Hey, guys. It’s Ben. One of my favorite posts ever on URD was done by Rick and Keon back on August 15, 2018. They called it “ A Friends Friday” check of the “fore and aft.” and I thought it was great. So… a long time ago, I began saving pics for a similar post. This is the result. I also got a huge “kick” out of our buddy Tim’s comment on Rick and Keon’s post, and a lot of the “TAGS” here were suggested by him. I hope you guys enjoy these as much as I do.
On a separate subject, I want to thank you for your comments on the birthday post David did for me on July 4th. I’ve thanked each commenter on that post… but I realize you’d have to go back there to see my “individual thanks.” It was a wonderful birthday and you guys are awesome. THANK YOU!

We’re back from a fun – and productive – week at the Lake. We love being down there but it’s also good to be home. I’m pretty sure Keon and Rick will want to give you details on their “new” cabin, so I’ll just say it’s awesome… and we had it finished by the time the kids and grands arrived on the morning of the 4th. As “Chad” said, “It’s amazing what a bunch of gay boys can do once they set their minds to it.”
A couple of things about our week:
-First, there was the matter of the fireworks and the dogs. It seemed like everyone at Table Rock was having a contest to see who could make the most noise, and the dogs hated it. Realizing how bad it was going to be, Dub decided to take the dogs to our storm shelter. It’s built back into the side a hill and honestly, from the back of it, you couldn’t hear a single “boom” or “pop.” The dogs were happy in there but they missed being around their people, so Dub, Tra, Austin, Bella and Kylie spent a lot of the weekend in “the cave” with them. The boys even decided to spend Thursday night there. It’s equipped with cots, blankets, battery-powered lights, bottled water, etc., so it wasn’t like they were really “roughing it.” Austin, in particular loved the idea. He said they could pretend there was a war going on outside – and that’s kind of what it sounded like. Bella and Kylie wanted no part of spending the night in “the cave,” but the boys thought it was great fun.
-We all got a big surprise after dinner Thursday evening when Cal told us Bella had some news. She said, “I might be getting a new “brother.” He may not be my “forever brother,” but we hope he’s gonna come live with us – and my Dads say maybe we can adopt him some day.” That little shocker took some explanation by Cal and Alex. It seems that Keon, Rick and their attorney helped them apply and complete the “Specialized Training” that’s required by the Missouri Dept. of Social Services. They were approved as foster parents about a month ago but hadn’t told anyone except Keon, Rick (and, of course Scott and Denise). They hadn’t even told Bella until Thursday. It’s a long story but I’ll keep it short. Last week they got a call from Social Services and they have this six-year old boy who needs a foster home. His name is “Chance” and Cal and Alex have already met him (they showed us his picture). The problem is he has “Profound hearing loss,” and Social Services would prefer to place him with foster parents who are deaf and/or proficient in sign language. Social Services doesn’t have that kind of foster parents available, so it looks like Cal and Alex may be his new foster parents. They’ll find out sometime next week. I’m sure they’ll let you know what’s happening. We’re all really excited for them and keeping our fingers crossed!
-It was a grand week at the Lake, complete with all the Northland gang, the Grandparents and Jim and Carol. There was boating, skiing, wake boarding, lots of good food, drinks and even some smoke. I’m sure it won’t be long before we’re back down there partying and enjoying the summer! xoxo Ben and David