Sunday Stroll & A Big Green Bug

After church we decided we need to get outside and enjoy the weather, so out we went for a walk. Luke stayed inside...he thinks it's such a treat that we let him stay home "alone" while we go walking thru the grove. (don't burst his bubble either, it's a big deal to him)

After picking a few avos for our upcoming 4th of July BBQ bash, we wondered over to our fruit trees to pick some apples............and Trent found the biggest, greenest bug ever! It's a green scarab beetle, but it was so drunk with nectarine juice that it could barely fly away...kind of funny to watch.

It's definitely one of those ugly-beautiful things....
totally gross, but intriguing at the same time!

Jill & Family Visit!!!

My best friend from college, Jill Fernald, and her mom, Susan, and sister, Jana, came to visit me!!! I haven't seen Jill since we left Utah for Missouri so Trent could go to med school....that was 6 years ago. Since then we've both been criss crossing the country, missing each other every time.

It was so nice to get caught up in person.
Jill, when you read this...you'd better email me chica...or else!!

Summer Flowers

We have some really gorgeous flowers around our place these days.
They are so beautiful that I can't help but photograph them.

This bee was caught in a thread of a spiders web, so he was in my power!!! Ha Ha Ha
He really did hold very still, such a nice critter.

Today was the perfect day.
Slightly overcast, which is my favorite light to shoot flowers in.
I love the little hairs on the outside of this stamen??
I probably should review my plant anatomy.

I have to mention with this post that it was super hard to get Emry & CeCe to NOT pick the flowers. They are constantly picking everything in sight. It's been a real challenge this spring/summer, getting them to put hands in pockets and simply admire...
the desire to pick is too great!

Jarvis Family Visit

We had an overnight visit from our good friends, the Jarvis'. They were the first lds family we met when we arrived at Camp Pendleton. We ended up getting into a house just down the street from them. They moved to Yuma, AZ the same week that we moved off base, so it's been a while since we'd seen them. Our children are all the same ages and play really well together, so it was great to see them for a little bit. Luke & Emry were so so excited that Sam, Nathan & Jane were coming for an overnight! All morning, before they arrived, I heard nothing but, "Is it time?" and " Are they here?"

When they did arrive, the kids all had a riot! They played like they hadn't missed a beat. It was really nice that all the big kids were occupied because it allowed me to chat with Melanie a lot and just have some adult convo...wonderful!

Samuel, Nathan & Luke

The whole gang-Carley, Emry, Jane, Andy, Nathan, Luke & Samuel

BFF-it's hard to say good bye.

Sam (the dad) is going to be participating in a Triathlon at Camp Pendleton in August, so they'll be coming to stay again...which was a good way to end the day. Otherwise my kids probably would've stowed away in Melanie's Van!!!! Thanks for visiting, see you soon!

Out with the Crib...In with the Big Girl Bed!

I'm a tiny bit sad tonight because we've taken down the crib for the last time. Up until now I haven't been sad about not being able to physically have any more children. This evening was the first time I felt a twinge of sadness seep into the motherly side of my soul.....
I really feel that it is the end of a huge chapter in my life, which feels sad,
but at the same time I'm alright with it.

Aside from that, the girls were so excited to be getting new diggs! We found these cute bedspreads at Wal Mart on sale!!! That made me happy. Originally I only wanted them to coordinate, but I couldn't pass up the cute birds! So exciting!!!

Notice the Cinderella doll (aka 'rella in Carley speak).
She won't go anywhere without it...the girl is OBSESSED I tell ya!
But doesn't she look like such a big girl! We are proud of her!

Sisters!!!

We've been trying to have a lot of girl fun at home before Luke gets out of school for the summer. I thought I'd post a few of the things we've been up to.

Lots of dress up!

Lots of fun in the bathtub!

And Salvador brought us this gigantic avocado! It was as big as Carley's head!

This is Salvador. He's the farm manager and our local go to guy! He loves to have the kids around and doesn't mind the constant barrage of questions they shoot at him. He's such a good sport. We really like having him around...especially since he's been keeping us supplied with zucchinis from his garden!!! Thanks Salvador!

Family Funnies

  "Dad, I got sand in my butt." --Lucas