~~ODNEAL FAMILY BLOG~~Port of Readlyn, Iowa

Dozens of school dismiss early because of the heat - KWWL.com - News & Weather for Waterloo, Dubuque, Cedar Rapids & Iowa City, Iowa | Tyler is a TV star.  Well kind not really of.  He was interviewed by our local news station regarding the heat and early dismissals.  Everyone apparently saw it when it was on last night and this morning as I received many texts.  I missed it each time so had to watch it online this morning.  Everyone have a good Friday and weekend.  Looking forward to the three day weekend and soaking up some sun and fun at the river!

 So Ty really didn't want me to take a picture of him on his last ever first day of high school, but since we were up and in the kitchen at the same time he obliged.  When I asked him if I should he said, "Should you probably yes.  Am I going to let you?  NO!"  But as you can see he did let me.  I cannot believe this is his senior year and next August he will be heading off to college.  I'm not old enough to have three boys out of the house, right?  I don't feel it.  It will be strange to have an empty nest next August (probably-still don't know Ty's plans for sure) but I think we will do okay.  I have a lot of projects and hobbies that I want to do but just never find the time between work, laundry, cleaning, etc., etc.!  Anyway here is hoping Kyle has a great last year in school (for now for sure) at Allen this year, and that Tyler has an awesome senior year in football, basketball, track, and baseball.  And wherever Ty decid...

 Ava Tater (as we call her often) and her Momma visited us last week one night and we did a little playing outside since that is her favorite place! And she loves her slide that Missy brought over for her.  She gets a little anxious to slide down though and Grandma had to help her with her other leg.  Even though we live only a couple blocks away we do not get to see her often enough.  They are busy with work and life, and unfortunately we are crazy busy in summer with work, life, houseboating, school starting, etc.!  But so glad Ashley makes the time to stop or walk over to visit and we try when we get time at night.  Most nights I don't even sit down until the late news comes on.  Who knew that when you have a 21 year old college son and a 17 year old senior in high school at home that there would be that much to do?  I guess I feel like I had more free time at night when they were little.  Probably because they didn't require an actual "me...

So two weekends ago we decided to stay home from the houseboat to get some things done around home.  Well the house and such did need some attention since we spend very few weekends at home in the Summer.  Well this was a few shots from my Sunday.  Hummingbird at the feeder in the morning, chocolate chip cookies made with wheat flour (not near as good I must say), homemade vegetable chicken soup made with leftovers out of the fridge, five loaves of zucchini bread, and then ribeye and new york strip steak and twice baked potatoes for supper.  Yep we got a lot done at home that needed to be but I also enjoyed the heck out of spending the day cooking and baking in my kitchen.  That is my favorite place in my house and sometimes I just need a weekend home to feel "right".  Oh and the one picture I didn't mention is me with my pink and leopard print apron that my friend Missy got for me.  I sometimes forget to sport my aprons that I love, but on this part...

What can I say?  We love you to the moon middle "favorite" child. Okay so that is what your brothers say.  We are very proud of every decision that you make regarding your future.  And we know that you and Taylor will make a great life together and be very happy.  Looking forward to seeing exactly what your future brings to you.  You are a very special guy that your Momma loves incredibly.  I hope when you have children you can be as proud of them as we have always been of you.  Happy 21st birthday Kyle!  You are one of the best men I have ever known.  And I had a little bit to do with that!  Love you.  Happy happy birthday our middle son!

Bruce caught this bad boy last weekend and it was so cute I just had to get a picture before he released it back into the river.  Isn't it a cute little fishy?  I did give him a ton of grief for catching one so tiny but his response was that it takes a lot of talent to hook such a little fish.  I guess maybe he is right but I think he just got lucky.  Or unlucky as it seems to be.  Thank goodness they caught many fish on Saturday that got cleaned and our freezers are now stocked again at the river for a while.  Grow up little fish and bite my hook in a year or so.  I never catch anything this year so I think I'm due for a good day of fishing.  Sometimes I wonder why I even purchase a fishing license.  I guess to be legal and stuff.  What a waste of money since I never get to pull any in!