A really great summer

James, Adaline, Bridie. Isaac, Jacob painting bird houses.

Adaline lounging on a hammock.

Bridie swinging on the swing set.

Bridie and Eleanor spending time together.

Jacob swinging on the swing set.

Eleanor eating an ice cream sandwich.

Eleanor "playing" in the sandbox.

Isaac, Jacob, and Adaline made microphones out of tin foil and lip synced.

Matthew turned the basement into a monster fort with a "mouth", "stomach", and "intestines".

We are off to a great summer now that it has warmed up. We stay up late, sleep in, the kids do jobs and practice all morning, and we play in the backyard. When people ask me if I am having a good summer and I say yes they ask where we have gone and what we are doing. We have not been anywhere, but have had a blast! I just love being with all my kids. We weed the garden (the kids don't like that part so much) and spend time together. Last night was the summer solstice and Gordon and I went for a walk until 10pm. During the school year there is so much planned and life is so stressful and crazy that when sumer comes it is time to recharge the batteries and relax. Yesterday I took a whole 12 person van full of kids to Sonic during happy hour. I love summer!

To my Father, my children's father and the fathers I am raising

Thank you to my dad. Life was always an adventure. I love him because he is a spiritual giant and acknowledge's the hand of God in his life. He is full of wisdom. I love to think of him in his white temple suit serving in the house of the Lord. I know I can go to him with my biggest problems and he will give me the best advice.

To Gordon, I love you and so happy you are the father of my 7 children. May our sons be the kind of father you are.

To my 4 sons- May you always stay true to the gospel. It will bring you happiness and comfort in your life. I Know you will all be fabulous fathers. You have had great examples from the men in your lives.

Get off the sidewalk!

Because he was giving me attitude, I thought I would throw in this picture

James holding his permit.

Eleanor and James practicing the piano together.

James finally got his learners permit. We went out last Friday but they were closed. So today after I put Eleanor down for her nap, we went out to stand in line at the DMV- FUN. It only took an hour and I didn't have my cell phone or a book. He passed his test 42/50. So we don't have to go all the way out there until December. I am excited and nervous for him and me. I now have to drive 40 hours with him. Luckily he's a great kid I'm sure I'll walk away with just minor whiplash.

Summertime

Some of the things I love about summer.