Ben in the Back Yard

For Ben, nothing brings more satisfaction than to hear one of his sisters say, "Ben, you're bothering me!" He loves to poke, tease, scare, and gross them out anytime, anywhere. Once, my mom admitted that a few minutes in the stockade would probably do him some good. But he is still such a sweet, little boy. I think these pictures capture a glimpse of that.

Date Night in Fort Collins

I am writing a book titled The Story of the Boys I Loved Before the One I Married. It started when I found myself perusing through some old journals. I was shocked by what I read. For one, I was in so many dangerous situations and never knew it. For another, the guys my parents trusted the most, coincidentally treated me the worst. There is an amazing story that I want my kids to know. I was so clueless; I refuse my children the same luxury.

My book is still in the editing stage but James promised it would be done for our anniversary. I intend to give a soft-back copy to each of my kids on their 14th birthday. (And if you're lucky, I'll let you read it, too.)

Anyway, the book includes a lot of terrible photos of me, James, and past boyfriends. When Staci was here, I begged her to take a decent picture of us so that hopefully I could end the book on a good note. Here are just a few...

Summer Sizzlin'

Aunt Staci came to visit with cousins and camera in tow. The next series of pictures are hers.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

James hits for a single.


Marie learned how to ride a bike.


Ben is sad because he has casts on his hands (to stop him from sucking his thumb).


Grace being silly at the ballgame.


Tessa builds a sandcastle.


Another picture of Ben, this time with a big smile.

Our Garden

This is what happens when a child plants three seeds in one hole.

Check out those solar panals on the vine of Allie's pumpkin!



Knee high by the forth of July.

Little Gracie wants to see what's on the coutner.

A Spot of Hail

We spent the afternoon yesterday planting our garden. Hopefully, none of the plants took a direct hit.

Johnstown Barbeque Day

Johnstown's Barbecue Day (Saturday, June 6) began at 4:30 a.m. when a fire engine, siren and horn wailing, woke us up for the fireman pancake breakfast (proceeds go to charity).

We skipped the breakfast for a few more hours of sleep, then got the kids ready for the parade. Here they are all ready to go.

Grace is checking out the girls from the Greeley Saddle Club.

Our ward had a float for the primary kids who got to throw tootsie rolls into the crowd. At the end of the parade, Ben had a shirt full of tootsie rolls. He couldn't figure out why everyone else was throwing away perfectly good candy.

This pretty much sums up the parade.

This is the "Queen" and her "Attendant". I'm not sure who's duties include cleaning the poop off the road.

Our ward volunteered to pick up trash after the parade (a street sweeper cleaned up behind the horses).

Back at home, Grace helped Daddy in the yard.

And Ben helped Mommy in the kitchen.

Spring is Here!

As things begin to turn green and bloom, James and I find this town more and more lovely. At times, the rolling green hills remind us of Ireland. And our little patch of earth is beginning to look just as beautiful. We have spent the last several weeks patching lawn, planting flowers, power washing the fence and preparing the garden. We hope to have the garden finished in a week or two. The final picture features Tessa's first missing tooth (she lost the second the next day).

Marie's Birthday

My pathetic attempt at goldfish cupcakes. Luckily in this small town, parents can still bring in homemade treats for the class. Also pictured: climbing a tree, opening a gift from Grandma Lori and a silly string fight (Daddy won).

Easter

Please forgive our long absence. Our computer died and it has taken a while for James to transfer all the old files and even longer for me to figure out this new lap top. We'll now go back in time....