London Part I

Europe 2016 proved to be everyting wonderful.  Thank you to family who kept my seven darlings while we were away 10 days. Flying Buisness Class to London was a huge perk -- we acutally were able to sleep fully on our backs and watch as many musicals as we wanted!

 After navigating the Tube, The British Museum was a must.

 I found some "javelinas" that reminded me of home.

 The new Pharaoh.

 We rode the London Eye and took in the spectaular views from way up in the sky.

 The Elizabeth Tower housing Big Bed, the bell.

 Westminister Abbey.

 Buckingham Palace from close up and in Hyde Park.

 Around the corner we found the horses and stables -- they stunk like horses.

 Indian dosas dinner at Sagar.

 Austin kept us moving in the right direction -- China Town.

 Hampton Court, hunting lodge to King Henry the VIII in the mid 16th century.

 The kitchen was my favorite stop -- the staff had a five burner stove to feed the 600 guests.

The property had a maze.

Kitchen garden.

We went to the theater!

His menu looks like he is holding those two beers.

Copa Europa was taking place, so Austin bought the big boys impressive soccer jerseys.

We had to eat fish and chips.  Shockingly enough, they were bland.

Wandering around town at night was romantic.

Memorial Day

While folding laundry this morning these two boys joined me in watching my show.  I peeked over the edge of my bed and found Ed's leg on Andy's head.  Andy didn't seem to mind a bit.

 All afternoon we spent in the pool!  This week is YW camp, so Meg was gone as were many of the women in our ward.  Their husbands came with their kids for a quiet BBQ and pleasant swim.

 Both Eddie and Maddie were quite the swimmers.  They jumped and dove and played as long as the bigs.

 I baked cibatta bread for our panini sandwhiches.  DIVINE!  I am wearing gloves because I cut my finger with a cerated knife.

Back Packing

Austin packed these four kids up and dropped them off in the wilderness -- he did go along.  The were gone just longer than 24 hours, but we missed them.  All came home with bug bites, sore legs, physically tired and totally happy.

 I took these three to Walmart to get the bus lubed and eat licorice.  They found comfy chairs while I was at the fabric counter.

 I didn't sleep a bit.  These three did, though.  How come long nights mean little sleep?  Well, this was a very long night.

It's Over

We survived another school year, thanks to the goodness of God.  Maddie received awards for her attendance and being consistent.  I am ever thankful for their teacher who patiently teach and nurture their minds and souls.  Ahhh, summer is here!  

 Austin celebrated by buying a riding lawn mower.  He now mows in 15 minutes instead of an hour and 15 minutes.  Ryan enjoys his ride.

She's 15

My beautiful girl is 15!  Morning presents, finals at school, and a delcious dinner completed her day.  My Meg is a wonderful dream come true.  She is kind, loves to sing, works hard, looks outside herself, and loves God.  Oh, we are so blessed she is ours.

Making It Happen

Austin made me breakfast in bed on mother's day, but I got lonely and came to the kitchen table.  Mi familia showered me with love and notes.

Meg had her track banquet.  She received awards for the best young athlete, running at state and being a 4.0 scholar.

 Maisie and Nick performed in their choir concert.  They were the best singers by far; I should thank their primary chorister for helping them ooze enthusiasm.

Andy ripped his toenail clean off.  Sick.  He limped for a couple days.

 That same night I found him reading his scriptures.  My good boy.

 Batman fell asleep on the couch during dinner dishes.

 Our perfect morning weather beckons the waving crew.  All the children scream and wave and wish Austin a happy day (our poor neighbors),

 Austin was at a Spear seminar for three days.  I took the kids to Budha Beach.  Matthew visited this week; he fit in nicely.

Can you spot Maddie under Austin?  After scriptures she either jumps on him or slides under him.  He tickles her and gives her individual atteniton.

 Ryan is still scooped up and loved by all.  Although he gets into everything and still poops his pants, we really love our big baby.

Brilliance

I've finally arrived!  This year I knew just what I wanted for mother's day -- a clean master suite.  I spent my best three morning hours and scoured and deep cleaned my space.  I change sheets and scour the bathroom every week, but this morning I washed the bedspread, down comforter, duvet, shams, and rugs. I cleaned out my night stand, polished my silver jewelry, and watered all my propagated plants.  AHHH, it was so nice to climb into bed.  The kids sat on the couch and basically rotted.  After lunch we cleaned their spaces.