It was rainy here the other day so we painted and I gave Josh some different textures to play with.

 

All we wanted to do for our Nation's B-day was stay home. So we did. And ate freezie pops.

Vacation: Part III

After the family reunion, we were able to spend time more people we loved, Brian's mission companion, mission president and wife, and a good friend from New Orleans. So wonderful to see everyone. On the drive home, we got to visit with more family - Rod and Janet (B's aunt and uncle) and family, as well as the Sorensen's & co. (including Emilee and Loree's family and Aunt Helen.) What good times. Unfortunately, we never pulled out the camera. So here are some doozies from the car.

Vacation: Part II

From my parents, house, I drove with the boys to my sissy's - where I got to meet this strapping young man for the first time! I miss little P-man already.

My patient children also enjoyed meeting lots of new friends as I got together with some beloved friends from days gone by... 

Here are BYU roommate, Kelly and honorary roommate, Cass. So fun to catch up with them. Both are doing amazing things with their talents and it was inspiring to be with them for the few hours we had together. 

I was also able to get together with one of my favorites from Boston, and two more BYU roommates. I've been back to UT so many times since graduating, but have not taken the time to get together with all these wonderful people I love. I'm so glad it worked out to be able to do so this time!

After a few days of visiting, Brian joined the family! We were able to visit with two dear friends of mine from OU (again, absolutely wonderful to catch up in person), and then headed to a big 7 bedroom house for our family reunion. 

I loved being with all my siblings in the first time in who knows how many years, but it was especially wonderful to see Gabe have so much fun with his cousins. This is A-man - who we also got to meet for the first time. He's a trip - a happy happy boy. Gabe also played with his older cousin C a ton. I have no pictures of them because they were always playing games that involved running, hiding, chasing, etc.

The boys picked up some bad habits in Park City. Note what Gabe is advertising with his head-gear (thanks, Steve) :)

And Josh, poker. Geesh. You try to raise them right...

And here are all the grandsons with my dad. Sadly, I think this is the best shot.

Vacation: Part I

June 15: Drive 475 miles.
June 16: Drive 714 miles, 2 of them through a crazy dust storm. I've never driven through fog that thick, let alone, dust.
June 17: Drive 530 miles. Arrive at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

We were glad to be in a house. The kids were so excited about sleeping in hotels that they - well - didn't sleep. I was exhausted and had to retire from most days by 9:30 to recover.

We stayed there for 5 days and fit in quite a bit.

We celebrated Father's Day and my birthday.
(The 4th in a row Brian and I have spent apart. Uncanny.)

Gabe helped Grandpa in the garden.

Josh went from this mess...

...to this little boy.

 You'll notice Josh still only has his bottom two teeth.

Gabe went four wheeling with Grandpa.

And Josh helped rearrange my parents cupboards. Many, many times.