BIG BOY LEGOS!!!!

Zanna is back on campus for school now. She is excited to see friends and to return to a classroom. It is not the same as before Covid 19, but it is better than being alone in your bedroom with only virtual friends. Wearing a mask all day is having an effect on her skin. She's not enjoying that part so much.

She's such a spunky, adorable 7th grader!

Gram and Papa came by on Thursday during the day. They were waiting for some test results for Grammy. She has diverticulitis, and is getting on some meds for the pain and to clear up the infection. It was fun to visit with them while they waited. They are two of the most loving people EVER!

Gav and his kids came by after school for some quick hugs from Gram and Papa.

 

Later that evening, Ethan and Josh came over for some fun. 

Andrew and Freddy made a HUGE purchase! I almost cried when Freddy told me how much they spent. They are so thrilled about it.

It the Lego Millennium Falcon from Star Wars. It will be gigantic when completed.

Andrew works on this in much of his spare time. It's coming along!

Home School and Pot Luck Sunday!

I can never receive too many pictures of this little man! Sammy is pure sunshine in our lives! We live for the giggly videos or really anything Sammy!

Home school is so much better with a buddy, and Noelle Taylor has been Zanna's buddy. They laugh and chat all day as they work on school assignments. It really has been delightful to hear.

Sara, Tim and I went out on a hunt for some Tom's shoes for Tim. I was going to get them for him for his birthday, but he was crammed with preparing for midterms. Then Covid 19 happened, and we haven't been able to get any until now.  We found one pair at Ross, and bought another pair on Amazon. He is super excited to try them out on a dance floor some day when you can go dancing again.

While we were out, we stopped by Deseret Book and said hi to Audra Alger.

This is what Show Choir looks like at home. I love that these two have to classes together, Concert Choir and Show Choir. They are such great buddies!

This is what the rest of school looks like for them.

Freddy has been dying to dye his hair pink again. His waiting is over!

Bleaching it first 

Painting on the color

Tim bought his first car, a 2014 Toyota Prius. We now have 6 in our immediate family, and 10 in the Ely clan. Papa, Uncle Eric, Bubba, Jessi, Steph, Rich, Sam, Josh, Freddy and Tim!

He's so happy!

Gavin and Cadie have kittens, Artemis and Iris. Sammy and I went over to say hi.

Sam bought some Mahi Mahi and had me prepare it. I pan seared it and covered it in a fresh basil butter sauce. It was pretty darn good. Cooking fish was new to Sam, but I'm sure he will be a master soon.

The three younger kids had friends over from school and church for a game night. 

Daniel, Matthew and Luke Lundberg, Laney, Kensie, Averi, Zanna, Liviya, and Kyli

Rich had worked in the yard all day, so I surprised him with some sushi! 

Sunday morning

Proper church Zoom meeting attire! 

I missed the Ely gang, so I decided to have anyone who could come over for a pot luck dinner. Every family was represented even though not everyone could come. We had tons of fun talking, and playing games. The little ones ran all over the house and outside. A lot of the teens went to the park to hang out. It was a great success and I think we will try to do it more regularly.

Isn't it still summer break???

 It has been so strange; it still feels like summer break in some ways. We all want to stay up and have fun, but the 3 youngest have school the next day, while everyone else can sleep in, or take naps. We are working on a routine that works for everyone. It's difficult, but fun with 5 adult children living at home.

Gavin came by after the online school day was over. Laney and Daniel were wiped out!

We haven't had good monsoon storms for the last 2 years. We finally got a bit of rain, a sun shower!

More of what online school at home looks like!

Sam has been our gourmet cook lately. He and Daniel made dinner for us Saturday. 

Pork chops, marinated with fresh herbs and spices

Roasted brussels sprouts, with bacon and a balsamic glaze

Creamy mashed cauliflower to finish it off

It was absolutely delicious!

Sara had been out on a first date with a new guy, Evan Dangerfield. They came back right as we were about to eat, so they joined us, and then Josh Jordan came by and joined us as well.

He and Tim are working on music compositions together.

Sunday evening we had Gavin and Cadie's family, and Hailey Jo Miller over for dinner. 

They had fun playing Uno with the Ely boys.

Gram and Papa came by later that evening. While they were here we had a good dust storm. Gram and Rich had to go sit out in it, even though it was hot, muggy and the air was full of blowing dirt. 

I watched from inside. 

Updates from Idaho

This little guy LOVES Funny Face. He has good taste in movies!

Lots of summer fun with Josh, Leigh, Sammy and their puppy, Beau!

My grandpuppy, Beau!

Josh is looking very seriously at joining the Air Force. Exciting times for their family!

Sammy likes to put his foot on his highchair tray when eating. It was fun to see him do it when we were video chatting with him. I think this face looks very Jack Black. lol

Leigh straightened Josh's hair for fun. They thought it was very Justin Bieber.

Leigh has been working her watercoloring skills, and is getting really good at it!

Heidi posted this the other day, and I thought it was sweet.