Tinkering

Lukas was a scant two years old the first time he set out to fix our dishwasher. Now 16 years later, he is taking the dishwasher apart again! The before and after cleaning performance is stunning - there is no longer a need to contemplate replacing this dishwasher!

Lukas is fed up with the leaky iron. He resolutely took it apart to reseal edges and de-calcify it so that it will work as it is supposed to. What can't he fix?

Salmon Dish

Noah created a lovely summer dish for us - salmon skewers cooked on the grill. Another restaurant-worthy meal served up in the Severinghaus' kitchen during this unusual season.

More Home Improvements

In typical Severinghaus' fashion, there is a spreadsheet of home improvement projects as well as fun activities to do this summer. Bob is quickly checking off several of the 'to dos' so that there is more time for 'fun.'

Making Things

Bob and Noah are investing their time and energy in revamping our backyard. Noah created a detailed design layout on the computer and now they are tackling one project after the other to accomplish the plan.  First, two additional raised beds, then a trip to the nursery to scout out possible plants that fit this unusual climate.

Hamburgers

Homemade hamburger buns and artisan-crafted burgers make for a delicious meal, add watermelon salad and it is the ultimate summer dish.

Break from School

Lukas is spending his free time sewing - we are still making masks, but he is also making his first pair of cargo pants. Creating things, trying new things, conquering challenges, yes that propels Lukas.

The pants are almost done -maybe we will be able to eat dinner at the dining room table soon? 

Back Home

Noah and Lukas slipped back into the daily routine quickly. Noah picked up his math and Lukas his English class. The highlight of the first day back was loaded potatoes for lunch - thanks to the leftovers from twice-baked potatoes in MO.

Heading Back

We took advantage of the stores in the Midwest to stock up on essentials that are still in short supply here in town. Never could I have imagined that finding toilet paper would bring such excitement. Bob skillfully transported us all the way back to Flagstaff. Four days, 2200 miles, three hotels, and 12 hours of family time - so worth it!

Happy Birthday!

We finally had the opportunity to celebrate in person with the most wonderful Mom, amazing Mother-in-Law, and incredible Grammy. She is an inspiration to everyone she meets, an encourager to all, and such a joy. We are truly blessed. 

Finally!

After a long winter and a spring of social distancing making visiting family not possible, Arizona eased some of the restrictions, making it feasible to come face to face with those who are dear to us. Still practicing social distancing and good hygiene, we loaded the car with masks, disinfectant, and a resolve not to hug anyone and off we went. It was such a joy to sit together on the deck, talk, sip drinks, nibble on food, and catch up. And of course, it was a privilege to be part of two birthday celebrations. Such an enjoyable visit - next time, maybe we can hug?

Home Improvements

Bob completed his last work tasks for his teaching at NAU for the year. He quickly compiled a to-do list of home improvement and fixing projects. After a well deserved day off, Bob was ready to tackle the list. He is so handy.

Italian Feast

Although our Friday tradition is pizza, this past Friday we explored other Italian food and made homemade pasta. Noah cooked up red and white sauce. Bob took charge of the pasta making. Lukas enjoyed the first bowl of fresh pasta after he baked a batch of breadsticks.

Happy Guy

Noah was blessed with gift cards to a Rubic's Cube store. He spent time pouring over different types and shapes, and then intently tracked the shipping of the box, providing daily and sometimes hourly updates on its location. Once in the mailbox, he quickly headed up the street to collect the mail. He is now happily enjoying his new acquisitions.

Custom Orders

Lukas is now taking custom orders for hiking, camping, and exercise gears. This is a running vest that he made for a local customer.

Final Act

The final act as Lukas' teacher is now complete - finishing and signing the transcript.

To protect his privacy, the grades are covered

Continue the Tradition

Bob used to read aloud to the boys before bed - that is when they went to bed before the parents. With Covid season keeping us home the tradition is back. Bob is now reading to all four of us, and we are counting our blessings as we compare our situation with the one facing Shakleton and his crew on the South Pole.

Assembly Line

Noah and Lukas have perfected the mask sewing process. It is assembly style, one person sews a particular seam, the other person does the next seam, then it is time to add elastic, sew two mask sides together, turn and finish off the edge. I am pretty sure there is no fluff in the time it takes to make a mask when these two set their minds to the task.

As a break from mask sewing, we ventured out to help with another assembly line project - packing boxes for the Navajo Nation. Good organization and many hands made the work of filling 200 boxes a quick task. Bob, Lukas, and Noah returned the next day to load trucks with boxes, water, and bleach - all staged for easy offloading. No need to for a gym - they lifted hundreds of pounds each day.

Meal Prep

A short notice request for a meal for 35 turned into a fun time in the kitchen with Lukas and Noah. Lukas managed the baked ziti process while Noah perfected his croissants.  While Noah was kneading butter into a perfect square, Lukas and Mama scored the jackpot at a local store - pasta and sauce!
The ziti was cooked, delivered, and presumably consumed long before Noah's croissants came out of the oven - golden brown, flaky tops, and soft layers.

It is an exercise in patience to make croissants and it is even harder for those wanting to taste one.