Grandpa and Grandma's Visit Spring 2017

Because Caleb did not qualify for outdoor track nationals he was able to ride with Grandpa and Grandma when they drove out.  
They arrived on Thursday, May 11, left on the 22nd to explore Oregon and the West Coast, returned on the 26th for the weekend and left for home on Memorial Day.  
No matter how long they are here it is never long enough!  
It was a busy time for end of the year school and track activities, so they were able to take in quite a bit of the Herman life this time.  

Here are a few highlights:

• High school awards ceremony.  Anna and Nicolas both received an award; one for Spanish and the other for AP Chemistry

• District and State track meet.  It was a tad chilly at the district meet, but we bundled up and enjoyed watching CVCS win all but one of the boys' relays and Anna qualify for state in the open 200m and 4x200m.  It was almost too warm the following weekend for State, but in the shade we were able to enjoy some good races!

• Seth had two things on his list while Grandpa and Grandma were here:  Play mini golf and buy a jackfruit and see what it was like to eat.

• We made our now 2nd annual trip to Edwards Greenhouse to buy plants for the garden.  Since Russ is so busy with track this time of year, I love that Dad is here to help get things planted. 

• We attended the Spencer family concert at our church one evening.  They are a large family that is touring the United States and sharing their musical talents.

• Spent some time putting up bird feeders, filling feeders and then identifying the birds that came to dine (well, one in particular)

Finally identified as a Black-headed Grosbeak.  This is the female, but the male also made an appearance.  They especially liked the sunflower seeds in the feeder.

• Caleb took Grandpa and Grandma thrifting one afternoon.  I think Grandpa scored a nice shirt and tie and Grandma also found some nice shirts.

• Grandma helped host the state track qualifiers for a pasta feed at our home.  We served over 30 people and I failed to remember how much young people can eat (even the girls!)  Grandma was a life saver after I froze into inaction when I realized we were going to run out of food.  She was browning hamburger and boiling noodles before I could even get my feet moving.  It all turned out well and I was super thankful I had her experience in the kitchen with me!

• Drove up Table Rock to see the beautiful view from the top.

Grandma was here too...not sure why I don't have her in the picture.

• Attended Lydia's viola recital--I asked Caleb to snap a picture of that for me as I didn't have my phone, but he was so enthralled with her playing he forgot!  We didn't stay long after the recital because we needed to head to the state track meet to watch the 4x200m relays.

• Nicolas' graduation (so glad Grandma & Grandpa were here)

And, of course, we enjoyed Grandpa treating us to Street Tacos in the Village.