August 2010 New Slide and Play

For Christmas we had this rather large fort built by this great guy, whose name we got off of Craig's list. We loved working with him. When we saved up enough money we finally had the slide built and installed by that same guy many months later. The kids were so excited...especially when the irrigation water came a few days after it's completion and it seemed as if we had our own mini-water park. Talon of course was napping during the fun, which seemed like a tender mercy so we could determine the best way to let him enjoy it.

It was also a time in life where the power of having kids enjoy the simple things made life feel so rich. I love to see Brian love and play with the kids and the kids love each other. I think those times my just top all others as a mother...well holding a sleeping, healthy child is up there too. :)

Family Camping Trip to Big Lake

In July, Brian took us up past Pinetop, Arizona to an AWESOME campsite just near Big Lake. We spent several nights there and had such a blast exploring things, fishing on the lake, and waiting out afternoon rain showers under the man-made shelter Brian set up. It was the first time we didn't actually wonder why the heck we try it. Then we realized it was probably because for the first time in YEARS we did not have a child under two, who just handles such sleeping environments and such a little different. Especially in the middle of the night when it may get a little cold. I loved being with the family in nature. It's great to see the life and appreciation for creation that it brings out of everyone.