The end July brought cousins from up North. Maya and Anya came down for some actual summer weather (because I don't think they know what heat is up in Portland). Of course, that meant spending most of the time in the pool here and at Susan & John's.
A rare photo of all 5 of them! Valerie (15), Rex (17) , Amira (13), Maya (11) & Anya (9).
August brought opportunities for Amira's Girl Scout Troop to head up to Volcano Camp at Mt. Lassen. Here they are squished like sardines ready for transport up the mountain. Amira is in the back left next to her buddy, Sarah. Liz is in the back right. In the front row (left to right) are Juliana, Marissa & Trenity.
Compared to their June Jamboree, this camp was apparently much more comfortable and the weather was better. They enjoyed being the Cadet troop with the most seniority at the camp so the adults were thrilled to have their help. I didn't go on this trip, nor did any of their local leaders. So, they were holding their own up there and did a great job representing Chico. Amira said she would totally go back to that camp again next year after the four wonderful days she got to spend up there all unplugged.
Valerie continued her FFA adventures by getting together with the other officers this year to plan out their calendar and activities and do a little team building. She is Vice President of her chapter this year. They all got their photos taken too. Here are a few I was able to snag and share.
Rex went down to SoCal with his paintball team for another tournament and some beach time. Apparently they did quite well again. I understand they are going to use some of the money they won at this tournament to help pay their way to one they'll be attending in Florida this November. He just loves his paintball ... and cars ... And, for Rex, summer break is over. He is already buried in school work since he started the College Connection program. But it looks like he is still carving out time for friends and paintball. Good for him!
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, our garden overfloweth. My favorite part about gazing into the backyard is seeing the sunflowers, amaranth and zinnias poke their colorful faces up over all the greenery below. It is a bit like a jungle out there. I have to work on my plant spacing and be better about harvesting next year. I am sort of a lazy gardener. But it's just so lush and nice to gaze upon this.
Michael spent part of his summer taking apart the pergola and re-staining it. So, when you come to visit Rancho Wilhelm you will have a nice place to relax and sip on your beverages while listening to the trickling of the fountain, chortling of the turkeys and crowing of Colonel Sanders. It's actually quite a cacophony with a lush view at this time of year.
Now I will leave you with this sunny bouquet of zinnias, sunflower and basil from the garden. I cannot get enough of this. Mmmmm summer!
