June |joōn|

"June is Bustin' Out All Over!" is a rousing song from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical "Carousel."


It could also be the totally uncalled for remarks of a very pregnant woman's heel of a husband.  If the woman's name were June, of course.  That was a real stretch, I know, but it's the kind of stretch I LIKE to make, the kind of stretch that leaves stretch marks.  If you'd like to know how FAR I can stretch something, ask me about the French-Chinese version of the old horror movie "The Blob."

In the state of Michigan, the month of June does seem to bust out--all over the place.  All the botanical brilliance that has been hibernating through 6 months of winter comes rushing out into visibility.  Every child's teacher is just itching to schedule a concert, or display all that the kids have been working on throughout the school year.  June is busy and harried--and wonderful for our family.


Below is a photographic definition of June. . . in Midland, Michigan. . . for us.***

It's entitled "June is . . . . "

June is academic advancement assemblies for each child.  This is Scarlett's.

Talk about BUSTIN' OUT ALL OVER!  This tree in the Larsen's front yard is a riot of gorgeous pink blossoms.

June is playing outside--without shoes or coats.  Here's George with his best friend.

June is sunlight on blossoms.  photo by Scarlett

Here's Ethel as Emma Smith for her school's "wax museum."

June is the time for special events which require special hairdos.  Here's Ethel's band concert "up do."

June is Abner singing a solo in the middle school play "Schoolhouse Rock."  Due to inept photography, this picture is of Abner's FRIEND singing a solo.  He was great, too!  We didn't get a good photo of our OWN son.  That's June, too!

June is handsome Abner dressing in a very smart red shirt and black tie (school colors) to play percussion in his band concert.

June is the END of school. It's Pearl's LAST day of public school, and Scarlett's last day before exams begin.  One of them is happy, and one in a state of exhaustion and dread.  You can tell which is which just by looking.

June is Dow High choosing its drum majors for next year--and you're looking at her!  Scarlett is practicing her conducting skills in preparation for her audition.  June is also a friend of your little brother in the background.

June is Lola home from college.

June is SO green it seems impossible.

June is parades in the hot sun.  Scarlett is somewhere in the 3rd line from the left, holding her mellophone.

June is sunburn weather.  Sometimes Michiganders (or their Moms) forget that sunscreen is necessary.  Poor Lewis!!

June is more academic advancement ceremonies.  We're so proud of Abner!

June is a graduation party for 7 awesome young people.

June is high school graduates elatedly singing "I'm a Believer" to a live band at their party. 

June is line dancing to the music of the band at the party.

June is Ethel hanging out with the chickens, giving them a treat of fresh corn.

June is our awesome PEARL--graduating from Dow High with honors!

June is proud parents with their graduate.

June is a fancy graduation dress bought for you by your big sis, and a gorgeous flower lei from your Auntie Nikki.

June is starting off happily on a half marathon with the kindest people in the world accompanying you and cheering you on!

June is Charles's birthday dinner--always the same:  fried chicken, biscuits, salad, corn and chocolate silk pie.

June is Charles getting a practical gift--this time it's a cordless drill.

June is "heavy heavy hangs over" and some cufflinks from Lola.

June is Charles's birthday sign.  

June is so relaxed that you do silly things like pose with the statues in the park.

June is a time for reflection--or at least a picture of your shadow in the river.

June is warm enough to play at the spray park with friends, but so cool that you need to lie down on the sun-heated cement to warm up.  

June is a road trip to Youth Conference at Kirtland, Ohio where Charles served his mission. . . .

. . . and a stop along the shores of Lake Erie.

June is saying goodbye to a good missionary--and houseguests that you wish you could adopt!

June is a friend visiting, and becoming an expert bow-fisherman. 

June is also time to hang out on the dock, fishing pole in hand.

June is a Quidditch match in the backyard.

June is two friends becoming, together, a mean goal-scoring machine!

June is. . . so often the best time of year in Michigan, and we're LOVING it!

***Some of the events pictured may technically have taken place at the end of May.