Life is Like a Bowl of Cherries...

...because we found the coolest place within walking distance!  We were riding our bikes through campus to drop Amberlee off at play practice, and we stumbled upon  the most beautiful grove.  It was so beautiful and peaceful, we had to make it our picnic stop.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

It felt like the sacred grove- it was so pretty!
 

 

 

 

 

 

Glad He's My Dad...

My kids are pretty stinkin' lucky in the "Dad" department.  Doug is AWESOME!  He takes good care of the kids, and they love him lots!  To show a bit of that love (and to "toot" our own horn a bit :) we thought we would give you a glimpse at our Father's Day.  (*This does not include a very cranky momma and major melt down... pms?  I don't know, but I was pretty terrible, and am still trying to repent.)

Doug is almost always the one to "detail" the car- he is a good steward and takes care of his things.  We thought he might appreciate it if we took a turn, so we vacuumed and wiped things down the day before.

Seth was particularly good at wiping seats and tires. :)
 

Brigham was a good cheerleader on the side lines.  Pretty much he was just happy to get out.
 

Then I got up really early that morning and made him a yummy breakfast, that the girls delivered with lots of love... and then ALSO wanted to be served breakfast in bed.  (By this time, I was really starting to feel like Cinerella. :)
 

I also made these for my primary class- I thought I was pretty clever. :) (And finished preparing my primary lesson.)
 

And cranked out two pies that I had forgotten I had volunteered to make.  I thought that was a yummy idea for the Fathers in our ward.

Then I helped Amberlee prepare a talk.  AND I stocked Seth's nursery snack bucket... (not to mention got everyone dressed) all before 9am.  Talk about breaking the sabbath and leaving everything to the last minute!  No wonder I was cranky. :)  I'm ashamed.  BUT we love you Doug.  Thanks for being such a good Dad!

Here is Amberlee's talk on her feelings about her Father:

The father of our home

Leads our family

With wisdoms light

In all that’s right,

My father’s good to me.

I love my dad.  It makes me happy when he plays with me.  I’m thankful he works hard to make money for our family to live.  I like having family nights with my Dad or going on bike rides. 

My Dad is nice to my mom.  I’m glad I can ask my Dad for priesthood blessings.  I was having a hard time a couple weeks ago, and he gave me a blessing.  My Dad helps me feel better when I am sad.  I am thankful Heavenly Father gave me a good Dad. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Friends, Food, Fire, and Marshmallows... The Good Life.

Our friends invited us over for a delicious chicken BBQ in their backyard.  We had a great time!

Of course Seth honed right in on the neighbor's 4-wheeler.  We had a hard time getting him off of it.  At least when he disappeared, we knew right where to find him. :)
 

Brigham was in heaven with space to roam.  He especially loved the little play-ground, where he was found eating sand.
 

So we steered him towards the fire...
 

... and our lives were made complete by s'mores. :)

 

And then they returned to the sand, which made for a very sticky, sandy mess, but VERY fun! 

Where's the Fire?

Well, you never know what you might find in a Wal-mart parking lot.  Ok, actually it's pretty normal there, but on this particular day, after a somewhat stressful shopping trip, we happened upon a "Mini-Safty Fair" complete with a hot-dog stand and a bike course. The kids got the grand tour of the fire truck.  They were thrilled... and did not want to leave; but alas... Mom had her own "fires" to put out.

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Drama Queen...

 The girls just recently finished an fun week-long summer acting camp with IRTY.  They had an absolute blast!  On the last day, we got to watch them perform on the outdoor theater.  They did a really cute african play (making their own costumes and props).  They were hyenas and Amberlee was also a medicine man.  It was fun to watch, but I did have to really stock up on snacks to keep the boys busy.  I'm sure glad they had this neat opportunity!

 

 

 

 

Amberlee also tried out for their summer play "Charlotte's Web" and landed the part of "Baby Wilbur."  I think she'll do great.  We're really excited!