Hello from the Shooks!

I am glad to see that others apologize for their late posts because this one is really,  really late!
I can usually write fairly quickly but need lots of time to post pictures.  So here it is on Sunday afternoon, much toooo hot to work in the yard:)

Since I last posted we attended Erik's graduation.  A fun event of course!  We also packed up his belongings and brought them back to Wichita until his next away adventure.  I'll let him tell you happenings in his life.

Samuel was able to go with us and we were glad to have his and Andrew's  additional muscle for the packing.  Samuel continues to progress.  He has been trying some new recipes such as the curry below.  He traveled with us to Chicago and Minnesota in June and July.  Since returning he has played some shows, continued therapy and started "Job Preparation" classes offered through vocational rehab.  Everyone we have worked with there has been great.  They are very patient,  do not try to stress anyone out, and always encourage cheerfully.

The trip to Chicago was fun.  Hannah rode with us and James flew to Chicago directly.  We took the evening architecture tour which is a river ride with a guide who gives history and building info.  Very enjoyable! The first picture shows a loaded barge.  When an empty one came back it was 2 feet out of the water!   We also saw the new Dory movie and had family pictures taken.  This was a mother's day gift from the offspring:).  We are having a hard time deciding which ones to print.

Then on to Minnesota to gather with Dorothy's relatives and have a memorial service for her.  Shortly before it was scheduled, the transformer blew so we had to call Lake Country Power.  They said it would take about an hour to fix and would be rather noisy so we waited.  It was fun to watch as the huge cherry-picker truck barreled in, backed up, lifted the man who spent about 20 minutes, and then backed all the way out without hitting a single picnic table, car or person!  We also did the annual strawberry picking.

I am back at work.  Tim is taking one last short trip to regroup before the school year starts again.  He is on the train riding from Newton, to Chicago, to California and back to Newton.  He can share those adventures with you later.

Wishing everyone lots of cool drinks, or cool dips in the pool, or maybe cold showers to combat the heat:)  Love Vicki