Spring/ Summer Catch up

Our lives have been extremely busy over the past few months.  I'd dare say we have far too many weeks that have felt like we are back at Scout Camp.  Crazy busy and no time to think or breath.  I certainly hope we learn whatever lessons we are supposed to learn from this -- not sure we are because we continue to find ourselves in this position and it is getting tiring.  I wonder if a positive attitude, cooperation and endurance are some of the lessons...we get tired and cranky and when we finally re connect we feel that the Lord is guiding us on our path and so we continue on....in this crazy life. :)  My darling husband has been blogging for us since about March or so.  I'm so grateful that he sees the value of a family journal and has been helping with this endeavor.   We have printed out each year of our journal and the kids have such a great time looking through them.  To that end...here are some of the photos that have been on my phone since Spring...to hopefully fill in some gaps. 

Garrett received his First Class Scout in April or May and has since earned his Star Rank and is just waiting to have his Board of Review.  (notice his height in this photo -- he is as tall as I am now!)

Can't remember if I already blogged about this but my friend Amy, of whom I adore, has a once a year extravaganza in her backyard. She has a Kentucky Derby party with pony rides and a petting zoo.  Libbie was in heaven. 

Remember when I said I didn't have a picture of cute JT and Amber .....found one!  They completed their first summer of marriage by running Camp Browning at Trapper Trails Council and surviving it.  Way to go guys!!  Unless you've lived at camp, you just can't understand.  And to have it be your honeymoon -- hats off to you!:) 

I took a trip to Colorado with Libbie and Gavin this summer to visit Aunt Kenna, Uncle Armando and Elle.  On our way home we stopped at Four Corners Monument.  Couldn't pass up the chance to be in 4 states at once!

Look at that cute crab out there...

Gavin wasn't willing to do the crab but he finagled the four corners with his feet alone.

Right to left:  My Great Uncle Tap, Garrett, Gavin, Mimi and Libbie - Sadly, Uncle Tap passed away in August of this year.  I am thrilled that my kids got to meet him and enjoy his roosters/tractors on his property in Camp Verde.

Jillian is just so darling and we don't have enough pictures of her, so I thought I'd throw this one on. 

When we were in Colorado we went to the local pool -- such a fun place. 

We also celebrated Elle's 6th Birthday.  She is getting so old!!

And spun on the spinny thing with Aunt Kenna.  Thank heavens for Aunt Kenna..you can tell the perspective of this photo -- me on the sidelines at the park.  We love that Aunt Kenna plays...she loves to play.:)

again at the pool -- pretty cool kid.

I had to take this one of fun cousins, green grass and the cutest house ever.   Kenna and her family moved in here in the Spring.  Isn't that porch to die for? 

On the way home we stopped at a hotel in Flagstaff, AZ.  One the way out we noticed this birds nest on the light in a cozy corner of the hotel.  We watched the mama bring food to her babies a few times...so sweet.

Libbie was able to be a student in Debbie Goates sewing class this summer.  She made the skirt, pin cushion, pillow and a bag that is behind her...all in just 4 short 1/2 days of classes.   She uses them all and loves them.  Thanks Debbie, you're the best Las Vegas Grandma to these girls.  They love YOU!