Lazy Days

I came home from work on Friday to discover summer in full swing on the kids' first day without school.







When did I become a mom to such big boys?





Micah hosted a "pool party" for the neighbor girls (who happen to own a real pool complete with waterslide, etc.).








The Farmer's newly developed masonry skills were showcased in the cookout.







It was so much fun hanging out with the fam eating hot dogs and veggie dogs (Eli), watching fireflies, and chillin'. Love summer!



Summer haircuts ensued for all (except me).





Only the most dramatic one was captured on film.

Nursery

That's right. We've hit the 18 month mark and church will henceforth be more enjoyable. Besides nursery, we're dealing with horsies, horsies, horsies, books, balls, bikes, baths, 40ish words including all our names and a couple of two-word sentences, a strong will, outdoors, milk, shoes and socks, arm-folding, chasing, and only 7 teeth. Here are a few catch-up images:

10 months




11 months




11 1/2 months (the chimpanzee phase)




12 months




12 1/2 months




12 2/3 months




13 months




14 months




15 months




16 months




16 1/2 months




17 months




17 1/2 months




18 months



I must add that this child is a pleasure to parent (despite the look on his face in that last picture). He's funny, smart, affectionate, and handsome. I'm in love with him.

Nauvoo and the Talented Elder and Sister C.

We had the good fortune of visiting AlTam in Nauvoo last week. It was a privilege to see them at work in their various missionary responsibilities. We had a great time visiting the sites and learning some church history as well--we heard many inspiring true stories about the early days of Nauvoo and we came away with respect and appreciation for what those early saints endured and accomplished. We definitely want to go back for a longer stay.

A few pictures from our visit: (Unfortunately, thanks to a mischievous toddler, our camera was acting up during "Rendevous in Nauvoo." I was really hoping to capture some images of AlTam singing and acting!)

He's Nine

"He's nine" is a phrase my mother uttered many times one year to excuse my younger brother's sister-perterbing behavior. During this past year, I have found myself in my mother's shoes. For example, the following conversation occurred at Seth's sleepover half-birthday party.

Eli (in reference to Seth and his friends): They're so immature.

Me: They're nine.



Around the dinner table tonight, I teased Seth that he is a walking oxymoron:

1. He's a tough cool guy, yet emotional and sensitive and good with babies.

2. He's a speed demon on the field, yet a dawdler getting ready.

3. He's responsible--gets up and gets ready to his alarm and keeps track of his own homework, etc., yet absentmindedly misplaces things, like a certain one of his parents (not me).

Around the dinner table tonight, Greg teased Seth that he was starting to look like the prince on Shrek, tossing his beautiful long blond hair around in the wind.

Around the dinner table tonight, we all said what we like/love about Seth. Micah likes that Seth is his friend and is funny. Eli likes that Seth doesn't complain too much when he punches him. I love that Seth still likes to cuddle with me and dance with me. Greg likes how Seth dreams big: future big inventions, future FIFA world cup soccer player, etc. Kai likes to give him kisses.

Here are a few images from the "he's nine" phase, including the various hairdos.



















Now I'll be moving on to "he's ten." If I'm remembering correctly from my mother, that one works too.