Change

A very many things are shifting dramatically in my life.  Everything is changing.  From teaching to staying at home.  From Portland to Denver.  From one little one to two.  But it is significantly tethering to know that there are a few things that will never change.  One of those things is the importance of family.  So these pictures we had taken before leaving Portland came at just the right time.  Feeling a bit lost in a sea of change, they reminded me that what is of most value will always be there.

"I got your neck"

Happy Father's Day!  

Always Listening

Lucy has always been pretty capable with language but it has hit a new level of fun.  Now she can generally keep up with adult conversations and if she looses the train of the conversation she will ask to be caught up.  She also picks the funniest phrases to repeat when she feels left out of a fast paced adult conversation.  My favorites include:

"I really need to start balancing my checkbook" (originally from the lips of Katie) 

"I will just be relying on my husband more than before." (originally my words)

Lucy Girl

I hope I never forget this stage.  I hope I never forget prayers that include blessings for her cousin at the doctors as well as the hangers in the closet.  How she thanks Heavenly Father for polka dots.  How she asks how my class was every day when I pick her up.  How she talks nonstop on our drive home from school.  How she responds, "Okay, sure" with the most peppy and sincere of voices to our questions.   How she calls the beach a sandbox and how she thanks me for taking her to see new things.  How she asks "why" all day long.  How she feels so much passion over which cup her milk goes in. How she screams in terror when there is a bug in the car.  How she holds two hands out in front of her, palms toward me, to warn me of something, "Careful not to spill." How excited she is to be a big sister. I hope I never forget any of this.     

Is it just me

or is it fun watching kids eat?

Meg, Tanner, and Mom Visit

Mom and Meg came to (and I quote) "help me pack up the house."  By the time they left the total of boxes packed during their visit totaled 2 (both done by Katie).  But we did eat a lot of good food, see a lot of fun things, and get some great and much needed relaxing in.  Not to mention all the doting on that cute Tanner that was happening. He is a charmer! 

 Pine State Biscuit 

 Salt and Straw

 The Zoo

 Heart Walk

 Voodoo Doughnuts 

Rugby Game