Smiling Students

Maren and Nathan are still smiling after their first week of school.  The highlight of Maren's week has been meeting new friends and enjoying a new teacher who is "Sooooo nice because she doesn't yell."  The highlight for Nathan was taking a live frog to school.  I found it in his backpack and tried to convince him to leave it at home.  He reassured me that he would release the frog on the playground if the teacher did not allow it in the school.  Apparently his teacher is okay with amphibians in the classroom.  Nathan's little friend watched him work all day from a plastic container on his desk.

Caroline is loving all the attention from Mama.  We've enjoyed countless tea parties, dressing up and dancing to music.  I'm so grateful to have this toddler home with me!

Poor Rascal is down right depressed with the absence of his BFF (Nathan).

Back to something...

This afternoon I found myself in the backyard (perspiring in this Houston heat) trying to capture a picture of a beautiful blue bird.  I thought to myself, "Who can I share these pictures with?"  I no longer have a blog?!   

It's a woman's prerogative to change her mind!  I thought leaving the blog world would somehow simplify my life.  It did for a few weeks--however, I've missed the enjoyable creative outlet that comes with all the picture-taking, writing, designing, etc.  And most importantly, updating family and friends on the many ordinary days of our family's life.  Perhaps I needed a little "Summer vacation" and more time to give to the children?  I simply needed to "check out" for awhile.  It has been a wonderful Summer, much easier than the last.  We have spent our days building with blocks and legos, arts and crafts, swimming, catching frogs, playing with friends, dressing up and dancing (Caroline's favorite), vacationing in Utah and celebrating Maren and Nathan's birthday's.  On Monday the big kids will head back to school.  Many adventures await them in the fifth and third grades.  I must also head back to something...and that just so happens to be writing on our family blog.  Welcome back!  

Maren's Baptism Day

This day has been very special.  Maren was baptized and confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  She has looked forward to, planned and prepared for her baptism day for several months.  We gathered with loving grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and a few dear friends.  It has certainly been a memorable, happy day for our family.         

Cousins practice their musical number

Before the baptism with Grandma and Grandpa Tanner

Maren with Grandma and Grandpa Butler

Following the baptism we enjoyed a brunch together

A custom-made cake for Maren and her guests

It's great to be eight!

Hiking Stewart Falls

Yesterday Brian took Nathan and his cousin Max to Sundance (ski resort, home of Robert Redford and the Sundance Film Festival).  During the summer, Sundance becomes a laid-back destination for hikers, mountain bikers and nature lovers. 

On the chairlift to Arrowhead Summit

Snow in the mountains--in July!

Arrowhead Summit--home base for hiking to Stewart Falls

Many interesting trees along the way

Great view of the Sundance valley

The trail to the falls was beautiful

Brian and the boys ate their lunch at the bottom of Stewart Falls and enjoyed their afternoon outdoors. 

Stewart Falls

Happy Fourth of July

We've had a wonderful time celebrating Independence Day in beautiful Utah!

Caroline sitting next to her adoring cousin, Madeline

Nathan and Maren were amazed with the awesome fireworks and music by Carrie Underwood at this year's Stadium of Fire in Provo.  The McEwan family joined us for the enjoyable evening. 

We have really enjoyed all the family time, fireworks, parades and picnics.  Our celebrating began in the city of Fillmore,  Brian's hometown.  I regret not having any pictures of our visit there (non-functioning camera).  Thanks to Rita (Brian's mother) for all the delicious food, fun games, and accomodations.  It was so nice to visit with you all! 

Our family just finished another full day of Fourth of July festivites in Provo.  Here are a few pictures of the children enjoying themselves.

Caroline loves to water the flowers.

You'll find Nathan speeding around on this little red scooter or dipping his feet in the backyard pond.

Maren has enjoyed every minute with her cousins and an occasional ride on this four wheeler.

Cousin Brigham shares his favorite blocks with Caroline.

This little girl loves the wildlife mounted in Grandpa's garage.  Grandpa stands close by as she stands on top of the refrigerator to give the deer a hug.  She requests to do this several times a day.

Caroline enjoys riding in the wagon with her big brother and puppy.

We are grateful for the opportunity to visit and decorate Sarah's grave.

Everybody loves Grandpa!

 

A sister's love is...

...pure, gentle, enduring and eternal.

Heaven Sent

This beautiful Broad-Banded Swallowtail paused for a brief moment, just long enough for me to admire its beautiful wings and take a picture.  Something this majestic must come from heaven--and I like to think it was Sarah who sent it my way.

Operation Toad Rescue

This morning while taking Rascal for a walk, Nathan discovered a toad in distress.  This toad was stuck in a small hole in the water meter-reader.  Poor little guy, how long had he been in this awkward position?  Thankfully, amphibian-loving Nathan elected himself to the mission of "Operation Toad Rescue."

Nathan carefully helped Mr. Toad make his way through the hole, gave a friendly squeeze, then released him in the flower garden.

Curious Caroline watches as the toad happily hops away.