Summer wrap-up

Ok I know I have been a horrible horrible blogger. I love melissa's blogs so much I thought I would make an attempt at catch-up.   The summer got away from me. It was one thing....than it was the next thing...and so on. Mostly good things. Lane started things off by taking the scouts to moab for a biking trip. After that Melissa, Lance, Evelyn, Addie, and Blake came and played with us for a little while on their trek from San Francisco to Iowa City, Iowa. We thoroughly enjoyed the grandkids and can't wait to visit them and to take in Nauvoo. We were lucky enough to be the Youth conference chair-people so we next took all our youth to Manti and had such a great time amongst all the millions of mosquitos.
Next we hosted my parents 50th anniversary party and we were happy to have much of my family (sisters and brother) spend some time with us in Utah. We saw hot air balloons, shot off fireworks, and hiked timp.  Following this, Lane took a trip with all the boys in his family, as well as Matthew to go fishing in california. I also spent some time engrossed in shark week. I also took the activity day girls to Camp Jeremiah Johnson and then promptly got called to Young Women's. Emily's been heavily into soccer; Aubrey was in Highschool Musical, has a real job, and has gone on few dates; Matthew has been fishing, running, playing with friends and spending too much time on video games; and Brynna has been swimming, visiting her grandma, and just got her hair cut very short and loves it. I still need to take a picture of it.  So, in a nutshell, I need some sleep...oh no...in a nutshell it has been a great summer with family, church and fun.  Also our youngest grandchild, Blake, just turned 1.

Happy Birthday Brynna, It is great to be Eight

I can hardly believe that our baby is eight years old. I can remember her being born like it was yesterday. She was a cute, completely bald, bundle of pink. I don't know what our family would have done without her, she is such a sweet addition to our family. We are so lucky she is ours.

Prom and First Date

I know some of my family is eagerly awaiting some pictures of Aubrey's very first date ever...which also would be "Prom". Her cousin, Katie, was great to lend her the dress and her grandma Taylor took her shopping for hours for the perfect shoes. She is very good friends with her date (he has a different girl-friend). We all hope she has a fun time and returns safe and sound. The top picture is brynna's redition of aubrey's prom--sideways.

Going Greeen

So the leprechauns always visit our house early on this day. They green the milk, the toilet water, the food, you name it. However due to a pretty sleepless night, I really think Lane has croup, and a strange lack of food coloring (had to mix the last traces of dried blue and yellow), the leprechauns got a late and messy start. Brynna was thrilled though finding all the shades of green around the house....then she looked at my fingers, "How come your fingers are green". Seeds of disbelief, head cocked to the side in a quizzical way. "Oh....uhh....those silly Leprechauns even made my fingers green!, what will they think of next!", laugh laugh joke joke. Silence....questioning eyes...then she laughed too. "I'm glad they didn't make my fingers green". "Or your toes" I said. Whew....not sure about how that went. Not completely sure she bought it or just wanted to buy it. One thing is for sure, I need to stock up on food coloring.

The air is green
and crisp as leaves
twining through
the mottled breeze.
The fairy folk
dance 'neath the rock
betwixt the moss
and hollyhock.
Lil' leprechaun
hosts the fray
to sing and bring
St. Patty's day.
May blessings pour
like rain of gold
upon your house
and those it holds.

Happy Birthday Aubrey

16 years ago today, a flat-faced full of life little girl came into our lives. Fortunately the flat-face rounded out a bit, but the full of life continues on. She was born two weeks early on our wedding anniversary, one of my best gifts ever. We are now just holding on tight as the whirlwind of teenagerhood swirls around us. Happy Birthday Aubrey..."not just a very ordinary girl or name". Hope it is a great one. Love your family