Summer...don't end!

I am trying to soak up as much good weather as possible right now. I love being outside! We don't get family pictures with everyone very often, so I thought this was pretty cute.

Just please don't look at my thighs in this one. PLEASE! Did you look? You jerk.

(I admit, it is hard to miss them.)

Indianapolis isn't such a bad city. It is actually a pretty great place to live.

4 more years...I can hear the west calling out to me....

We'll be back!

We are NEVER too old to roller blade. I am lucky enough to be married to someone who LOVES to blade on a regular basis just like me. We do our best to get our blades out at least once a week. Pushing a stroller on blades is so much more fun than just walking or running.

Our last day with Dan was action packed. I feel a sense of accomplishment when I feel like I wore him out. Three kids can do that to just about anyone! Now we just need Cortney to come visit us! And let me thank my younger brother one more time for driving all the way to Indy from Utah in just 24 hours!! How often do I get that kind of one on one time with my brother? Pretty much never. I love ya Dan!

Now, about those "thunder thighs" up above. I have come to the realization this year that I can no longer eat whatever I want and expect to stay thin. I have always felt that as long as I am active and hit the gym a few times a week, I can eat anything. I guess that philosophy does not work in your thirties. So, for the first time, I am actually limiting my food intake.

We'll see how I do.
I am grateful for the good examples of my husband and some of my friends out here who love to be healthy and active every day!

(Yes, Jessica and Amelia, I am mainly talking to you!)

Being a mom...

It can be a little rough, but I would have to say that overall,

"IT'S THE BEST!"

I mean SERIOUSLY, look at that face!

When Dan came to visit, this bright idea of his entertained the kids for a good two hours.
This picture really says a lot about my daughter. I love her to pieces, but I have to admit at times she is a crazy nut!

Yesterday I was lounging at the pool with my kids and some good friends for FOUR HOURS.

I had to think how totally spoiled I am while Dave slaves away in the hospital day and night. Have I personally EVER wanted to be a doctor??? What do you think?!

A perfect day in Utah!

Cortney took us all up to her cabin on the 23rd of July. It was absolutely gorgeous. Her family owns land in the mountains near Coalville. We took an hour drive on the 4 wheeler up to the lake.

My brother was the photographer!

Man, did I ever luck out for such an awesome sister-in-law! Cortney is the best!

...the whole mountain to ourselves...

True love...reminds me of Wesley and Princess Buttercup.

Ty was trying to wake up from a long nap.

Even my mom was in on the adventure.

...missing my Wesley...

Hey bro, do you love it when I put picture's like this on my blog?

Josh's first time driving the 4 wheeler- with supervision!

The Matt's

Most of the time Maddie loved Dan, but she was also a little scared of him. We had to explain to her that he was just a big tease.

Hammock time!

I'm pretty sure Cortney has a crush on this little guy.

It looks like he has a thing for her too!

I have no doubt that my mom loves her grand kids. Just be easy on Josh when you play Monopoly next time!

The zip line
SWEEEEET!

A babe

What's she doing with this guy?

Thanks so much guys for loving our kids and for being so much fun!

Like I said, "July 23rd was a perfect day." Wish I could do it tomorrow!

Our first trip to Nauvoo!

What a perfect weekend this was for our family! The weather could not have been better, no crowds, beautiful 5 hour drive, cute little condo, fun restaurants, and the best part was that we could be with Joey and Ashley Orme just before they moved to Pennsylvania. It was the best and I can't wait to go back again. I am going to have to let the pictures do the talking because I took too many. (However, I am still kicking myself for not getting Baby Eliza and Ash in any pictures!) We love you guys! Thanks for making it all possible.

Hyrum on the left, Joseph on the right.
The Nauvoo Temple....truly stunning.

Bring out the wagon...

It is a miracle, I actually got some pictures of Josh on this trip.

(I usually have to bribe him with money to get a picture of him! It is pathetic!)

Is he cute, or is he cute??!

This may have been Maddie's favorite part of the trip; playing house, "pioneer style."

You may think this below is Dave, no, it is his almost look alike younger bro.

Dave makes this face when he is trying his absolute hardest. Joey just laughs.

Maddie took this picture, but I just love that "sly" face!

So much to say, but so little time...

I will say that sometimes I truly think I should have or would have liked to have been born in the early days of the church better than modern times. I would have loved to be a pioneer, lived off the land, and been a part of that great trek to Utah. But most of all, I long to have heard Joseph Smith teach and to have known him personally. To me, that would make all the hardships worth it. Nauvoo is a beautiful place. One day I will be able to know personally those great leaders and my ancestors who paved the way.