06-20-2026 to 06-24-2026 Addison’s Party and the Rest of Our Stay

- July 16, 2026

Little Miss Emery

Saturday was sleeping in, breakfast, then checking out the pigs, horses, chickens, and, of course, playing with Nalu and Lindy. Later in the morning, we all congregated in the barn for a decorating party. I have not decorated for a party in a very long time, so it was fun. Addison gave us direction on where she wanted the ice cream bar, the taco bar, and the photo area. We also set up corn hole, darts, and axe throwing (it was silicone, so no real axes). With all of us helping, it didn’t take us long. Sometime during the day, Barry and I gave Addison her 16^th Birthday present along with her normal check. We had diamond earrings made with diamonds from one of Mom’s rings.

We have had this planned for years. She was very surprised, and once I told her the diamonds were from one of her great-grandma Wanda’s rings, she was very happy. She wore them the entire time we were there. She said she will always cherish them. Made us so happy. The weather was beautiful, everyone arrived around 6 PM, and the party began. Food was awesome, games were fun, and lots of great photos. The major team challenges were with Corn Hole and axe throwing. Addison got to hang around with her peeps, which was fun to observe. Once everyone left, we cleaned up the food and went back to the house to watch Addison open her presents. She received a lot of really nice things. You only turn 16 once. We will clean up the barn tomorrow.

Sunday was a worrisome day. One of their horses, Josey, was not doing well. It was confirmed that she had equine flu. Their vet came over this morning to give her medications, and we all felt concern for her health and well-being, sharing a sense of compassion.

We all helped clean up the barn while Amanda tended to Josey. She didn’t want Addison around Josey in case she could pass it on to Rugar, their other horse. The rest of the day was spent hanging around in the backyard watching Barry and Amanda challenge Ryan and Addison to a few games of corn hole. Tucker swam most of the time. That kid is a fish. A few of their friends dropped by for an after-party. But it didn’t go late like last night. We munched on leftovers most of the afternoon.

Monday, Ryan flew out for work and we decided to stay until Wednesday to try to help while Amanda was dealing with Josey. Ryan would not be back until Friday, his typical work week. Amanda, Addison, and I drove into Redmond to get some supplements for Josey. Unfortunately, after checking two stores, none had what Amanda wanted. We also went to a few shops downtown that I love.

Addison found a necklace she loved, and I bought it for her. She didn’t want me to buy it for her, but it looked so nice on her. Once back home, Amanda checked on Josey and decided to stay out in the horse barn with her. She was not breathing very well, but she got her to drink some water. She was also watching her temperature, which was fluctuating. The situation seemed to get a little worse.

Tuesday, Josey seemed to get a little better, so there was a little hope. We hung out for most of the day doing laundry and spending time with the kids. Later in the day, we got the RV ready since we were leaving for home on Wednesday.

Wednesday was travel day to go home. Sad to see our trip come to an end, but we had a great time. We left with the hope that Josey will recover.

I have to say our National Parks are beautiful, and we are very lucky to have the land set aside for them. Thank you, Teddy Roosevelt, for establishing the National Park Service to preserve our beautiful parks.

***On Thursday, Amanda called to let us know that Josey passed that morning. They were all a mess and we understand that. Losing a 4 legged family member is hard. Our hearts were breaking for them and know how hard it is to work through the pain. The only saving factor is we all knew Josey was no longer suffering. RIP Josey.