Titleless

We are just trying to soak up the last bit of summer sun this week.

 I keep trying to get a picture of Molly's two little teeth, but she won't let me!

 He can't not hold her, every second.

 Swimmers.

 Andy sits inside and reads.  Tuesday everyone went inside, I told Andy to watch Molly, and I sat outside.

 Then I floated.  It was all very lovely.

 Maisie gave us a balloon animal tutorial.

 Thursday morning we swam with the sunrise at 5:30 am.  It was glorious!  I have no idea why we have never done that before!

 Meg started her junior year!  She is a beautiful girl, and I love her.  I hope these next two years drag on and on and on, so she never has to leave.

 Grandma and Grandpa B. moved to us!  They live in that house in the upper left corner, but we parked far away because the bus does not fit.  Or rather, I am afraid to try and make it fit.

 Molly is a walker!

 Friday Austin and I (plus lucky Molly) spent the day buying a JEEP.

 We were successful, and we like it.

 Naturally, Saturday we spent the morning cleaning the garage to make a space for the said JEEP.

 Sunday Ryan took pictures of us in the mother's lounge.  I'll get him in them next time.

Say Goodbye to Summer

Sunday night was out last summer sabbath.  I made the kids pile up.  Poor Maisie is there, under Nick, but you can only see her legs and mouth.

 Monday was a bunch of swimming.  Ryan now goes off the diving board, and even likes to pencil dive and throw his body sideways.  Molly walks right into the water.

 Molly's two teeth -- that she cut on Andy's birthday -- have been impossible to capture, not for a lack of trying.

 More swimming, because we never get tired of it.

Andy watched Molly inside, then all the kids went in, to Ryan and I stayed out.  It was so relaxing.  Soaking in the pool solo -- a summer first.

 We have not nightly routine once we've read, prayed and the littles are in bed.  Mostly the kids play PS4 or watch a show.  Maisie came up and gave us a balloon animal tutorial.

 This is real and another first.  Austin and I got up at 5:30 to exercise in the pool.  It was divine!  Where have I been for four years?  He swam laps for 30 minutes.  I went for about 8, was drowning, and then did aerobics in the shallow end via Youtube tutorials.  I loved it.

 Grandma and Grandpa B. moved to our community! We could not be more thrilled. Here are the kids looking at their rental from the top of the hill.

 Meg is a junior at MUHS!  She looked darling, and she told me that this year is going to be so great.  I believe her.

 She's sure a beauty.

 Molly walks.  And walks.  And walks.

 Friday Austin and I spent a day in the valley and came home with a Jeep!

 Naturally Saturday we gathered the children and cleaned out the garage so that his Jeep has covered parking.

 Sunday mother's lounge selfies.

 Ryan conveniently cut off my head.  Thanks, buddy.

 After church we watched general conference until Austin came home.  He gave us priesthood blessings to start the school year, and we were gathered together basking in the spirit of unity and peace.

 These kids found the perfect spot to paint.

 Post family scripture study, I have three kids on me, and I love it.

Pioneer Week

Austin planned the ward schedule so that there is nothing major in July, so that families can actually be together.  Here we are playing Catan together.  Nick won!

 We made butter and I took fresh rolls into primary for Pioneer Day.

 Ryan brought shells home from Lake Powell.  He then cleaned them and organized them.  I think he is quite big.

 Molly walks to us!  We spent most nights this week gathered in a circle to help her practice.  It is sure sweet to hear the cheers and claps she receives.  She is tickled.

 Maisie sewed this lunch bag.  I helped a bit, but it was her idea, and she picked the fabric.

She also sewed this turtle.  I love that she is learning new talents.

 When Austin cleans the pool, these kids wade.  Here they are showing off their white thighs.

 I paused to swing with the littles.  I sing and do under dogs, and they giggle and can't get enough.

 I took everyone school shopping in Prescott. We found everything on our list!  I really felt like the whole event was a tender mercy.

 Grandpa B. came with a load.  The big boys and I helped him move it into storage.

 Because it is monsoon season, we often have beautiful rainbows.

 Meg pulled him in close.  I thought it was darling.

 Austin was at a seminar in the valley for three days.  Naturally I read a novel.  Naturally.  I highly recommend it to all you blogs readers.

 These kids play lots of play-doh.  How creative they've become.  Maddie has certainly taken her food play to a whole new level.

 Spaghetti and meatballs, anyone?

 I've been stretching more, in hopes that I'll hurt less.  I hope.

 Rebecca, my primary  helper and baby holder.  She's just so sweet.  I really love her.