college visits and a surprise for bel

This past spring Annabel was trying to decide between University of British Columbia and University of Washington in Seattle until she found out, while visiting Seattle, that she got into her dream school.

our spring

Other than college visits which I will post about later, our spring consisted of lots of rain (hooray), cliff jumping, garden visits, friend visits, a party or two, a prayer ceremony for peace, cooking for the homeless, lots of schoolwork for Shawn and especially Annabel. I worked in my garden daily, after all other chores and work this became my respite. Sky was home with us which was really nice. She had a job at our local grocery store working in the juice bar. After a few months of that she decided she wanted to return to college to study communications. Now she is very excited about becoming a photographer.

our garden in the spring

I have found my passion. Having so much fun. It all started with trench composting.

fourteen

Shawnie! (yes I will probably call you that for a log time) -- time has flown and here you are, taller than all females in the household now. You love to eat, run around, do gymnastics, fly your drone, swim, hang out with your friends, joke, watch funny shows, teach us about technology and our phones, do 3D printing, bake, cook and do chores (jk).

But you are awesome at chores!!!

This has been another year of transition and you showing maturity and flexibility. You have adjusted to being home and being back at your old school. You have made some good new friends and kept some old friends. You are becoming a leader for what is good and honorable among modern teens and for that I am proud.

Dad and I are so proud of the young man you have become. We love having you in our family. You remain the light in my heart.

Love, Mom

the cooks

Gary and I took our first cooking class at a local hotel, and it was so much fun. We learned to make acai bowls, salmon, a couscous dish, and my favorite...butternut squash falafels!

We met some sweet people who were visiting our island, a few of them were on their honeymoons.

I made the falafels once since the class. They are tasty but lots of work. I so appreciate being able to eat out sometimes to try time consuming recipes that I wouldn't usually make.

We were visited by a sweet young woman who taught us to make the acai bowls. She has her own blog, check it out at the balanced blonde.