Nozomi's Baptism

Nozomi turned eight in July and was baptized the first weekend in August.  It's always nice to get together with all of the family here in Texas, as many as are able.  Grandpa and Grandma started a mission earlier in the year.  Grandpa is in the mission presidency of the Dallas East Mission and Grandma helps with  organizing service.  Whenever they attend church events, they wear their missionary tags.

August Already

School starts soon, and Groves Elementary started a new tradition of a meet and greet with the teachers at the school playground instead of porch visits.  Nathan got to meet his two third grade teachers for the year--his homeroom teacher (math and science), Mrs. Hopfauf, and the teacher he will swap classes to have (reading and social studies), Mrs. Mackey. 

This other picture is from when Eliza spent some time in downtown Wylie with a friend.  

In-N-Out Picnic

The In-N-Out Picnic this year was not at a water park, but it was a carnival at some farm.  There were rides and activities, of course lots of food, and a concert where Lynsi (the owner of INO) and her band performed.  Westley brought his friend Breanna who used to work for Corey but has since quite In-N-Out as his guest.  Travis invited his girlfriend Allison and we hardly saw them at all the whole time.  Eliza had her boyfriend Thorne come and she hung out the whole time with Hailey Loveless and Ethan Zeltner from the ward.  Hailey works for Corey and Ethan was her guest.  

Miscellaneous July

Wylie ISD publishes a "Back to School Guide" every year, and this year, Travis got in it with culinary and Nathan was in it too.  I downloaded the pages just to have them.  

Annmarie got a sunflower at her church activity and planted it in the backyard and it actually grew!  It was pretty cool to see.  She watered it pretty regularly.  

I took a picture of Travis with Grayson because we have pictures of him with all of Paige and Austin's kids through the years.  He loves babies.

Art Class

I signed up for an adult art class taught through Collin College in Wylie.  It was a week long "camp" that culminated in an art show with our art.  We did swirl painting, still life with oil pastels, print, and sculpture with clay.  I really enjoyed getting creative and doing some art again.
 

Opry Star

Annmarie sang at the Opry again.  Since the 4th was earlier this week, she dressed the part and even sang Martina McBride's "Independence Day" as one of her songs.  She keeps getting better and better at it and it's so fun to come hear her sing.

Independence Day Celebrations

The City of Wylie held fireworks this year, but they were on July 3rd instead of the 4th. They were at Founder's Park, which is right behind the high school.  There were some big activities and all sorts of food trucks.  I went with Eliza, Jonah, Annmarie and Nathan.  Eliza met up with her boyfriend Thorne while we were there.  I liked having fireworks close by home, even though they weren't on the 4th.

On the 4th, we went out to Austin and Paige's for Jordan's Run and then swimming at their community pool.  We had a pretty good 4th of July this year.