Tucson Temple Week

Andy and Jaxson left early Monday morning for scout camp.  They are lucky cousins to go together.

 Molly is pulling herself up all over town.

 I read a new book to the boys about rainbow lemonade.  Then we made some!  I was mostly patient and nice.  They were patient and nice.  All the family loved the drink at dinner.

 Tuesday we headed to Grandma and Grandpa B.'s house.  She had sparklers, poppers, popsicles, ice cream sundaes and a movie.  She sure knows how to spoil us.

 Wednesday we drove to the temple open house.  The children were very well behaved, and we all felt the spirit testify of the sacredness of the temple.  While holding my hand Ryan looked up at me and asked, "Where is Jesus?"  He knew the familiar spirit he felt, and he was looking for our Savior.

 Then we were treated to Chick Fillet for lunch.

 Home again to do laundry and unpack from our 36 hour jaunt.

 Friday we picked up Mark!  He came to visit his mission and be with us.

 Of course we swam right away.

 Meg passed her driving test and is a licensed driver!  AHHHH!

 Mark was a good sport and played Tenzi with us.

 I rolled out of bed and these two in practically on me.  I slept in the middle of them. :(  Austin spent the night at scout camp, so I didn't want to be lonely.  Next time it might be best to be lonely.

 Nicole treated me to a pedicure, which was heavenly.

 Andy came home filthy, but happy.  He said camp was fun and the food was fine.

Summer Fun

FHE was quality this week.  The Parkers gave us a fire pit for Christmas with a smores kit.  We busted it out and loved making smores.

 Then, I got my teeth cleaned by the best office in town.  I happen to love my two workers.

 Molly tried asparagus for the first time.  And she also tried beets and brussels sprouts.  She LOVED them all!

 I little bit o' uke one early morning.

 Nick and I attended cub camp for a couple days.  106 degrees made it a scorcher.

 Maddie, Nick and Maisie were in the Mizzoula play, "Cinderella."  They spent all week practicing and then performed a darling musical on Saturday.  Maisie and Nick had speaking parts, and Maddie was a mouse.  It certainly was a highlight of the summer.

Maddie's #8

Maddie is 8 today!  We love her!  We had a quiet morning opening presents.  She received scriptures and a baptism dress.  We are so glad she's preparing to be baptized by reading her scriptures everyday, making connections with Jesus's baptism, and asking promising questions.

 Rebekah asked which cousins were visiting when I posted this picture on the family G+ link.  I guess I really didn't see our family as "big" until even she thought we had extras.  No extras.

 But, then the Cleverlys came, and we swam and swam.  Maddie sure loves to swim with Jaxson.

Um.  I remember recording her cake and party songs.  I can't find them.  Anywhere.  It was a beautiful oreo cake, too.  We love Maddie because she is a creator.  She loves to make cards and notes of affirmation for us all.  She loves to play with Molly and carry her all over.  Her head rarely comes above the water when swimming, and she can make the two little boys belly laugh.  She is the first one to kiss me when I come home, and always waves until I'm gone.  She knows how to make me feel special.

June

Another summer week of sun and minimal stress.  My webelos came and swam to finish off our aquanaut elective.

 Grandpa B. came for the week.  He added much wisdom to our scripture study and constantly reminded the children how awesome they are, and how much he loves them.  We love him.

 He took us to pizza.

 My first baby that loves the water.  I think it's because the water is delightfully warm -- there is no chill factor when you jump in.

 She jumps and dives and touches the bottom like a pro.

 They made a little cake shop.

 She is trying to escape from rogue Batman.

 Poor little lady, he loves her so much.

 So kissable.

 Grandpa also took us to ice cream.

 Garden harvest -- our cool crops are out.  Now it's time for tomatoes, peppers and melons.

 Maddie and Eddie were Santa and her elf.  They passed out presents to each family member.  It was a great game.  Eddie made sure his shoes were passable for elf shoes.

 I'm a total shade seeker.

 He's a pretty handsome pool boy.

 We picked nectarines.  Ryan loved throwing the bird bitten ones over the fence.

 Maisie climbed up high and reached the ones way up top.

 Meg and Andy went on trek.  They loved the entire experience, and we missed them.

 I am glad they are apart of our eternal family.

 Our time in the mothers' lounge is special.  She rolls and moves and is crazy.