Bluegrass on Ballard

Every year, Wylie has a big event around the 4th of July called Bluegrass on Ballard.  We have never gone, but this year we decided to check it out.   They always have a car show going on at the same time and a whole bunch of booths where craftsmen sell their goods and also food.  We listened to some of the bands and walked around to check out the cars.  We bumped into Grandma and Grandpa.  But it was SO hot, so we didn't stay more than an hour total.  It was a pretty neat event though.

Galleria Ice Skating

I was able to procure a discount to go ice skating at the Dallas Galleria, somewhere I've always wanted to skate.  I think Travis and Jonah may have been gone for high adventure. At any rate, we had a blast and it was nice to get out of the heat.

All in the Family

Corey went on a ride-along with Victor Gonzales, his divisional manager, and he stopped at the In-N-Out #269 (Garland, Firewheel) while Travis and Eliza were working. It's not often that all of them are in the same store dressed in their work clothes.  Victor sent the picture to us.

Maureen Visits

My cousin Maureen (Carpenter) Randall visited Texas for a few days. Her daughter Keira had a volleyball tournament.  She stayed down in Dallas, but was able to come up and see all of us.  We organized a family swim get-together so we could all see them and visit with them.  Aaron, Kaori and I even made it down to watch a few volleyball games at the tournament.  Keira is close to Jonah's age.

 

Westley's Opry Comeback

 

Police Camp for Jonah

Jonah participated in the police camp that the SRO's in our district have put together every year since Westley was in junior high.  Westley and Eliza both did it.  Travis was scheduled to but then COVID hit so he didn't get to do it.  He could have done it the following summer with Eliza but chose not to.  

Jonah did well and earned an award for best cadet, or something like that.  I can't remember the actual award, but it was a good one.  He has a lot of grit and determination.

Senior Pictures Kid #3

Travis had his senior pictures taken for the yearbook.  This year, they have changed the yearbook photo to be in the graduation gown instead of the traditional tuxedo or drape.  We were not given a reason, but I think most people know it's because of the whole transgender issue and not wanting to force kids to either be in a tux (boys) or drape (girls) and therefore separating them by gender.  The graduation gown is gender neutral.  Sometimes I really hate this world. 

It's weird to have yet another senior!

Gymnastics Hawaiian Waters Party

Every year, Precision Gymnastics has a party at Hawaiian Falls (now Hawaiian Waters).  This  year, we invited Nathan's friend Luke Walker to come along so he had someone to hang out with while Annmarie ran around with her gymnastics friends (Genevieve Smith, Mackenzie Benitez, Brianne Haynes).  Luke even got Nathan to go down some of the big rides.   They had a lot of fun and we had a great day.

King Reunion Family Pictures

 

King Family Reunion 2024

We had our King Reunion in Texas this year. The family all came out between Thursday and Friday the 13th and 14th. Most of them stayed in an AirBnB in downtown Wylie on Ballard Street owned by Jason Otts in our ward.  Leslie and her girls (Zach did not come--he is divorcing her) stayed in an AirBnB in Richardson.  

We had shared meals.  We played kickball.  We had a Nertz tournament.  We went to Coffee at the Hub and had Italian sodas.  We had a Family History moment where everyone shared stories about Papa King. Jamie recorded it and Toby put it into Family Search.  We went swimming at Aaron's house.  All in all, it was a great weekend, even though it was kind of short.  Some of the people went home on Sunday, others on Monday.  Traci was not able to come last minute due to some stuff at work but she sent Thomas and Noah with Nana and Jamie so they were still there.  The next one is supposed to be in Montana.