What are we doing, you ask?

We've been keeping busy. And here I naively thought that summer would slow things down... it's really only changed what it is that keeps us so busy. Joel, in addition to working two jobs, has been fixing up our house for the renters who are going to move in in either late July or early August. We were so thrilled to find friends who wanted to rent the house for a year. Wonderful. He has now painted all our interior doors white, our front door red, and is working on building trim for the windows. He is also playing softball for a city league (Go Whammers! No, the name hasn't changed...).
I'm working 25 hours at Hall Closet, also doing work around the house, and finding my time very filled up with being the new senior editor for Thought Meadow magazine. Thought Meadow is a Christian women's magazine that was started last year by friends of mine for the "edification of souls and sharpening of minds." We're working on our third issue now, and I just love doing all the administrative chores that go into making each issue come out. You can check it out at: thoughtmeadow.com/blog.
Whiskey, the most productive member of our family, has been doing her favorite summer activity: sleeping.

Yard Sale Finds

I love yard sales. Here in Moscow there are usually 5-10 every Saturday that are within 5 minutes driving distance from us (then again, everything in Moscow is 5 minutes driving from us). A few weeks ago we had our own garage sale with several other couples. It was a blast, and in addition to selling things, I also found this fabulous picture.




Now it is hanging in our bedroom. I have visions of it in a little boy's room someday. Oh how I love the nautical theme.

The Arboretum

I love every season in Moscow, even that in between Spring and Summer stage that is the epitome of June. You never know what type of weather you're going to have in June. One of the best ways to get a feel for the ways the palouse showcases the different seasons is to take a walk in the arboretum. These pictures are from about a week ago when Joel and I visited.


Here are some ducks who swam up to us as we stood near the pond. When we didn't throw them food, they promptly jumped out of the water and proceeded to follow us for a while, much to the amusement of the other people in the arboretum. I'm not sure where they thought we were leading them....



View to the South.







We found this strange tree and Joel counted 11 different offshoot trees. Nifty place for a picnic.

DGH

I promise this blog will not become fawn-over-nephew-central, but he is only a few days old so can you blame me? He likes taking a nap with Auntie Christine.

A brief hiatus

That is how I am choosing to describe our blog-silence. What have we been doing you ask? Well, here's a quick overview. On May 14th I graduated from New Saint Andrews with a B.A. in liberal arts. Yay! Here I am with several classmates, giddy with glee before the ceremony.



And then on May 16th, Joel graduated from the University of Idaho with a Masters in Accountancy. Woohoo!



Since he didn't walk, we don't have a picture of him in cap and gown. But at least you can see the happiness on his face now that we're all done.

And then of course, springtime finally came to the Palouse and our apple tree blossomed. And if you're busy gawking at the ugly dirt/tarp that the tree is planted in, never fear! Joel dumped 3 1/3 cubic yards of bark down in the raised part of our front yard. It looks much better.



In May Kate had a baby shower:



And, following the natural course of things, shortly thereafter had a baby:



World, meet David Gregory Henreckson. Please keep in mind that these are only two of a myriad of cute pictures of this little guy. I would put up more, but I don't know where I'd stop. I should point out that David is very fond of his auntie.

On a more sad note, in May we also flew to Phoenix to be with Joel's grandmother before she passed away. While we were grateful to get to see all of our family again, it was a difficult time and we will miss Grandma Flo a lot. She was a firm believer in the circle of life, and the idea that when one person leaves the world another takes their place. On the day of Flo's funeral, I got the call from kate saying she was going into labor. After the funeral i was able to catch an early flight back to Moscow and make it to the hospital before Kate had David. I was so glad to get to be there, and I think Grandma Flo would have been very pleased with the little person who entered this world when she left it.

That's it for now. I plan on being a more regular blogger once again now that the chaos of school is over. Thanks for your patience!