Channeling Grandpa Ralph

This is the official site of the future backyard swingset. Notice the four flags defining the future footprint.  To be completed in 2016.

On Valentine's Day at our house we go big or go home.

I know this picture is blurry but the photobomber in the window cracks me up.

And you get a picture of Grandma's bottom because Lane was into the remote trigger.   

We went to see the geese where we may or may not have slipped them some bread.  It will always make me think of my dad who made regular trips with grandkids to this same spot.  

 

Running with the geese. 

 

 

Fall Folliage on Fourth

It's almost official.  As of November 1, 2015, There will be two unemployed bums living in our house instead of the usual one.  Dave's a little apprehensive about this big retirement change.  Neither of us deals with change particularly well, and this is going to be a big one.  He has worked at Smith Food Sales for over 30 years and has always loved his job.  But we are looking forward to this new chapter and hopeful that neither one of us kicks the bucket anytime soon.   

Missoula

I visited Shelly and family in Missoula the week before Finley made her appearance.  It was fun for me but I think Shelly's smile wasn't entirely sincere.  Then, 2 months later, we all gathered for Finley's Blessing and Tate's Baptism.  

We always have to capture our 2-year-olds adorableness.  I was trying to document the progression of Seth's ice cream from the stick to his shirt.  

 

 A couple shots of almost the whole crew.  I don't know what Lane is doing.  Or why Tyler and I are taking a nap.  Or why it's October and Avery is in her swim suit.

 

 We'll try again next time!  I love all their unique personalities.  Feeling so blessed to have them all in my life.

Zion's

Ember being cute.

We joined Travis and Family at Diane and Ben's Leeds House.  The house was right next to a climbing hill, also known as gigantic mountain.  

  

After conquering the backyard "mountain" we moved on to Zion National Park.  Taegan was recovering from a bumpy start; she fell, puked, but then quickly recovered.

 
 The scenery was awesome.

 

Then, we washed off the trail dust.  And lounged.  

 

We rode the ATV's and studied rocks and cacti.

 

 

The only problem with climbing the mountain was that there was no escalator to get down.  That's what my knee said.  

Here's proof that I watered the flowers, Diane.

The end.  Til next year.