I got to meet Everett!

I flew out to CA to visit and meet my new nephew Everett. What a bundle of joy!

School Pics

The girls wanted to go for a more bohemian look this year! Grandma Kari got them the flower head bands a while ago and they found some youtube videos on how to curl your hair by twisting it and tying it with paper towels when it's wet, then letting it dry over night. We decided to give it a try and I think their hair turned out great! I love these gals so much!

And here's Brooke by a Saguaro at the park!

Do you ever wonder if you're noticed by Heavenly Father? Do you wonder if He has forgotten about you? I feel this from time to time, even for no particular reason. I also have a hard time trusting Him. I have been thinking about this concept the last few days and as I was driving in the car today, I heard this song on KLOVE Christian radio. Some of these lines brought tears to my eyes:

"Drops In The Ocean" by Hawk Nelson

If you want to know
How far my love can go
Just how deep, just how wide
If you want to see
How much you mean to me
Look at my hands, look at my side

I am the type of person that likes reassurance in relationships, but why am I not already more assured that He loves me? It seems silly when you think about it-- me wanting Him to prove His love to me constantly. After all, is He not the one who has shown me how much I mean to Him by sacrificing HIS LIFE for me? And by blessing me with a wonderful life? I guess it's only human to feel more separated from God than we'd like to be. Won't it be wonderful when we are with Him again!?! For now, I believe we are here to develop the faith to stand on our own as much as we can. And as we seek Him and His love, we will grow.

First Day of School!

Caitlin, Brooke, Abby, Parker

Coming off the bus first week of school: 

Get Away to Cave Creek

Alan's parents let us use their time share points to go stay in Cave Creek (just 15 minutes away). It was one of the nicest places we've ever stayed! We were so thankful to have some place to get away to when it was so hot and the kids were getting bored at the end of Summer.

Ryan did poop in the hot tub! NO!!!

We went out to eat at Oregano's. One of our favorites!

Hands (or Heads) Down!

We like to play "Hands Down" for Family Home Evening and sometimes I like to use other body parts like feet or heads!!! It's funnier!