Fetching the Kiddies

I tried to suprise the kids and wanted to get their reaction. I get my camera ready, and ring the doorbell. Nothing. But I could hear kids! So I knock loudly. Nothing. I did notice the newspaper sitting at the base of the door, but figured my mom hadn't picked it up yet (I didn't know she even got the newspaper!). So I knock again. Nothing. This time, I turn around and try to follow the noise. It came from the door across from the one I was pouding on. I take a venture and captured this when attempting the second door: (Good thing "neighbor" wasn't home. I'd look pretty stupid standing there with a camera!

I think Angela's reaction was what I was looking for from the kids, but hey, I'll take it! Thanks Ang!

Dylan was just happy. And so was I!


We had a free day, so I suggested we drive up to Palisades and get Square Ice Cream. (It's an Idaho thing) Falls Creek was our first stop!

I remember it being so beautiful but the water level in Idaho is on the higher side so I was a little... (ok, I was A LOT) nervous with the kids getting too close. The grass behind the boys has a sudden drop behind it so they were super brave by sitting here. Jane was really scared. I just happened to snap this pic during a transition in displeased expressions that makes her look ok. But she was FAR from ok.

Love this country! It reaks of childhood memories! "Sunday Drives" happened rather often!

See? LOTS of water! And it was moving REALLY FAST!

Artsy fartsy shot. Me likey.

Enjoying our square ice cream! We never did make it up to the resevoir. We had to get back for more fun with family. A movie (How to train a dragon) with Uncle Schmoe (I mean Joe.) Good times! Good Time, indeed!

Over the River and through the.................

................................................................................

...uhhh.....desert? To Grandmother's house we go.

From riding toys to exploring the open desert

the kids have a blast and are never bored. We love St. George. We miss it! But when we are finally able to make the trip we find ourselves asking why we don't go more often. I hate how life does that to us. We even got to see Uncle Coley. Mr. BigShotHelicopterPilotInVegas! The kids just love him.

We love you grams and gramps. MEOW!

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

miss you already

Iris is August

I personally don't spend too much time in my back yard. Watering and mowing and maybe to rescue an injured child from the trampoline. So when I decided to walk around and check things out. (Actually I was talking to Alisha and I wanted to not be interupted.) I was pleasantly surprised to find that I had 10 Iris buds, 1 in which was in full bloom, all on one plant. (If you remember, the purple and white blossoms that were the first to bloom earlier this year, those were the ones making a reappearance. AND another plant that has a stalk starting to come up which could also have up to 6 buds as well. I'm really excited about that one because it didn't bloom earlier.

I had never heaard of that happening, so I called Grandpa L to see if that was "normal". He said that Grandma had mentioned that if the conditions were right, they could bloom twice in one year. So no, its not "normal", but a very pleasant surprise!

And...I think they smell like her.

(I will post pictures as soon as I can.)

SO Excited!!!!....

My grandparents mean the world to me!!

Grandma L. has had a huge Iris garden for as long as I can remember. Every time I'm up to visit during the blooming period, is definitely a treat.

I feel my time with both of them is becoming shorter and shorter, so last year I requested a start from a few of her plants to replant here at my own home.

Some day, my dream is to have an Iris garden like hers. The colors and sizes and textures and smells they come in, truly make an intoxicating.... breathtaking view for ANYONE visiting.

The contentment just seeps over you as you sit in a lawn chair with an ice cold soda and gentle conversation as they ask me how I've been and hearing the love that has coated those words, will be a high priority goal of mine to reach for when my own grandchildren come to visit me.

When I went to check on my own plants I discovered two buds on one of the plants, I'm thrilled to bits and just CAN'T wait to call them and tell them. I know they would both be tickled pink and so I patiently wait for a resonable hour to call.

Grandma gives the reaction that I was expecting, "Oh my!" And grandpa chuckles. The kind of chuckle where you can HEAR his bright smile spread across his face. (I need to record that the next time I'm up.)

Now all I have to do is wait.

Ward/Church Christmas program

Pie, Angels, Shepards, and Heavenly Choir

Body Art by Eli

Let me know if you would be interested in the latest fashion by Eli.

Our first subject, (grandma) is showing us here how lovely is looks with ANY color, print, or age you can wear it with. *How lucky for her to be decorated by Eli, himself! (she wore it all day too! Even to Costco! I, of course was walking "too fast" for her and she kept lagging behind. Wonder why?)

.

Next we have Eli demonstrating exactly HOW to apply it. The areas to cover are limitless! *Not for wood surfaces or hair!

Eli's birthday...take 2

We had a small party for Eli the other day when G&G Meow came to visit. It was a nice time and I would say that everyone enjoyed themselves. Here's a few high lights from that day.

String, glorious string!


He was so focused on this particular gift.

I have to admit that I'm impressed with the cake. (Sometimes I surprise myself....really!)