South Padre Island

The week before school started, we decided to spend a few days on South Padre Island so Kaylee could have the opportunity to regenerate since she had spent her summer working and taking classes. Landon wasn't super thrilled about spending several days on the beach, but he complied and had moments of fun. The rest of us had a blast. Despite the humidity, South Padre was a wonderful place to spend a few days. I think I might want to live there. 

Each morning we went on an outing and afternoons were spent on the beach. Kaylee and I spent hours in the clear Gulf waters (we could seriously see our feet in waist deep water) swimming and enjoying the water temperature. I was expecting water that felt like a bathtub and was pleasantly surprised that it was just a little bit chilly. It was perfect! Chris and Landon spent their time under an umbrella on shore enjoying the cool breeze that was blowing close to the water. 

Our outings included The South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center, a dolphin cruise where we not only saw tons of bottle nosed dolphins but also the SpaceX facility off in the distance, and Sea Turtle Inc. (a rescue/rehab center for wounded sea turtles). We also walked to an ice cream shop a couple of times after dark and watched fireworks over the Laguna Madre one of those evenings. The only thing that could have made this trip any better would have been to have Ainsley with us.

Dancing Queen

Ainsley has embraced the world of ballroom dancing since beginning her school days at BYU. She started dancing in high school but attending a college with a large dance department has given her the opportunity to really shine. After a lot of hard work she tried out for and made one of BYU's ballroom dance teams. She and her dance partner are incredibly dedicated to their practicing and it shows. They have started making it to finals and even placing in their competitions. Ainsley has decided on a dance major and hopes to teach and maybe even one day run a studio after she graduates. Her dream is to eventually dance for BYU's tour team where she would have the opportunity to travel and perform outside of the United States. I've seen lots of video footage of her dancing but am hoping to make it to Utah for a competition sometime soon. Way to go Ainsley!

Fifteen

 Landon turned 15 and that is all.

California Happened This Year

California happened this year . . . at least for some of us. At the end of June, Landon and I masked up, boarded a packed airplane, and flew out to California to see relatives we hadn't seen in two years. Chris and Kaylee stayed behind. Chris wasn't super hyped about visiting California, so he stayed with Kaylee who had committed to a summer internship at the Georgetown Animal Shelter. Kaylee was really bummed she couldn't come with us, but I think if she had the choice again, she would still have chosen the animal shelter. She loved every minute of it and is sad that her summer job has come to an end.

It was so nice to see family again. Landon and I stayed for two weeks and Ainsley joined us after the first week. We visited, we hiked, we played at the beach, and we even got to go to the Jelly Belly Factory and Fenton's. My Dad and I got up super early one morning and headed to the coast to witness a really low tide. It was awesome. We saw tons of sea life and were able to walk out incredibly far to the rocky area at Maverick's. We briefly got to meet our niece/cousin Baby Thea which we actually didn't think was going to happen. We visited Gigi a couple of times and spent quite a bit of time with the Yarbrough side of the family. It was a great trip and as always was over way too soon.

At the end of our two weeks, Ainsley flew home to Austin with us and spent a week in Texas before heading back to Utah. We went to Schlitterbaun one day and spent the rest of the time hanging out together. We sure miss having Ainsley around but are so happy she is thriving at BYU.

School's Out for the Summer

School's out for the summer and has been out for awhile. It doesn't seem quite possible. This summer has flown by and it's bizarre that I am writing about the school year ending when we're getting ready for the new one to begin in a couple of weeks. Kaylee and Landon had the weirdest school year to date last year but with all the homeschooling and craziness they still pulled off excellent grades and test scores. 

Even though learning was anything but typical last year, Kaylee and Landon still had the opportunity to participate in sports. Kaylee played soccer and Landon became a fencer. I think Kaylee playing soccer was good for her because it got her outside and exercising but the team itself was lacking in respect and kindness towards each other. She is currently deciding if she is going to play this coming year; her final year of high school. She also decided to join NHS after she was invited and participated in the induction ceremony at the end of the school year.

Fencing has been fantastic for Landon. He had the opportunity to attend a tournament in Houston (Battle in Space City) in May. Only one spectator was allowed into the tournament per fencer because of . . . that's right Covid, the destroyer of fun and games. So, Chris and Landon spent a boys weekend together. Landon enjoyed the competition even though he was up against fencers who were quite a bit more experienced than him. He's hoping to participate in the same tournament again in September. 

This past school year brought with it ups, a few more downs than usual, and unfortunately some setbacks socially. Covid pretty much ruins everything, but we've found our way as best as we've been able amidst the chaos and have learned how to live life in a pandemic and even have some fun. School will be fully in person this fall. Covid cases have shot back up and we're once again in phase red. So, we're masking up, counting on the vaccine actually working, and getting ready for another wild ride.