Hike

It's funny to think that a hike could be so relaxing and enjoyable. I loved every second. Extreme beauty doing a 360* from every angle. Tons of deer with little white bums and fresh air.

I loved when the boys ran and ran stopping only for a drink or when they heard us telling them they had gone too far. Kendall and Mikey did pretty good. Kendall on Justin's shoulders and Mikey on Sara's hip a lot of the way- just the way they like it:).

It was fun to "bring up the back" and talk with Sara while soaking up the sun in the perfect temperature.

Backyard.

Whenever I think of summer, there isn't usually much than can top a lazy evening, in the backyard... with a tent. I love these clean jammied boys waiting so anxiously for Justin to get the tent up. Everyone is happy and each has their blanket they will contribute to the new hideout, ready for an adventure that begins...now!

Bleachers... Tons of Bleachers.

What do you do with 5 boys ages 6,5,4,3,and 2 with tons of energy, you ask? Take them to Red Rocks with a picnic lunch and let them climb, run, eat, and listen to the awesomely loud music as crews set up for the Disco Biscuits!

And the adults get the bonus of some amazing calorie burnage, too!

What was so Funny?

I love watching these boys have a good laugh! I'm not even sure what exactly it was was that they were laughing about, perhaps some jokes or a good story? It sure was contagious! Pretty soon we all joined in and I had a blast catching this moment.

Beginnings....

I love a fresh start. A clean slate. A new calendar year. A new season.

We welcome summer with open arms. We look forward to the quiet lulls and the crazy chaos that these few months will bring.

Cheers to lemonade stands and staying up late. Family picnics and suntans. Vacations and visitors.

And speaking of visitors...the boys are back in town!

Remembering Him.

Memorial Day for me used to be the "kickoff" weekend for the summer. The extra day off that meant barbeque's in the park, Frisbee games, and dad's racing the kids to the finish line in grass. Occasionally throughout the day my mind would wander and my heart was full of gratitude for my Grandad, Grandpa, and many others who have passed on including soldiers, friends and relatives I have not have the privilege to meet yet.

This year is much different. This day has rung so much closer to home than I want. The day is full of memories of Luke. I feel the pricks in my heart everyday. I never got the chance to kiss those chubby cheeks or to cuddle him as he fell asleep but I know that that day will come.... I can see him kicking in the tub full of fluffy buttermilk bubbles. Tiny Squeals and giggles as he felt the water on those fat little legs. Looking like a furry chicken as Sara would dry his soft baby brown hair. I can smell what he might have smelled like after a bath. Baby lotion with a tinge of powder and lavender to help him relax before bed. I imagine him getting comfy in his footed jammies as he and all his brothers would gather on his mama's bed for a bedtime story. His dad and brothers taking turns trying to get him to smile and the night completed as the corners of his lips crack into a grin as he looks up and smiles. Cuddled and rocked to sleep with his mom, he feels so loved.

I know that he is special and can feel that he is noble. I feel so deeply for Doug and Sara. And on this day I remember.

California Bound!

FHE was a night to remember. All the cousins, Aunts, and Uncles gathered to watch Aunt Pam and Uncle Wes open their mission call! As they opened it up, we sang the song, "Called to Serve" at the top of our lungs. They were called to Fresno, California. They will be AMAZING missionaries! I can't explain the buzz of excitement that was in the air!

OOOOOOO BABY! 18 months of togetherness!

Lazy Evening

Mammy had a treasure hunt for the boys and the treasure... a giant ball! This ball was extraordinary. It was more like a huge wheel for a large hamster only it looked like a juicy pomegranate.

We set out blankets and watched Justin put it on his shoulders transforming it into an extra large head squishing his nose, Papa pushing Nathan and Kendall across the yard, and taking turns getting stuck and fearing for our lives!

Field Day!

Field Day this year was not just about having fun...it was serious! Boy Howdy, I knew Nathan was competitive but I never dreamed it was at the level it was. He was in it to win it! It was so funny to watch the girls daintily glide from here to there not even caring to win the race. Then as the boys had their turn- it was game face only! Nathan would stretch over the finish line and yell, "First place!" The kids had a blast!

I had to pace myself with the pictures. It was my first field day to capture Nathan's moments and after the first few events, I had noticed that I had already taken millions of pictures. Woooo! That plus all the video Justin took, I think we are set!

Kendallisms

Kendall and I were driving back from helping Mammy do some yard work. Kendall was gently protecting a pickle jar full of worms that he had dug up.
From the back seat his tiny voice proudly said,"Mommy, I'm soooo LUCKY!"
"Why?" I asked.
"Because, I got some pets!"

Nathan: Kendall, I love you.
Kendall: I KNOW! I love me too! giggle, giggle!

Going into the store:
Me: MMMM, It sure smells good.
Kendall: Yep! I bet it's samples!

Kendall can be a stinker but he sure knows how to melt me into a giant puddle too. He had just got out of the bath and with his doggy jammies, towel dried hair, and all lotioned up, he came to me dragging his blanket. "Mommy, can you make me all snuggly?"

Kendall had just finished eating some corn on the cob.
"Look! I just gave my corn a haircut!"

At Red Robin: "Did you know that hot dogs live inside corn dogs?"

3 1/2 years old