Layton Reunion

We had such a nice time at the Layton reunion. My Grandma was there, as were her 4 children. Many cousins came from far away to be here. We made great memories, learned some neat things about our ancestors and just plain enjoyed being together. Mornings were gorgeous and allowed us to canoe, hike and geo-cache--a fun thing I might add. We had great thunderstorms in the afternoons that allowed for good visits. H and her cousins learned some sign language from my cousin who is deaf. Grandma, at age 93, is amazing. While her knees don't let her go as fast as her spirit wants to, her mind is quick, and her voice is strong. Her testimony doesn't falter. I am grateful for her legacy. We missed family that couldn't be there--plan for 2012!

Before the I touch was banned at the cabin

Cabin Fun

To end the summer, we went to the White Mountains in preparation for an extended Layton family reunion. My parents, 2 sisters and a sister-in-law all came up early with their kids. We enjoyed fun walks around the lake, exploring lady bugs, feeding ducks and a fun talent show. I just love this place and think it is a blessing to be able to get away.
I also love when I can take a step back from the pace of daily life and enjoy the little things.

Can't you just see the longing in my nephew's face as he gazes into the tackle box?

We loved the little ones' talent of dominoes.

H and her cousin did a stunning chin lip-sync to HSM Fabulous.

We all loved the midgets done by O & M and their cousins. What a great laugh!

My big R, only 4 but what a helper! When was the last time you got this up and personal with a lady bug? and I was the lucky recipient of that sweet bouquet of flowers clutched in her fist. I love being a mom!

The Haircut

Here is the repair job I did on the chop job she did! With a strategically placed clip in the front it doesn't look half-bad. Admittedly she is a quite cute subject no matter what the hair-do.

This One's For You (Sherry)

So I called my dear sister-in-law in HI today to help me with a hair emergency. My 3 year-old had cut off half of her bangs to the scalp and then her mid-back length hair to the nape of her neck on one side. As she was consoling me, I began raving about her blog and how I love seeing her little babe grow up. She chronicles SO well. And then I realized that it has been a whopping 11 months since my last post. So, here is a photo update of us lately (not the last 11 months).

A triathlon in November, an 8yr old baptism, Nutcracker Ballet, smiles at the end of our first day of snowboarding, Gila Valley Temple open-house, a happy 3 yr old (with long hair), small ballerinas waiting their turn, ALL BOY, 2 girls in spring dance recital, funny faces at the cabin, hobo picnic, HE's ONE! Love You all Hawaii, Indiana/Washington, NY and PA

The Center of attention--6 weeks