Bear Lake: Round 1

I am sure this will be the first of many visits to Bear Lake during the summer, so here we go! Lance had a few days of bereavement, and we decided that a good way to spend that time would be to take the fam and go for a drive -spend some time together...

Our fearless driver!

Excited little girlz!

Excited, but resting up...

Token self-shot! Unedited!

Me and Bri in the sun! :)

Sabrina's little square feet! ...She'd been to this same beach before -at one week old!

Ella's cute little feet -running around the sand!

LOVED these two shots of Sabrina with Lance!

After the lake, we went to Lance's parent's home for a fabulous dinner. We spent time working on funeral arrangements, on the obituary, and talking about Grandma Kay. It was such a beautiful day -one that will remain forever in my memory.

Goodbye, Kay

We received word this morning that Grandma Kay had passed away. Tonight we said a prayer for her, thanking God for her beautiful life, for raising Debbie, and for loving us. We will miss you, Kay. May God bless and keep you.

Kindergarten: OVER

This is Ella and Miss May from her final Kindergarten assessment. I don't know how she ranks in national percentiles, or anything like that... I do know that Ella has made some awesome strides this year. Her reading is coming along -and from a social perspective, she's still as optimistic and personable as ever. I'm so crazy about this kid! Congrats on finishing your first of many many many years of school, Ella!

Memorial Weekend

We'll start with the best shot! I love love love this picture of Sabrina. The lighting is so interesting to me, and she just looks right through you...

Me!

Over the weekend, I got to see my dear friends the Fronks. Here's Teri with my beebee! *GREAT to see you, Teri! SO nice to get together outside of the Fest o' Trees! :)

We spent some time hanging out with family. Some of these pix are courtesy of Sarah, so thanks!

How adorable is Ella?! *YES, she got sunburned. Bad mom.

Auntie Sarah with Brina-babes.

Auntie Sarah with a very dirty-faced Mia!

My family went to my brother's grave-site, but I wasn't aware of the gathering. I will go on my own (time to myself, are you kidding me?) later on... :(

This holiday has always just meant (to me) time spent with family- and since John's death, it still means the same...

Things that make you go hmmmm.

Um... Should I read anything into the fact that yesterday (after a morning with a migraine and looking the part) my sweet Mia thrust my make-up (tackle-box) at me and said "Here, go, Mommy!"??????????????

(Lance still can't stop laughing about it.)

Sometimes

Given where I am, sometimes I think more thought should go to into where I'm going.

Grandma Kay

Lance's sweet Grandma Kay broke her hip a little while back and has been in the hospital and now a care facility ever since. She is such an incredible woman -it's hard to see those we love suffer. We went to see her on Saturday, and she was doing really well -which is encouraging. She's a tough lady!

Towels!

Mom surprised my girls with some absolutely adorable and personalized towels the other day! THANKS, MOM!!!

You know, while growing up, I never realized that this kindred spirit of a mother would someday become such a dear friend to me. I have always loved her -but my respect and admiration of her go infinitely deeper. Mom has a heart of gold. She was raised in such humble circumstances -and now is such a sincere appreciator of the beauty in the world around her -it's one of my favorite things about her. Mom, I love you so much. Thank you for everything you do for me and my family. :)

Gettin' out

Logan has some wonderful places to get out and away to. The other day my friend Melanie and I have been for a few walks at Logan River Walk -it's awesome. The girls love love love getting out of the house and doing something different! I'm planning on this summer being outside as much as possible!

Me and Mel. :)

Melanie pushing m'babies -Sabrina in the back with the cheese, and pretty Mia with her stolen barbies!

Lounged and lovin' it.

Neither prepared for the shot. CUTE!

Hyrum Dam

Sunday was a wonderful family day- we headed out to Hyrum Dam to celebrate my father-in-law Donny's newest purchase -a boat! That's him at the helm. ...You can see shadow and sunglasses. :)

My mother-in-law Debbie!
Lancey-cakes.
My Ella-boo!
Mia-babes!
Bri-bri! OKAY! I had to edit my picture because I was lookin' pretty haggard after the boat-ride. It's the only self-shot I had!

We had such a fun time, and Ella hasn't stopped talking about it yet! Thanks for the excellent afternoon, Debbie and Donny!

UPDATE: I'm siiiiick. You see that from time to time on my blog. My nose is a stinkin' faucet, and I have awful sinus pressure. :( Mia caught it first, and I'm hoping that it's small and viral and will go away in a few days. Everyone else seems to be doing okay (knock on wood).