the BACK 40

There is our backyard which we try desperately to maintain and then there is the back 40. Which is really just about 1/50th of an acre that is wild grasses and overlooks a park. The girls wandered back there last weekend hoping to find a snake for some reason. We did NOT, thank goodness, but I did take some beautiful (I think so) snaps of their precious faces and sweet smiles.

Buddies

Alexandra and Atlas are good friends. She always takes a few minutes out of her day to sit with him and pet him, talk to him and say "ahh, you are such a good boy".

the Story of the Sprinkler System

Once upon a time there were two little girls who were bored when suddenly the front yard sprinkler system came on. At first they were very very afraid and ran away screaming (and laughing a little too).

Then, as they worked up their courage, they edged closer...

...and closer.

Until they were standing DIRECTLY on top of it!

Then the FUN began and they spent 30 minutes running in and out laughing, smiling and daring each other to run through it, jump it and stand on it.

Then the sprinkler went off and moved onto another zone. Then the girls were exhausted, happy and soaking wet. Towels and bed. The end.

Avery's FIRST Dance Recital

Avery participated in her very first dance recital in mid-June. She was super excited as she loves dancing, dressing up and putting on performances...so this was right up her alley! All of the girls were so cute and sweet! Avery was beaming all day and was so excited to have her family and Grandma Georgene and Papa in attendance. We were and are so proud of you Av!

Sissy gave our star of the show some flowers after the performance.

Here she is with her giant bouquet!

Avery with her best little friend and fellow performer, Sophia.

Alexandra and Mason.

She couldn't wait to dig into the post-performance goodies!

Sadly, I don't think the video camera worked! There is a chance we will get to see the video from the dance studio and can hopefully obtain a copy. :(

Coco & Marshmellow

We have two geckos that live underneath our deck. The girls call the one pictured below Coco and the other one Marshmellow. They often pop up to greet us and have become quite brave at hanging out when we are out on the patio. Now we just need one more called Graham Cracker and we would have a S'more of geckos living nearby.

Sweet Summer

I purchased a new camera lens in June. My first one in two years and only the second lens that I own. Alexandra was a GREAT sport and agreed to come with me for a little photo shoot fun. I am so glad that she did as I LOVE this shot of her....so beautiful, so warm...just like her.

Oh Yes She CAN!

I am a bit late on this one. Alexandra learned how to ride a two-wheeler about two months ago in late April. She had been practicing for a long time and the day, of course, that I didn't have a camera or video camera with me, she did it! She is now zipping around like she has been doing this for ages and loves to ride! PROUD of you sis!

Crystal Garden

The girls picked out this crystal growing kit at the craft store with Grandma Georgene. The box said they would grow quickly (and they did in about 30 minutes) but not quick enough for the ladies. They sat there staring at the little plastic container for about 5 minutes. Then they gave up and came back for a look every few minutes. It was a fun project in the end but took a bit of patience.

Slowly but surely.

Alexandra Graduates Kindergarten

Alexandra wrapped up her first year of school! She LOVED Kindergarten and she LOVED her teacher. It was a wonderful experience for her and for us and we only HOPE that she continues to enjoy school and have fun in the process. Love you sweetie - so proud of your attitude, your gorgeous smile and how you have grown this past year.

Alexandra and her school friend Ella.

Alexandra and Ms. Heldt.

Jason & Meghan Visit

Well...honestly...it was just one of those weekends when nothing really went as planned. Bad weather, snow during the last weekend of May, plans were cancelled, things were closed, mudslides and on and on. While it was so wonderful to have them here, the fun factor was a little low due to loads of bad luck!

Jason & Meghan up at Brighton.

Baby on Board!

Daddy took the ladies for a quick sled run!

Then off to Red Butte to enjoy the ONLY two hours of good weather we had during their visit.

Thanks for coming - we will have to try again when you feel up to it!