A few days ago while on a walk, James spotted a painted unicorn rock and quickly pointed it out to Anna.  What a sweet brother.  Anna was so excited to find a “719 rock” – rocks people paint, leave around the city for others to find, hoping to spread some kindness.  Anna said, “It’s not every day you find a painted rock – and one you love!”  Someone very talented spent time painting this cute little rock.  

I mentioned to Anna that she could do the same – paint rocks and leave them around the neighborhood for people to find.  She collected, washed, painted, and hid four rocks along our street – planning to check on them daily, waiting for someone to find them.  Great job, Anna, on spreading a little cheer to our neighborhood!

A rainbow, a chocolate chip cookie, a sun, and a flower.

And on the back: “You’re awesome”, “You’re a tough cookie”, “Stay sunny”, and “Be kind”.

My incredibly loyal friend, Amy, came to visit this 4th of July again.  Amy faithfully visits most years in July, to escape the heat in Arizona, and because she knows I have a hard time traveling.  I’m so grateful for her willingness to do this and we all look forward to her visit every year.  

James played mad scientist this year and mixed up some concoction of soda, baking soda, and vinegar; trying to get a fountain to happen.  The ingredients didn’t work like he’d hoped, so then the boys got out the Diet Coke and Mentos which works every time.  

We did our usual things when she comes: a shopping trip to Old Navy with the kids, dinner out just the two of us, made her famous egg rolls for dinner one night, and watched some fireworks.  I love that we have traditions for Amy’s visit and now the kids look forward to doing these things every year with her too. 

James has learned the art of making egg rolls and rolled each of them this year!

In April, we postponed James’s birthday party.  We did celebrate as a family on his birthday, but we’d planned a Halo tournament with his friends and other family so decided to just postpone until June.  Kenny and the kids set up a fun area in the basement for the video games.  Then, we enjoyed James’s choice of macarons and chocolate ice cream!