Jeepers Creepers: Summer 2015 Ramblings

The summer of 2015 is about to come to an end! The temperature evidently doesn't know it yet as the thermometer still is near that century mark. But, there is hope on the horizon. September is now here and it will soon be fall and winter. Winter has it's drawbacks, but I'm getting tired of hot and especially dry summers.

Plenty of things have happened around the Phillips place this summer and this is just a sampling of some of the action. The end of school brought about a flurry of activities, even for grandparents! Taylor completed his GT project on architecture with his partner Caleb with a little advice from his Uncle Jeremy and Toby!

Every year the 5th grades do a project on the Titanic. Taylor built a model portraying the building of the ship. In the process he was required to use about 12 different components. He found a model of the ship which served as the centerpiece of the project. He won the Most Educational Award this year. Presley completed 1st grade and on the last day of school they received a cute little memory book of the year. I think we were all glad to see school end and summer begin.

The dock where the Titanic was built. Taylor used everything

from Leggos, to wire nuts, golf tees, to cotton balls to complete the project.

Taylor's GT project, illustrating the Glass House of architect Philip Johnson.

Presley and her 1st grade Memory Book.

This spring and early summer we were blessed with great rainfall, so much that the drought was officially broken. The local creeks and rivers overflowed with water, the grass in the lawn made a come back and we as my Daddy would say, we're living in high cotton. I don't think there was a stalk of cotton actually planted in Hamilton County this year but you know what I mean.

Beverly's latest plant; a vitex in bloom in it's first year.

The first zinnias beginning to bloom!

It was quite a year for the zinnias. We tried a few new varieties this year.

Roll on mighty Mississippi, well, maybe that's the Leon!

Presley standing on the river bridge with flood waters in the background!

The end of May also marked a milestone for our youngest. Jordan Tyler turned thirty this year so we went to Abilene to help him celebrate. It is hard to believe that our youngest is already 30! It was just a few months back that he was 18 and playing football. Whoa now, life slow down!!

The old man! He actually looked a little tired in this shot. He will tell you that

the landscaping career can be stressful and crazy in May!

Bebe with the little man Remington.

Our Leighton is growing up, too! Hard to imagine her being in school next year

Beverly got to spend the day with her best friend from high school this spring. She and Glyneth had a fun day together, visiting and catching up on all the news.

They even took a selfie shot! Well, sort of!

Along with the rain we also had a little storm come through town that really messed up a lot of trees. We were coming back from Waco one afternoon and the closer we got to Hamilton, the stormier it looked. With Beverly driving, we just made it into the front drive when it hit. When it was over, the yard was littered with limbs that took us two full days to clean up and haul away!

The County Courthouse pecan trees had a little damage as well.

A neighbor's tree, after a little trimming. It reminded us of a

giant walking stick creeping out of the woods!

Her favorite author, Jan Brett!

Presley' new summer hairdo!

Miss Looking Grownup!

Beverly and Presley did a little shopping at the Magnolia House sale in Waco. She found a few bargains, or at least she told Danny they were bargains. It was hot and too many people show up since the owners are now TV celebrities!

Bev's arrangement in her new Magnolia House containers.

She said she needed them for Father's Day so what could I say?

Father's Day was celebrated with Jennifer's family and Jordan's family here. We did a little work on some trees around the house, since we had Jordan home and dug a few post holes for the new privacy fence. Afterwards we went fishing and celebrated by having a little fish fry that was delicious.

I think Jordan enjoyed the fishing more than Leighton. She wasn't to keen

on the dock and the weeds!

Before Leighton went home, we had to have a "campfire" on the front porch

where we "roasted" marshmallows! She insisted on it!

July 4th was spent at Jennifer and Toby's house. Presley made a patriotic red, white and blue cake and Toby made homemade ice cream. Later, Taylor and Presley entertained us with their version of a fireworks show!

Beverly's birthday was in July so we went to eat at Central Perk. Later, Taylor and Presley helped her celebrate with cupcakes. She received some beautiful flowers from her friend Glyneth and Danny. She got a beautiful pair of James Avery earrings from Jordan and a Fitbit from Jennifer.