Camping with The Brennan's...

We started a tradition last year of going camping with our favorite family, the Brennan's. We have been friends with them forever, and wouldn't have it any other way. Our kids had a blast... playing either on the boat, or on shore. We roasted marshmellows, ate yummy food and drank way more soda than should be allowed. I screamed my head off while tubing with Tammy. I think her ears almost fell off, but she loves me enough to look past my weirdness. We love you Brennan's...until next year.

Water Skiing...

I never in my life would have guessed that water skiing could be so difficult. I tried a few times last weekend, and was not successful. I decided that I would learn this weekend, no.matter.what. I literally fell hard many, many times. I got to where I was so mad that I couldn't do it, that I would do it until I could. Finally I was able to rise above the water, and stay up for a good amount of time. I have to say though, Austin and Connor tried it for the very first time, and both, of them...BOTH, got up the 2nd time, and stayed up every time after that. Hmmmm....must be nice. I was very impressed and proud.

I love you Josh Groban...

Back in March I got Chris and I tickets to see Josh Groban. If you don't know who he is, you need to asap. The night before the concert I told Chris that I was in love with Josh Groban and I hoped that wasn't upsetting to him. He said "that's okay, because I'm in love with him too." And I have to say, after hearing him live, we are both even more in love with him. The concert was about 2 hours long, but I wanted it to be at least another hour. His voice was amazing in every sense of the word. And to my surprise he was hilarious. He was a musical paragon, and comedian all wrapped up in one. Worth every last penny and more. Until next time Josh...

And then there was one...

Don't refrigerators make great backdrops? Especially when they are covered in fingerprints.

Today was a sad, happy, weird kind of day. The kids started school. Even Grace started preschool. I only have one child home with me. Right before I dropped the kids off Austin said to me "Poor Scarlett will be all alone!" I said to him "Are you kidding?! She's going to LOVE it!!" I have to admit, having her all to myself will be a huge blessing, even for just a few hours a day. She's never had that, and being the youngest of 6..I think she deserves it.

Hoping for a great, happy, wonderful school year...

I love my family so much...

Chris' mom and 5 siblings came to stay with us from Utah for over two weeks. It was such a house full. We literally had all five bedrooms in the house completely full, and still had stick Chris' brother Dennis on the couch.

We had a great time boating three weekends in a row. Picking blackberries and making pies. Playing Mafia, sardines, and all kinds of fun games. It was tons of laughter. Yes, there were times where we felt crammed, and there was lots of chaos, but it was worth the memories created.

I learned from Chris' teenage siblings that they are such great kids. Every single day almost, Natasha age 17, would ask to borrow my scriptures. She would read for a long, long time too. Dennis age 16 talked about how he literally can't wait to serve a mission. All the kids glowed with a testimony of the gospel, and seemed to know who they really are. Chris' mom and dad have done such a terrific job raising these kids. And especially his mom because she has done it alone since my father in law passed away 3 years ago. They were an example to me, and I am grateful to have had so much time to get to know who they really are.