Oliver's 14th, 4th of July & Shasta

Oliver's 14th BIRTHDAY!!!

He wasn't having it, but I got that smile!

10 years ago when Oliver turned 4, we had just moved here. We also had to start eating gluten free. If any of you have had to change your diet, it's the pits and especially on your B-Day.  I felt I had to be strict (otherwise our guts wouldn't heal after living in toxic mold) and had forgotten that he didn't get to eat his cake too. How awful am I? We fed the Birthday cake to the guests, but not the Birthday boy. Ahh! He remembered he couldn't have his cake. I felt so sad that I was so strict even on his Birthday. Gees.  So when he turned 14, I made sure it was a Star Wars themed cake and told him he could eat the whole thing. Best of all, it was full of gluten. We don't have that dietary restriction anymore. If you want more answers, ask her why?

Being in a pandemic, Oliver couldn't have his friends over for safety reasons. Max is always the exception as he is part of the family.

So he wanted a kit Lambo, but got a jeep instead. That's what he could afford. He finances his own projects and works hard to make money to do what he loves. Oliver amazes us with his mind and what he can do. This is the beginning of his project and it took several months to rebuild it.

They stripped her down, getting her ready to sand.

Does he look annoyed? Ha.

Pause for the camera.

Learning how to surf. It's a great summer out on the water.

Our country's Independence Day. How we love our freedoms. We have to fight harder for them these days. 

Her stars and stripes are so beautiful.

Oliver is listening to the neighborhood sing him a happy Birthday. Our neighbor throws a block party concert and he ended it with the Birthday song just for Oliver.

A chat with George. He's the best listener.

Calvin doing some volunteer work at a nearby church. He mows the field. Doesn't he look like a good ole country boy?:)

Dog days on Shasta. Day 1 arrival. Unload the car and load the boat.

Coco trying two skis. It's not easy.

Ain't she a beauty? Our house on water for the week.

A-A-Ron cracking us up. Giving us quite the show.

Um, is he wearing a G-string under those shorts? LOL

Alex braiding Calvin's hair. Shasta tradition.

Cherstin braiding Max's.

Your Shasta tour guides.

Shasta Caverns