pavillion kept us dry (except for Leila, who stood under dripping eaves and splashed in puddles every chance she got).
Here's Leila soaking wet... and I'd already changed her clothes at least once.
It was great seeing all the family and friends who were able to make it. We missed Susan, but she was taking her boards (more on Susan later, as well!!!).
At left: Alec, Sam, Brandon, and Seth hang out while younger Hurlburt cousins play in the background.
Here's Nathan's girlfriend, Shana, with their new baby girl Macey May (and Grandma Jane, of course!). David's party was my first chance to meet Macey in person.
She was only about nine pounds, and it never stops being amazing, holding a baby that little. She seems very content and alert.
The day after the party, David came to stay with us a few weeks. We did some fun things while he was here, but he was with us long enough to also be included in our more mundane activities, like dish-washing and weed-pulling.
But he was a good sport throughout.
One thing we did while David was here was make a trip to Rhinelander. My brother Don and his family were there, too, staying at my parents' house. Since they live in Arkansas and make it to Wisconsin only a few times a year, we didn't want to miss a visit with them.
We took all the kids to Buck Lake, and David took turns burying kids in the sand. They loved it.
Leila and Stephen were little partners in crime during the visit. I might add that Stephen really seemed to take a liking to David.
Beautiful little Beth begins kindergarten this year.
Kenny and Stephen enjoyed the time in the sun.
(Kenny is so grown up now! No more sitting on my lap. Luckily Stephen is willing to do the job).
(Kenny is so grown up now! No more sitting on my lap. Luckily Stephen is willing to do the job).
Emma was cozy in the sand (that is when she wasn't reveling in the frigid lake water... I think she's a fish).
After the beach, we took the kids to Jett's Dairy for ice cream treats. It was hot and sunny that day... hard to believe that there was a severe thunderstorm going on the day before!
We had a campfire in the backyard. The mosquitoes were bad, but true Wisconsinites know how to handle 'em (with bug spray and a slathering of hydrocortisone cream).
Don and Hope opened up their pop-up camper and spent the night in Mom and Dad's front yard with Kenny, Beth, Stephen, and Emma snuggled into sleeping bags (Michael opted to stay inside and watch late-night TV with David, while a [finally!] exhausted Leila slept like a rock by me).
Which brings us to Susan, and some news from her.
Susan has accepted a job offer at a hospital in Ashland, Kentucky. She will be assisting in surgery in the urology department at Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital (where she will very likely perform the same surgical procedure she went through as a four year-old, years before). Her and Jay are house-hunting, and we are hopeful their new place will include a guest room so we can visit them often!!!
We'll be seeing Susan soon... her and Jay are travelling to Minneapolis by train after the first week of August. They're going to sight-see for a couple of days and then we'll pick them up. I think they plan to stay with us two weeks.
And then-! Another piece of news, this time involving Jonathan.
Jonathan and Lindsay let us know a few weeks ago that they are expecting a baby-- our first grandchild! The tentative due date is January 30th. They heard the heartbeat for the first time this week and saw ultrasound pictures.
They are excited and nervous and doing their best to plan for the future. We are happy and hopeful for them. It's still so new we keep thinking about the paradoxes like "Aunt Leila", "Uncle Michael" and "GRANDPA JON". Wow-!
How's that for an eventful blog?
