Loo-li-lo

I have such a talented younger sister! She is intelligent, kind, plays piano well, is an amazing aunt and is a sports super-star! She has a full ride basketball scholarship along with some academic and other scholarships. I never got to see her play basketball when she was in high school so when she came to Salt Lake for some tournaments I was so excited to go watch! Not to mention how excited the boys were to see her. I'll admit, it was a trial getting the boys to behave while I watched her. Especially since I REALLY got into it! I found that snacks made a big difference. :D

Summer fun, 2011

We had a lot of fun during the Summer of 2011. Lots of playground visits(including to the malls when it was super hot!), sand boxes, water fun and, of course, TONS of playing in our backyard. My parents gave us their trampoline and whenever it's even just bearable weather I can't get the boys off of it!

We have a few fun water toys, like a slip 'n' slide. Loren really gets into playing with the boys with those but I just can't get past the cold water, even on the hottest days! We recently bought a swing set from some friends who were moving and my mom brought a big tractor tire down for a sandbox of our own. Now if I can figure out a slide of some kind we will have an awesome place for playing and having friends over!

I really want to build a playhouse of some kind out there too, but that may not be for another year or two. I think our priority project this year will be to convert our kitchen window into a door and putting a small deck back there. We already have the door and I think all the tools we'll need. It's mostly the know-how, man power and time.

Cloud

Early last fall my mom called me with the news that my beloved Shetland pony Cloud had passed away. I cried and cried! Growing up, this horse was my best friend. I don't know how many hours and days I spent just hanging out on his back. I didn't have a bike, I rode Cloud around town to get the mail, go to my Grandparent's house, do chores, you name it. A lot of people said they didn't know it was me if Cloud wasn't with me!

I'm grateful my boys were able to spend some time with him. I got some pictures but as you can see, the boys aren't exactly dressed. They kept playing in the mud and water and getting filthy so my mom started letting them run around almost naked! Oh, well. It made for memories and easier clean up!

A few months after Cloud died Ethan asked something about him and I started crying again. It was really hard for me! It presented a good opportunity to introduce Ethan to the Plan of Salvation. Well, the four year old explanation of it.

I will never forget my first best friend! I'm grateful he was always there for me and he kept me out of trouble. Miss you Cloud!