Summer randoms

Introducing our magical swim teacher: Ms. Barbara.  In only two weeks(or rather one day), she got James diving, swimming the full length of the pool, and happily floating.  Prior to our lessons, Ruth would barely put her face in the water and if she did, with much drama.  There was no drama when she was with Ms. Barbara.  She was the first volunteer to dive, jump, swim... whatever Ms. Barbara asked.  She's not completely water safe yet, but definitely crazy about water.

Sometimes mischief happens during naptime., even in a crib.

The kids brought home goldfish from our stake pioneer celebration.  The day after I bought fish food, we found James' fish floating on the surface of the water.  He was terribly devastated.  Actually, that's an understatement.  In mourning, James drew this picture of Cevin before we flushed him to the ocean.   There is tenderness inside that boyish heart.

Ruth and Eleanor: best buddies and conveniently, cousins.  They spend hours in a world that no one else understands.  What I do know is that it's filled with flowers, fairies, songs, and girlish delight.  Finding something suitable to wear is always the first item of business.

35 Candles!

Emmy turns one!

We love Emmy for her good natured disposition, her curiousity, and her sweet kissy face.  She thoroughly enjoys following the kids and the dog around the house all day.  They are quite patient when she dives in the middle of their activities.  In fact, I think the benefit of being baby #4 is that you can always find people in the house to dote on you.  She especially loves it when Joseph comes home from work and will cry until he picks her up!  It's a bittersweet experience celebrating the 1st birthday: bitter because your baby is growing too fast, and sweet because the challenges (mostly lack of sleep) of the first year are over!  We love you Emmy!

Dance recital!

Ruth had her first dance recital.  Her dances both fit into a circus theme.  Since I am a teacher at the studio, I got to be with her back stage.   Suprisingly, she had a pretty independent attitude with me around, as if to say, "I've got this, Mom!"  

  

Quick family hug.  Notice the prized trophy. 

Bluff Fort

On the Fourth of July we found ourselves at Bluff Fort near the southeast corner of Utah.  Though the day was unbearably hot, we enjoyed our tour.  David was drawn to the Native American influence, while James was impressed with the cowboys.  I loved this little school room.

                                  

Southern Utah

Newspaper rock... sketches?  map?  No one knows the reason, but it is very interesting!

These boys were in climbing heaven.  They could've gone on for miles with all the rocks and interesting inlets along this landscape in Bridges National Parks.  Our neice informed us that it is all petrified sand dunes.  Water creates these beautiful canyons and sculpters.

Sickly Ruth

We just returned from a week long family reunion.  Of course, the morning of departure, Ruth woke up with stomach cramps.  15 minutes into the drive, disaster happened.  This is how she sat for the remainder of the 12 hour drive.  It was torture!  Needless to say we are happy today to be in good health and safely back home.

Sandwich Expert

Sometimes talents show themselves in mysterious ways.  For Joseph, it is sandwich making.  Joseph can take the most unusual ingredients and make the most delicious, mouthwatering sandwiches.  This is his version of a picnic sandwich.  It even has salt and pepper sprinkled inside.  I'm very lucky because he gentlemanly always serves me first!

Camping

We were invited to camp out with friends last weekend.  By the time Friday came around, everyone in our group canceled.  We decided to go anyway.  I have mixed feelings about camping.  I don't mind the dirt, work, and campfire food, but I do mind the the lack of sleep.  Emmy was not feeling well that night, so after several hours of consoling a fussy baby, I took her home at 1:30 am.  Surprisingly, everyone was still asleep when we came back to the campsite at 7 am!

The best part of our family night was allowing David stay up late with us to watch the stars.  I love how his 8 year old mind works in such a setting- such big ideas and questions about the mysteries of the universe.