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!

My Little Dancer

Easton gettin down in Brandon and Tara's living room. I'm sure they were quite happy to see us go home so they could get back to a little peace and quiet. He LOVED this drum and was banging on it every chance he got. It was excellent entertainment for the little guy, and daddy too as you can see.

NY Reunion

We had a great time visiting our friends and family in upstate NY this past weekend. Although it took us three planes and ALL day to get there and back, it was worth it to have the chance to see everyone and attend the reunion. Even though it was small, only about 30 people, the services and sermons were great. I'm so glad we were able to go.




This is the plane that took us to and from Massena and Albany. It only holds ten people total, including the pilot so as you can imagine it was tiny! The flight takes about an hour, and it super loud because of the propellers, but it was awesome!




Just another closeup view of the ramp leading inside the plane.

I didn't have my camera out on the way there when the weather was perfect. The views that day were amazing! It was cloudy on the way back so the pictures aren't as clear, but this is just some of what we could see from our aerial view. There is water everywhere you look in this part of the country, but I couldn't get any good pictures of all the rivers there. But you can see how green everything is. I really don't think they have ever seen the color brown unless they dig under ground, or look at a tree trunk. Not like home at all, but I still love it here anyway.

Anyone who knows this guy understands how perfect this toy was for him. He loved playing this piano at Eli and Gretchen's house. He would sit and play something, then stop and clap for himself and look around to make sure everyone else was too. The cutest was when he would sing and play. He wouldn't do it for the video camera though, too bad.

Our first day there we went out on the boat. Easton didn't care for the life jacket too much, but he had a great time.

We all enjoyed being out on the water. Luckily we got some time in that day because the rest of the weekend was rainy and a little cold for boating. Although Aadam, Chase, Mya, Rhoades, Brandon, Bill, and Louie went out in the cold later on. They were going on the speedboat and being pulled around on the tube behind it. A little too fast to take the little guy out. So we visited with the ladies on the shore instead. Easton tried to drive the motorhome and destroy everything. Luckily the owners are grandparents and they didn't mind :)

Easton, Louie, and Chase swinging.

Checking out the fish. Thanks for holding on so tight Chase! This was pretty much his favorite thing to do while we were there.

Now it's Rhoades' turn to hold him. Anyone else willing??

These are what kept his attention for so long. Eli and Gretchen's backyard was a never ending source of adventure for Easton. He even got to feed the fish. So cool!

These are just a few of the pictures, a video of the boys playing the drums and a sweet headdress are coming soon

Future Food Network Hosts??

I've been hanging out with my boys this week and it's been so much fun! These two are quite a pair and have definitely entertained me (and each other). Today was raspberry banana bread day. Yes I am crazy for geting two toddlers to help me bake. But really they didn't make too much of a mess. They were pretty good helpers and had a great time in the kitchen.




We stared out by mashing up the bananas. They each took turns squishing them up while saying "squish squish squish" as they smashed.


Next we added the water.

Then the oil...and yes I actually did let them pour it and neither of them spilled.

Then we added the flour mixture and the boys stirred that in for me as well. This was the messiest step of our baking adventure. They would look at the spoons and shake them around. Getting some on the floor, and on the dogs, but none on their shirts!

Finally we poured the batter into the pans and got it ready to go in the oven. There would be a picture of the little chefs with the finished product, but one of them got sleepy and had to take a nap before it was done. Cooking can really wear you out!