July to September 2025

July 2025

RV Trip to Platte River State Park (Continued)

On a past trip to Platte River State Park, the family drove through the RV park area and concluded that it was a place that they would be interested in staying. In July 2025, the crew decided to stay at the RV park for a few days. There was a dog park area, so Daisy and Josie were able to go along on the trip. Everyone enjoyed themselves even though it was super hot and the RV site did not have any shade. There was a nice splash park that was a great place to cool off from the heat. We also went paddle boating and climbed the lookout tower. Everyone enjoyed their time together and Nate’s parents were even able to drive over and spend a couple of hours chatting on one of the days.

July 4th

Nate’s parents joined the family for July 4th festivities, including fireworks.

Gardening and Flowers

Carol’s vegetable garden area grew this year and her flowers are as lovely as ever. She tried growing Bonsai trees from seeds that were a gift from Nate’s mom.

Carol’s Trip to Branson

Carol was able to connect with her friend Linda from Florida, who was in Kansas City to pack up some things from storage and have them shipped back to Florida. After getting that done, Linda and Carol drove over to Branson, MO and spent a few days together. They were able to see a car museum, aquarium, a show and go zip lining and ride a mountain coaster. Carol enjoyed spending time with her friend, whom she hadn’t seen in quite a while.

Trip to Colorado / Celebration of Life Service

At the end of July, the family drove out to Colorado Springs, CO and stayed in a rental house that was built in 1898. They went out to Colorado to attend a celebration of life service for Nate’s Aunt and Uncle, who sadly passed away within 2 months of each other. While there for the service, Nate took a few extra days off of work to make a vacation out of the trip. The family was able to do some sight seeing, including hiking in the red rock area, taking in the local zoo, driving to a waterfall, and going to a local park.They were also able to spend some time with Carol’s sister and brother-in-law, who live in Colorado Springs, as well as Nate’s cousins and family.

Random & Silly Pictures of the Month

Carol cuddling Josie, Cotton Candy, and a firepit.

August 2025

Family and Grant’s Graduation Pictures

Carol found a photographer who was willing to do some family photos during the same shoot as photos for Grant’s High School graduation.

First Day of 6th and 12th Grade

The kids started school in August. Grant started his last year of high school!

Random & Silly Pictures of the Month

Jenna and Daisy, Jenna’s Crazy Hair, Unicorn Josie, Plants, and a Concert in the park

September 2025

Labor Day RV Trip to Fisher’s Cove

Carol found an RV campsite about 90 minutes away in Silver Creek, NE on the Platte River. The trip was supposed to start on Friday, August 29th but both kids were fighting a cold so the trip was delayed a day. Instead of the whole family going, just Carol and Grant went to the RV site on Saturday since Jenna seemed to be feeling the effects of the cold more severely. Grant and Carol enjoyed their time together at the site, even though the weather was rainy. On Monday, there was a bit of a break in the weather, so Nate and Jenna drove over to the site after breakfast to spend the day. Nate spent the majority of the time fishing and Carol and the kids went kayaking. Nate caught a softshell turtle (which was a first and hopefully last) and a small freshwater drum. He also nearly caught several long-nose gar, but he lost them right at the shore each time as they performed a jumping, twisting motion and got off the hook or broke the line. It would have been neat to catch and release one of those. After dinner and having some marshmallows roasted over a fire pit, Nate and Jenna drove home. On Tuesday, September 2nd, Carol and Grant loaded up and returned home safely in time for a late lunch.

Art in the Sunken Gardens

We attended an art show at the Sunken Gardens in Lincoln, which is a beautiful flower garden designed and built at the site of an old trash dump. There are koi ponds and a waterfall and gorgeous flowers everywhere. We didn’t buy any art but we had fun looking around at all the beauty.