Playing in the Fountains

Brooke and Easton running around. I could never get a picture of them facing me! My camera has an obnoxioius delay between pictures so it's just enough time for the kids to run.


Easton and Erik wait for the water to come back and get Logan.

I love this one. The water is right in his face. I'm pretty sure he loved it too!

The only picture I got of anyone even sort of looking at me. But it's a cute one. He LOVES the water.

This was so much fun. I took Easton once by himself, but it's way better when you have a friend, or two, or three! Can't wait to do it again. I know Alesha got much better pictures than I did so I'm looking forward to seeing those too!

What was I thinking?

So, I let Easton eat a yogurt by himself today while I put some groceries away. As you can see he's not quite ready for that yet.


Things started off messy.


Then got worse when he ditched the spoon and decided fingers were the way to go.


Don't want to leave a drop behind!

Finally the yogurt cup had disappeared and all that was left was a sticky spoon and tray, and an entire body (literally) covered in peach yogurt. At least I thought to take his shirt off first. I should've taken the shorts too!

I Can't Complain

As I struggled today to shove one more thing into an already full to capacity closet today I found myself frustrated by our lack of space in this house. Closets maxed out, kitchen cupboards overflowing and drawers filled with junk that has nowhere else to go...you get the idea. Anyway as I thought about how much I wished we had more space, an extra bedroom, another closet, I began to think there are actually some positive aspects to a smaller home. Cleaning takes much less time and effort, and as one who is still trying to perfect her role as stay at home mom that is a definite plus! Less space means lower utility bills, not as much to cool as a bigger house. Smaller home equals smaller mortgage, which is a huge blessing. When the size of your yard far exceeds the size of your home you have lots of space to play. Room enough to put golf balls, practice archery, and run around in several sets of sprinklers. There is also room for a pretty sweet vegetable garden. There is also enough room for two adults, one toddler, two dogs, and a houseguest, with no one running into each other and no line for the bathroom. So although I began my morning murmuring I have since changed my tune. God has given me and my family everything we could ever need, and much much more! I can't (and shouldn't) complain about anything in my life. As the song we sang at our Thanksgiving program said, "I am blessed beyone all measure".

We're home...Finally!

We have been travelling so much this summer that it feels like we've been living out of a suitcase for a month now. But we are home and staying home for awhile. Well, at least until September when we go up to the Ranch for scripture camp. That isn't the same though. It doesn't require going to an airport, long flights, or staying in someone else's house. I love being able to visit with friends I don't normally get to see, but there is nothing quite like sleeping in your own bed.

Well, I'm sure this comes as a shock to no one, but I left my camera at home. I downloaded all my old pictures onto the computer to be sure to have plenty of room for new ones on the trip, and then proceeded to leave the camera sitting on the desk for the ten days we were gone. I was so mad at myself, but oh well. Jane Ann and Aimee got some very cute pictures of Easton while we were there...maybe one day I will get to see them :) Especially the ones of him and Olivia. They were SO adorable.

Easton did really well, but sometimes the church services got kind of long for him so he entertained himself by flirting with all the nearby girls. Smiling and waving, batting those long eyelashes. He really impressed them one afternoon when he was standing up facing the pew behind us. He was just getting going with waving and smiling at his admirers when decided he needed to pass gas (or whatever phrase you prefer to describe it)...and it was long and LOUD! Then he shouts out "Poo poos!!!" It was so funny! And of course slightly embarrassing. I had to really control myself to not laugh out loud.

Well, this would be better with pictures, but since I'm a loser who never takes any you will have to use your imagination. Imagine how cute Olivia is. How funny Easton and Dylan were chasing each other around. How much fun he had playing at the Missouri grammy's house. As any good teacher knows being able to picture what you're reading in your mind is an important part of comprehension. So really I'm just helping you improve your literacy skills.

It's good to be home!