Summer Fun

We recently spent some time in Utah with our family.  

Easton and Grandpa had the same shirts that Leslie and Steve brought back from Amsterdam.

We had some new family pictures taken.  Thanks so much Michelle.                                                                                             

We had a picnic at the park.  Tessa loved playing on the slide.

Elise was festive for the 24th fireworks in Bountiful.

Best buds--Lincoln and Easton.

On the way home we stopped in Missoula at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.  They have some really cool displays.  

                                 

Fun with grandkids!

In the last 2 months, all our grandkids (and kids) have come to visit.

Easton, 3, playing with the same toys his dad played with as a kid.

Lincoln, 3, who brings life and energy to our quiet house.

Darling Tessa, 1, who wasn't shy with us even though she preferred mom when she was around (of course!)

Elise, 7 months, who is mellow and happy all the time!!

 Driving 10+ hours to see us was truly a sacrifice and we are so grateful that our family was willing to do that for us.                                                                    
Thank you!!

Long over due

Spring and early summer have been busy for us.

Duane got our front door done.

 

We finished the rock on the basement.

Worked on the landscaping--cement sidewalks and

paver patios. 

Covered the dirt with grass and bark. 

And set up a fire pit area.  

So far we are happy with the way things turned out.  Just too tired to truly enjoy it!!

Past time to catch up on the last few months.

In November, Duane got the shelves done in our
office and over Thanksgiving I was able to empty
boxes and boxes of books, games, puzzles, and
photo albums that have been out of sight and
out of mind for 3 1/2 years. It is so wonderful
to have access to that part of our lives again.

In December, our newest grandchild,
Elise, was born to Leslie and Steve.
We were fortunate to be able to spend
some wonderful quality time with her,
and all our children, grandchildren,
extended family, and friends.
It was fun. She has grown a lot and
at 2 months is definitely a cutie!

Since Christmas, Duane has gotten a lot done
on our house. I am thrilled to have these
shelves in my laundry room.

Duane's latest project is this sofa table. We saw
this in a rustic/log furniture store and I loved it.
But it cost from $1100 to $1300--ridiculous!!
We found this little toboggan on Craig's List for
cheap and Duane put this together. I love it!
So glad to have a talented husband who is such
a hard worker. We send our love to everyone
reading this. Hope you are all well!!

A Couple of Pics

The sun was shining on my flowers and they
looked beautiful. It's been over a week and they
still look great! Thank you Steve!!

We got the rock done on the front of the garage
with the help of Connie and Dad/Grandpa. I'm
not sure we would have gotten it done if they
hadn't helped to motivate us. Thanks--to
everyone who loves us, cares about us, and
encourages us to keep working!!! Love you all!

Summer

We have had a fun and productive summer.

Adorable Tessa

Tessa all dressed up for her blessing.

Lincoln showing his "tough guy" side.

Lincoln with food all over his face and happy as
always.

Our boys--totally boys!!

Easton wrangled this mustang so he could watch
tv.

And one more side of the garage has siding--just
needs the rock along the bottom. It's been a good
summer and we are sad to see it quickly passing.

5 Years

5 years ago, we started to build the garage/shop
building. For the last 4 years, it's looked pretty
much like this.

This week we started to put up the siding.

Wow! What a difference!! 1 side down, 3 more
to go. UGH!