What a celestial week!

Monday’ rainbow

Thursday’s lunar eclipse

Friday’s rainbow

I tried to get out roller skating a few times this summer. I like using this outdoor hockey rink. I tried going around my neighborhood and it’s too scary on the streets and hills.

Ben and I took a day-trip date to Boulder for plants at Harlequin Gardens. Doesn’t he look smashing in his kilt? We got lunch at Zoe Ma Ma on Pearl afterward.

Later in the summer we all went to Boulder for Sam’s friend’s birthday celebration at Sushi Zanmai. Sam really liked the food!

Sam did an escape room for another friend’s birthday.

The garden has struggled with heat and water restrictions. We did our part to minimize water use, so it’s been a sad season. Lots of crispy plants and few blooms.

Amanda and I got lunch and visited a craft store. She gifted me the most adorable watercolor book! I painted an old photo for Dad for Father’s Day and it turned out alright!

Work selfies to Ben, and some that he returns. I picked up some extra shifts at the start of summer and it felt like I was working a lot! I try to dance twice a week still too, and yoga at home on the days in between

Whoops, I didn’t take many pictures of the trips to GJ! Lots of swimming, dog petting, and chatting.

More miscellaneous, especially cats. Featuring Mog and Hela, who we were cat-sitting for July.

I love taking Jack to private cello lessons. The lobby is empty and I have an hour to work on projects in peace.

That almost wraps up the summer break! As you saw, the kids are back in school and thriving. I took a personal vacation to Los Angeles to attend KCON LA 2026. Lots of incoming KPOP and travel photos soon I hope, but at least I have the family stuff documented for posterity!

Ben and his dad wanted to plan a road trip to visit all four corners of Colorado. Then they decided they had already seen the SW “Four Corners,” so NW, NE, and SE three corners would suffice. Alas, they got stuck shortly after visiting the first corner! Oh no!!

Thank goodness they had cell phone reception. Ben alerted me and while they were talking to the 911 relayed policeman, I found a couple ATV groups via reddit and facebook that supposedly do rescues. Ben got a hold of one group who came hours later to pull them out. Literal cowboy heroes at 2 AM. Shout-out to “Anarchy Offroad”

Ben posted about it on his personal website here: https://benlog.benmason.info/2026/trip-to-the-three-corners-monument/

Jack took on a woodworking project for the summer. He designed and built a fancy box to house his cello in his room. He learned a lot on this project! I know he had some difficulties with it that he’s not happy about, but I’m very proud of him for finishing and I think it looks fantastic!

Betty and Rick came to visit for a sunny weekend this summer. They braved the mountain bus to get here - breaking down in Frisco and getting a lift on the next Bustang en route!

They had a great time catching up with the boys. Berit came along to take the kids to the Denver Museum. We went to dinner at Red Robin, which is becoming our “usual” as a family outing. It was great to see them!

To foster in-person friendships we hosted a twice-weekly DnD session all summer. Every Tuesday morning and Friday afternoon Sam’s friends were invited to come play for a few hours. It was a total hit. We never had fewer than 2 friends visit (and in that case they played Smash Bros or went to a park) and often had 5 or 6 players.

We had a lot of events this summer, especially for health. To kick off the season, Jack had his wisdom teeth removed. He managed the surgery and recovered quickly!

Next Dad had an episode of chest pain and had a stent placed. We’re so grateful that he recognized the heart attack and was able to get treatment quickly. That same week Andy was in a terrible car crash. He broke many bones and had a concussion. He is still working hard toward recovery from strength and neuro symptoms.

Summer ended with some good news - I don’t have cancer! Since November I’ve been getting repeat mammograms for changing microcalcifications. This week I had a biopsy that confirmed the spot is benign. It’s a relief to know with certainty and recovery hasn’t been difficult - just a week off of dance and work along with Tylenol and ice.

Sam started 8th grade yesterday. He said he had a great day! He forgot his school ID and didn’t want to wait in the long “no ID” line, so he mooched food off his generous friends. 😂 Otherwise a smooth day with lots of friends and good teachers.

Jack left for his first day as a high school junior this morning. 11th grade! Wow! He’s got his new jeans and sneaks, and asked “am I blinged out enough?” 😂 Hopefully he has a good day too. He’s already hard at work on his audition monologue for the fall play.