Summer's End

We have to face reality soon -- MUHS started this week and MVP starts next week.  Lots of places to go and errands to run, but we did swim most afternoons.

 Maisie taught Molly to swim this week.  Molly floats around calling for Maisie.

 We made a mad dash to the outlets for last minute shopping.  We survived.

 Andy started school as a freshman at MUHS.  His only mishap was riding the wrong bus home.  Poor guy.

 I found this haircut that I want.  Maisie told me it would be really awful growing out.  I believe her, so I'd have to keep it indefinitely.  I figure that I'll cut Austin's Saturday night, and he'll cut mine.

 Meg started her senior year at MUHS.  These two are so darling.

 Maisie fills in all the "Molly" gaps.  Just today I watched Molly take a clean rag to Maisie.  Maisie stopped what she was doing to carefully clean Molly's hands, face and dress.

 More swimmers.

 Maisie banded their hair.

 Saturday was the ward pool party.  Austin really cleaned up and it was a huge success.

 Today was fast Sunday.  Instead of sharing our testimonies, Austin gave each of us father's priesthood blessings.  Each of us took a turn sitting in the chair while he placed his hands on our head to bless, caution, and protect us.  But, we did have to wait awhile before he came home.  Ryan took a few pictures of our "worship hour" where we read church magazines and ponder together.

And I finally did something I've always wanted to do -- I typed up their blessings and turned them into bookmarks, so they can reread them daily and understand God's hand in their lives.

The Bigs

I have two very big children in my house -- they both weigh 95 pounds.  Nevertheless, they are our "Bigs."  Just yesterday Meg came into the kitchen and expressed, "I've been waiting my whole life for this year!  Andy is going to school with me, and I'm so excited!!!!"  Then she hugged him with all her might as he stood there stiff as a board (thank you, Austin for teaching him to reciprocate hugs like a corpse would) and barely smiled.  Yet, his eyes and face were glowing.  He said tonight at FHE, "I am so excited to go to school this year!"  This is going to be an epic year at MUHS -- watch out for these two who hold true to the God's standards, keep their covenants, and love each other.  

Happy Anniversary #18

We easily made it to 18 years of marriage.  This picture shows us in our peaceful place -- wandering the alleys of Venice.  I like it because we are holding hands.

This picture shows us in our dating place.  We went to Sedona for a lovely dinner and breathtaking views.  Then, we watched one movie and decided to go to another -- we've never even attempted a double-header at the theater, and it was fabulous.  

These next pictures show us in our napping place -- where that little girl keeps us awake and apart most afternoons.

 And here we are in our worshipping space -- where for 17+ of those 18 years we've been wrestling our littles and trying to teach them about God and their roles in His plan.

This is our celebration state -- I filled our table with wedding flowers, temples, wedding photos and candles.  And that's how we celebrated this year.

 And this is our current state.  We're preparing for the week, listening to church movies from the family room while we read and plan.

And although we've traveled the world, the community, and the home, my favorite place to be is beside him.  Beside him when it's hard.  Beside him when it's easy.  Beside him when it's early.  Beside him late into the night.  Beside him through it all.  He's my favorite, ever.

Ron and Kim Guymon Reunion 2018

Back-to-back reunions within 24 hours required one intermediate morning of this -- taking just a few minutes to be with my loving littles.

 And -- we were off to St. George.  We landed at a fantastic playground.

 Here are the sisters and mother in RS together -- Kimmie's hair, Ashley, Emily, Natalie and Mom (I was sitting by Kimmie, obvi).  This was Emily's first time with us, so that was lovely; she's very big.

 Sunday afternoon naps are a must on or off vacation.

 Then we spent 14 hours over two days in the backyard pool.  Lots of nourishing family time.

 Lots of movies and games.

 Matching PJ Masks pajamas (and Kate).

 Here is the group in our t-shirts.  We are a lovely site.  We are missing two whole families (Camps and Guymons) and Daddy-dearest.  At one point I saw a comfy chair in the shade near the deep end of the pool and I envisioned him there.

 More pool.

 Lots of cliff jumping.

 Matching suits.

 Scripture time.

 Emily painted hundreds of toes and fingers -- literally.

 Just soaking up the cozy company.

I am the breathing testament to the fact that man was not made to be alone.  It is tricky living so far from these whom I love so dearly.  How blessed I am that my home and table is always brimming full of people I love.  God loves me because he gave me a family to belong to, a family to rear, and an eternal family to live for.  Pip! Pip! Here's to the fundamental unit of society -- the family!

Cousins Camp 2018

The Babcock cousins came into town this year!  Everyday we swam.  Everyday we ate.  Everyday we laughed.  Everyday we loved.  

These are the shade seekers.

This is the floatie hoarder.

These are the sugar cookie makers.

These are the birthday shoppers -- AKA the young athletes.

 These are the eaters.

 These are the siblings.

 This is the glorious cake Lyndsey built.  It was ever better tasting.  She's a miracle worker.

We just loved being together.