Can you believe that school is almost out, and the real summer is getting ready to start?!? For the last few weeks, my kids have been counting down how many school days they had left. We have been busy with the end of the year activities, etc.

Nicole & Jennie on a field trip to the Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Oh.

Patrick "petting" a snake on a field trip, as his teacher just watches.

As you know, this past weekend was Memorial Day, aka the official start of summer. We go up to our (Ivan's), family cemetery in Bath County on Sunday. We decorate all of the graves, then have a picnic lunch, and then fondly talk about/remember those who have gone before us. This is a tradition that my mother-in-law did, from the time that she was a little girl. All 7 of the kids in Ivan's family were here, so it was kind of like a mini reunion. That evening we went to my father-in-law's for a combined b-day celebration. One of Ivan's brother & his family stayed with us. I am so glad that we live here in Ky, so that we are able to visit with our extended family more than just once a year, and have them stay with us.

A couple of weeks ago, my youngest brother graduated from Easter Ky University!! This is the first, and only graduation ceremony of my siblings that I have been able to attend. My youngest sister, and her family came in from Texas, for almost a week. Again, I am thankful to be living in Ky, where we get to see our families when they come in to visit.

As some of you may know, Ivan has taken on a part-time job with Com-Air. He is working ticketing, gate, and other customer service-related positions. He has been gone quite a bit to Chicago for training. We have talked about this type of job since we lived in Cheyenne. I think so far he is still enjoying it. This is all new for him, he has been working in pizza/food since he was like 8 or 10 years old. So far, his schedule hasn't been too sporadic, which was something we were concerned about. His flying privileges have already gone into effect, so we might just come out and see you all someday soon!!