Biking the Rim

After spending almost two weeks in temporary housing, we were ready for a change of scenery. Thursday evening we drove west to Williams and checked into the hotel. Bob and I walked to the nearby brewery for a drink while the boys prepared dinner from the cooler.
This morning, with the bikes strapped to the car, we headed north to Grand Canyon. What a fun way to see the canyon - pulling over whenever we wanted to, huffing a bit uphill, and feeling the thrill of long downhill passages.
Although we have been to the Grand Canyon several times, this was a new part that we had not explored. A fun mini-retreat vacation before we begin our last week in the US this year.

Flowers

I cannot help it. I cannot resist taking pictures of pretty flowers. Enjoy!

Sunflowers

The fields and roadsides are filled with these beautiful sunflowers. Bob even picked some for our room - anything to make it more cheery.

Room Service

After a few days in our temporary housing, Bob could not stand it any longer and borrowed the vacuum cleaner. It sure made a huge difference in our little space.  And we thought temporary housing meant no household chores.

Worn Out?

The first day of CC is over, and the boys are wiped out, or just ready for a bit of internet surfing???

Last Camp Out 2018

Since we are heading to China shortly, the August camp out was the boys' last one for 2018. Bob and I spent the weekend spreading out in our little room and enjoying some adult time together.

First Day of School

We went out for breakfast in recognition of the first day of school. Bob headed to work, and we went to the library for internet connectivity fitting for math. Some of us are more excited than others that school is back on the schedule.

Hail

One afternoon, the typical rain was replaced by large hail. Fortunately, no damage to the cars only to the newly planted flowers.

Monsoon Season

Flagstaff summers mean monsoon rains. Blue sky and sunshine in the morning replaced by dark cloud and at times torrential rain in the afternoon. Although the monsoon season arrived late, we quickly got used to doing any outdoor activities before lunch.  Afternoons were for watching the rainbows that inevitably appear as the sun attempts to break through.

Home Improvements

Bob, Lukas, and Noah spent part of the summer vacation making home improvements. They painted the fence and landscaped the yard. The hard work paid off. The backyard is now not only useful but also inviting.

Woodworking

Noah and Bob spent hours in the wood shop designing and making a beautiful and comfortable bench for the backyard. Noah painted in red. This new backyard seat is awaiting its mates  - a spring 2019 project.

Chinese Visas

We have our visas for China!

Maytag's Repairman Competitor

Lukas figured out how to fix the oven door. He ordered the parts online and with the help of Bob replaced the broken spring that prevented the door from closing.  Now, there is no need to give the door an extra push to remained shut. I think the oven will perform better and the temperature will hold. The oven can no longer be the scapegoat for meal disasters.