The joy of cousins

Cousins are the best. They're always glad to see you and are happy to play with you even if you're not exactly the same age or grade. They think you're cool even when you're classmates don't. Although my memories are few and far between, I do have fond memories of my cousins (Summer, Lacey, Julie - technically my Aunt but really more like a cousin). I'm so glad my Mom and Aunt Diane made such fun memories for us to cherish. Lori brought her sweet girls up this weekend and my kids were in heaven. I don't even remember all the imaginative games they played but I know 'Cinderella, school and pop star' were among them. We had snow cones and of course there was the usual babies sitting in the water-table fun.

Loves fish and loves to fish

(especially when the pond has been stocked).

First day of school

School came so quick this year, we weren't ready for Summer to be over. But it was. Dallin started kindergarten and Grant is in his last elementary year. Ella's smack dab in the middle. I had forgotten why I was looking forward to summer last May. Now I remember. Life is so busy and scheduled and then there's homework. We are still a adjusting. It's good. And crazy.

Lagoon

We almost didn't make it to lagoon this year. Quinton and I hung out for the first part of the day, while Paul took the older kids on the 'older' rides, then we switched. It felt like was the mother of one again - I loved being able to give Quinton all my attention. He only liked the rides where he felt totally in control. No crazy fast rides for him. My older three are exact opposite. Grant even spent his own money to go on catapult. He sat in a metal ball and was literally catapulted straight into the air - he loved every second of it. Today, we recovered from all the excitement by taking it easy and now the state of my house is looming over me - that's why I suddenly remembered that I really needed to blog.

Human Chain

First, I should tell you I found a new app for my iPhone - it's called blogger. I can even talk into a microphone and not have to type on that tiny keyboard (which actually drives me a little crazy). I must have fat fingers. It's a real possibility that I might even post more often.
This picture makes me smile. It's what childhood is all about. Playing together and making memories.

Before and after

Ella decided to get bangs because all the girls in the pictures she drew had bangs, so she wanted to see what it would be like, of course.

The Fair and Green Feet

In our small town, they have a small celebration every year and this year we went. Grant loved the rock wall and even tried the 'hard' part (but ended up going to the side and climbing the 'easy' part). Ella and Dallin also climbed the wall - my camera died just before.


Ella loves her face painted. She would wear make-up every day if I let her. Grant always tells her (and me) that we look like vampires. I tell her she's too beautiful for make-up. She can't stop admiring her reflection. It's fun to watch.

Here's Grant and Dallin trying to knock each other over - guess who won? (That's as high as Dallin could lift it - he didn't even care.)

Dallin (furthest right) loved this cute ride (the only ride at the celebration). It had some kind of a generator to keep it going, but it had to be started and stopped with human muscles.

"I just like to paint my toes" that's what Dallin said when I asked him what happened (at least he chose a boyish color right?)