collection

Casey has started a new collection.  It is a ominous reminder every time I pull into the garage, that the day is coming.

Imagine,  my whole life will soon fill these boxes.
Seems so unreal.

timing

We have never been great with timing...

Do you think the new family will mind when I come every day and harvest my treasures?  My peaches are close but not quite...the big boy tomatoes are heavy on the vine but still green and my peppers...
Kate brought this one in behind her back.  "Mom, I have something you will love!"  She is right my little garden makes me smile.
yeah, we never seem to get the timing right.

butterflies

We got something new...

Every time I see it out the window it gives me butterflies.
What do they mean nervous, scared, worried, hesitant,excited...
yes.

dance

How did we spend our Wednesdays this summer?

Doing exactly what we love.

  Today was parent observation day.

 I observed a few funny positions,

 A couple of new dance moves

 but mostly LOTS of smiles.

Thanks to Kate for being the photographer she took over the camera shortly after we got there when her class was finished...I got to go through 471 semi-blurry pictures for this post. But this last one was a surprise... a glimpse of a day in the life.

I know you are wishing you could spend Wednesday mornings on the floor with kids climbing all over you.  It's true it is very glamorous.  

birthday

#4 is a success!
She might get to invited you to the worlds smallest tea party.  How we will keep track of those tiny tea cups is beyond me...

Meet Merida, she's new... by far my favorite right now.  Oh wait these are for Gentry.

 the ladybug cake...

loves being sung to.

 and that's how it's done.

gentry nicole 4

You can't wait to be big. Something that makes me smile and teary at the same time. You love your sisters and want to do everything they are doing.  Mostly they are patient with you and enjoy having you there.  You still adore your princesses.  There isn't a day that they don't come out to play you own bins of them and yet you still just want to see when we walk past them at the store.   You love everything pink.  Band-aids are a favorite too.  "Cheetah" is your favorite blanket, pink cheetah is the print. Not so creative with the name :)   You love your blanket to smell just right.  You always let me know when it has lost the downy freshness so we can wash it.  You give the best smile when I pull her out of the dryer.

 You are SUPER excited to go to school. Kate's school is what you call it.  Preschool will be fun for you.  Friends are a part of your day you look forward to.  On the flip side you are my best at solo play.  Well, almost solo your little ladies are always close  :)  Just as you are excited to see friends come by, when they leave you take a deep breath and look for a quiet corner, needing some down time.  

So like your Mom sometimes, almost too much like wanting what you want when you want it.  Yes, you lean heavily on the spoiled side.  But I like to use birth order as blame.  What baby of the family isn't spoiled...of course you play that role perfectly.  Snuggling up at just the right time.  And does your mother lap it up?  Yes, yes I do.

While on vacation a stranger asked how old you were I told them 3 and she laughed and said "she will be married soon"  I have to admit I might have given that stranger a funny look not quite understanding... but as I thought about it later...Mrs. Stranger in her "golden years", she knew best.  You are growing too big, too quick.

I will treasure this last year that I have you to myself.  I cherish the feel of your little hand in mine.  I will adore your snuggles and hugs.  I will cheer the loudest at your successes, and encourage you to do learn and grow.  But I will hold tightly to this time when you still need me.  As I have proof from your sisters you will be strong and independent all to soon.
And that is why my baby is spoiled, as I try to hold on just a little longer.
Happy Birthday little one!
(all images Rock Love Photography)

lazy days

I can feel it,

the lazy summer afternoons,

are coming to a close.

We love spending our time in the backyard.

I love it when they play so well together.

 Have to say some of us are a little bummed.

I do love a season change.... I wish this season was just a little longer.
Start the count down.

tomatoes

It's getting to that time of year.

The girls counted 121 red tomatoes today.  Some cherry, others roma, all of them make me happy!

38

Happy Birthday to me.

Like most electronic things I am always the last to get one.  But maybe I'll be able to keep up a little better now.  Can you say color code calendering!  Just you wait till I figure out to use this... I will be so on top of it!
Thanks, Casey for my new toy.

the buffalope

Yellowstone 2012
We started a bit rocky with 2 popped trailer tires by the time we got to Draper.  Ended 2 1/2 hours behind schedule and a whole lot of money spent before we got started.  Thanks, Les Schwab for staying open late! While Casey was changing the tires I realized I forgot my camera...vacation 101, take your camera!  No Casey wouldn't turn back.  So grateful he keeps a little point and shoot in his truck for work.
With a start like that it could only get better... thankfully it sure did.
We fed the fish.

I love that Grandma is holding Kole by the shorts.
Walked the trails

Floated the river

 Kole NEVER leaves Gentry's side, I felt like I had a son the whole time. They are such cute friends.  We would take him!
Taylor and Hayli were pulled in the tubes till there bums were numb.

 Took a moment to look adorable on some wooden stairs.

Paused to have proof we are trying to make memories

 Memories of family.

 Always on the look out for Gentry's elusive buffalope.  At first we tried to correct her but by the end we all were looking for the buffalope.

 Enjoyed amazing views.

 Strolled among the geysers at sunset.

Tried to capture the amazing light.

 Laughed and played around with shadows.

 Drove in a caravan....for hours.

 Huckleberry ice-cream while waiting for old faithful, estimated time. 9:27pm = a chilly wait.

 Shoes may have been optional that day, yes it took me a while to clip and clean those feet when we got home.  How she got in the car without shoes still baffles me.

 And we still had time for some quiet time at the cabin/trailer to practice jump roping skills.

 Anytime you looked for Gen she was here.  Yes, just a dirt pile with a old piece of rope.  I think it was just because I let her get a dirty as she could we all know that only happens on vacation.  :)

Thanks for a great trip...

 Who wouldn't want to travel with us?  Just being honest...

Summer vacation...check!