On the Delta

It was the last chance Saturday for boating this year, so we were lucky enough to head to the delta with the Blatters. Our kids haven't been boating in a couple of years, so it was all new and exciting again.



A good time was had by all, even though Neve was a bit (read:completely hysterical) reluctant to try the knee boarding. She toughed it out and loved it once she got going. Maren rocked it from the beginning and was grinning the whole time.



all I can say is wow!



Clay and I had our second try at wakeboarding (the first about 5 years ago). We haven't improved a bit in five years...still had fun trying to do it!

After everyone got a chance to kneeboard or wakeboard, the kids took turns on the tubes, and Kiera loved it.



Thanks to the Blatter's for hosting us as usual! We love you guys.

Lucky #13

I really can't believe we went from "just friends" (1994)



(February 1995)


To deciding we want to be lovers for ever (June 1995)



And being married in the Manti temple so we can be together forever. (September 23, 1995), and then making it work for the next 13 years.



I am the luckiest girl in the whole world. I found my perfect boy and made him mine. 13 years ago. The day we were married I couldn't imagine the joy I had in front of me. I didn't know I could grow to love Clay even more. Through babies #1..



#2...



and #3



and more than enough fun between and since. A few of my favorite things about Clay:

-he makes me laugh every day.
-he is both laid back (most things) and completely obsessive (just a few things). for example, he loves to hunt for watches. he started out small and the obsession has grown and grown (current watch Ventura V-matic for those of you who are curious.)

Whatever it is when he is on the hunt he cannot be dissuaded. this benefits me greatly, as i am one of his obsessions.
-he loves being a dad and is so creative and patient with our girls.
-he is always respectful of me and our family
-he is brilliantly smart (that is so hot)
-most of all he makes me happy

love ya, babe. can't wait to make it 13 more with you. 13 year and counting without any fighting! we are lovers, not fighters. we rock.

Conversations

Kiera: Mommy, I love Jesus.

Me: (feeling so proud, like I am doing something right as a mother) Oh, Kiera, so do I. Isn't Jesus great.

Kiera: Yeah, Mommy. I love it when he comes down the chimney.

My baby goes to Preschool

Darling Caleb

My sweet new little nephew was born on Friday. Lindsay was amazing and did the whole thing au natural. She even willed herself into avoiding a c-section. That is what I call a woman. I am so excited for them, and also glad it is not me trying to nurse a two day old. Having a first baby can be such a roller coaster, but the highs definitely outweigh the lows.















Holding that tiny baby brought up some sweet memories of my own. I love the smell of newborns and the gentle softness of their skin. I also love those chicken legs they come with. Mark and Lindsay are already such great parents of this darling little one.

Labor Day Weekend

We had such a nice end of summer fun filled beach house getaway. We started the weekend be meeting up with a bunch of families at the beach near Santa Cruz. On Saturday night we headed south to Monterey where we spent the weekend enjoying friends, walking, biking, laughing, eating, boogie boarding, dune jumping, chatting, and relaxing. What a great way to end a fabulous summer. Back to the grind.

First Day of School

I can't believe this day finally came. We have had such a fun summer. I am really not ready to let the lazy summer days go. Ah well, there is always next summer...

Primary Children's Arts Festival

We had so much fun on Friday night at the Primary activity at church. Maren and Neve displayed some art and did a smart disco dance to Gloria Gaynor's "I will survive". The acts were varied. Wow, that is an understatement. We had jedi fighters, some hip hop, a capella singing, dancing, magic tricks, kung foo fighting and piano playing. Entertainment was guaranteed. That is all I can say. I love working in Primary.

Kiera wants to be a guitar hero

Redwood Country

We just got back from 4 wonderful days in the Northern California redwood country. It was amazing. The days were cool and foggy. The nights were cool and foggy. I love camping when you really need to snuggle down in your bag. So different than the Southern Camping we are used to. You know, sleeping on top of your bag, and leaving a sweaty stain in the shape of your body by morning. When people give me the sad consoling eyes when I tell them about our camping weather last weekend, I know we haven't been gone from Memphis quite long enough. We are still relishing each and every day without heat and humidity. We loved the cool foggy weather.



The trip was filled with old friends, new friends and family. What more could a girl ask for. It was so nice to spend some time with the Reese's and meet their longtime friends. We love living close enough to invite Clay's brother's family along, and thrilled that Sarah was brave enough to come with her three boys without Josh.



We ate great food, cooked over an open fire (chicken nuggets, at that! Thanks so the memories, Sarah), hiked, let the kids all loose in the campground, Lord of the Flies style, climbed down to many amazing beaches, explored tide pools, and wondered at that star of the trip; the coast Redwood.



We really could have stayed in the State Park that we were camping in, because it was filled with fun and adventure. We did tear ourselves away to see the rest of the sites in the area.



Naturally, the girls wanted to do any and all Junior Ranger programs, so they can add to their collection of badges and patches. They love learning. I love that they love to learn. I have great kids!



Marie, thanks so much for the invite to your fun annual trip. Hopefully, we can make it a tradition, too.