Twas the Night Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas

And all through the house

Not a creature was stirring

Larger than a Mouse

When what to our wondering eyes should appear

Another peanut suddenly was here

Pumpkins

Punpkins carved. Pumpkins alight. Pumpkins made in the dark of night.

Costumes

Ninja, Tech Pirate King, Cat and Kitten, Serape laden Papa.

Tied for First

Their first Rain gutter Regatta and they tied for first place. I suppose One received first and the other second, but because they were brothers the officials decided to forgo racing the two of them until one of them won. Both were undefeated except for once by the other. They were so happy with their boats, even before the races. They would try the boat in the water and come running back exclaiming how smooth it ran and how it slipped along the sides of the gutter, and then run back and try it out again. The best cheerleader in the crowd was their little sister, "boats, mark- get set -Goooo, here they come".

Where is the baby?

Where is the baby? I lost her somehow. This Lady is not a baby. Where did my baby go?

North Falls Hike

Little Bear came along too, my heart dropped to my stomach several times watching Little bear and his precious carrier explore, run and look over edges. Little Lady has great endurance, she walked or ran most of the way on her own. She wants to be as independent and free as her brothers. I love the ferns, moss and lichen. I think it is most beautiful when wet and rainy. Maybe not rainy, but right after the rain when the world is washed fresh again. The colors are brighter and the world feels alive.

Cabin Camping

Camping in the rain dosn't sound like fun, but we found we prefer it, especially if there is a cabin involved. The boys favorite part is the food and fire, Little Lady's favorite is being outside all the time.

Morning Chores

We just added a new dimension to morning chores. School days calves need to be fed before breakfast and the school bus. Sunday first thing, but no Papa to help. Saturday we can wait a little before feeding. It has been a lot of fun (and work). We have enjoyed feeding them all together as a family.

Flying

A Sunny afternoon, a heart to heart, a remote control airplane and the last of the summer blackberries.

Sunday Morning

Sunday morning can be a challenge, but oh so nice when things go right. I am thankful for two big boys who are so helpful every Sunday. I am grateful for a sweet little smile and all of her sticky hugs. I am glad they wanted to practice with the camera so these moments exist in more than just my memory. It looks like those old time photos of a family standing out on the lawn, and I can only wonder what Darian's children will think when they see his tie. ;)

Going out for a Ride

Oh No! What to do when your cart breaks down.
It is a good thing to bring along your own mechanics.

Ladybug

The Joy of an umbrella is often overlooked. The days of the lovely parasol are long gone, we don't even wear hats much. My little Lady has found these joys and embraced them with all her heart.

Lady's Day

Little Lady loves pony tales.

She has been busy learning about nurturing, creating and cooking.

Ruby Creek

Grandma made a picnic for us to eat at Ruby Creek. Grandpa found Huckleberries for us to pick. We found butterflies, threw rocks in the stream and even waded in the cold water.

3 Hour Wait

Three hours can be an awfully long time when you are almost two and it is your mother who has been gone. Papa can always find some way to entertain when patience has been exhausted.

Yellowstone 2

Mammoth Hot Springs. Paint pots. Ice Cream. Canyon.

Trip to Yellowstone

Obsidian wall. Picnic. Bears. Roaring Mt. Hike to Falls. Geysers. Sheepeater Cliffs.

Beach

The beach here is not very often warm and sunny. More often than not it is 60 degrees and overcast with a good brisk wind. We love to go anyway. There is so much to find and to do. Sandcastles are the most popular.

Summer Family Fun

Summer has been full. Memories have been made.


Love the baby. Treasure hunts.

Books and books and more books. Picnics with boys.

Time with bear.

Summer has been full. Memories have been made.

Camp Lehi

It is really nice when you find your ideal camping spot in your own backyard.

• Private


• No sign of civilization


• Clearing surrounded by trees


• Next to a stream


• Dig your own fire pit


• Within walking distance of the house


• Real deer tracks
  

This is the second time we have used this spot, and both times we have renacted Lehi leaving Jerusalem. We send the boys back for scriptures and spend the evening camping. The boys plead and beg to do it over and over again. Little Lady just loves being outside with her "boys".

Sing While You Drive

45 MPH - Sing, God Be With You Till We Meet Again

55 MPH - Sing, I am But a Stranger Here; In Heaven Is My Home

65 MPH - Sing, Nearer My God to Thee

75 MPH - Sing, When the Roll is Called Up Yonder, I'll Be There

85 MPH - Sing, Lord, I'm Coming Home

Lady Loves

Lady loves pretty dresses, watching big shows and eating strawberries.

Mice?

I Love my cats. They are one of the few animals on the farm that pay for themselves. On this day Coco caught himself a bite of lunch. We went to see this rather large bite. Little Lady's response was fun. (As background, her father has recently introduced her to Disney's Cinderella. ) As we approached she could see Coco playing and tossing his lunch around, she giggled with glee at the fun and said "mice, mice" She was sure this was one of those cute friendly mice. She repeated over and over her desire for the "mice, mice". I was nervous about her desire to hold and touch, I wanted Coco to have a good lunch without being disturbed. I hauled a sad Little Lady away up to the shop.

It was not long before I heard a muffled "mrowf", here comes Coco rat in mouth struggling through two closed fences. He deposited the rat right in Dundee's lap and proceeded to rub up against the surprised dog who jumped up and looked at me seeming to ask, "What am I supposed to do about this, is it OK?" Dundee came to me, away from possible trouble. Coco proceeded to eat his lunch there near us. Within seven minutes he devoured it all the way down to its haunches, his belly was bulging and rounded out. Coco picked up the remains of his lunch to bring over to his friends. Big and bossy brother Milo saw him and ran over. Coco dropped the rat by his brother. Milo grabbed and ran, so afraid of loosing his prize he dug a hole in some nearby leaves and buried it there. Later he dug it up and finished it all except the tail which was left on the walkway. Little Lady did not like getting taken away and begs to see the little video of Coco playing with the "mice, mice."