Rhys Turns 12!

 Cookies and Cream Pie as requested! Happy Birthday, wonderful Rhys!

Time with Mom and Jolene

 Mom and Jolene didn't stay long but we really enjoyed having them. They got to support Rhys as he graduated from 6th grade, explore our beehives (with a bit of pressure to do so),  played games, tried their hand at documenting gravestones, enjoyed a fruitless search for longhorn cattle, and toured downtown McKinney. This was the first time the kids had seen Grandma in over a year because of Grandpa's need for her care and because they did not come out for Grandpa's passing.

Jolene being brave

Red: capped worker brood, Green: capped drone brood, Blue: larva

Mom being a good sport

Rhys Graduates from Elementary School!

Graduation with Covid precautions in place!  Rhys and his fellow virtual learners were given their certificates and they let the 6th graders be "rung out", as is the Story Elementary tradition, by those who attended this year and staff. The 6th graders do their last walk of the Story Elementary halls while all the staff and students (and up until Covid, parents) cheer them, give high fives, and ring bells. This year parents and visitors had to wait outside to "ring out" our 6th graders as they exited. Rhys was privileged to have Grandma and Aunt Jolene participate in some of his 6th grade festivities as they just got into town.

We are super proud of our son. Elementary school has had it's ups and downs and this virtual year was very challenging for the students, teachers, and families. We are thankful for the work he did put in and for teachers who had to be beyond flexible. Congratulations, Rhys! We love you!

Our Homestead

 Finished up the chicken coop. Isn't she a beaut?! Can't wait to get our chickens after the big trip.

Our pretty pair of colonies.

 

Welcome Home Bees and Camping

 Neal and I went out to Josephine to pick up our two bee nucs and start beekeeping again. 

Later that week we headed out to camp at Eisenhower State Park were we enjoyed hanging out with the Hancocks and each other. We also spotted a swarm on our hike. When Anjuli stopped only a few feet from it.

Us pointing out the small swarm

Tyler skipping rocks like a boss!