10 years

I relived my passed this last weekend. I went home alone for my 10 year High school Class Reunion.(GO Bulldogs!) Circumstances caused me to go home alone. When would I ever have that again?....

Never.

I slept in the room that was mine in High school; in the dark basement. I stayed up til absurd hours of the night with my friends and siblings and slept in til absurd hours of the morning. One morning it was 9:30 a.m.! I haven't done that for 5 years, maybe more.

I got to visit and just hang out with my family without all the interruptions that children bring. It was absolutely joyous!

I felt like a teenager! (Plus a few years of wisdom and experience.... but probably just only a little bit.)

My friends called me Lisa Lou and we all had the same personalities and mannerisms. I felt like I had never left that part of my life.

I had a wonderful High School experience. My friends were and still are such good people to the core. We helped eachother be good. I have such fond memories!

I bore my testimony in the same ward I grew up in and listened to testimonies of the same people I listened to growing up.

The best part was driving into Safford and seeing the breathtaking temple right on the side of the main highway! Still can't believe that and can't wait to go there!

My only regret.....that I am a lame picture taker. I never get enough pics. I think it's cause I don't want to be the one to tell people, "Look at me!!"..... "Smile for the camera!"

(Mom, Dad, Randon @ the homecoming football game.)

Lisa Lou and Lucy Lou ( my very best friend)

Here's to the end of 10 wonderful years and the beginning of 10 even more wonderful years!

BRING IT ON!

FALL

Why is it called fall?..... Such a dull name for such a magical time of year. And I mean magical. The word autumn fits it much better. Don't you think?

Everything about it is exciting and electric. That crispy coolness that starts in the early mornings and late evenings is simply heaven.

And ooooh the smells..... pumpkin, apples, caramel, soups, parties, and the cool air. There is something fresh and clean about cool air which warm air does not afford.

Let us not forget the colors!

Maybe in a hot climate we feel about autumn as those who live in a cold climate feel about spring. It is our savior.

I feel like for the summer, life is some what put on hold and then autumn comes and saves us from inside our doors and allows us to roam free again.

New school, new activities and all the most wonderful holidays right around the corner.

Fall or should I say AUTUMN ushers them all in.

(Isaac is loving soccer!)

I LOVE YOU FALL!

BATMAN

.......... and he is serious!

Expanding Horizons

Isaac: " Mom, there is a girl named Grace in my class. She is nice. She has short black hair. She has droopy eyes and always looks tired."

Ok, that is a little strange I thought.

The next day I took Isaac to school and he pointed out Grace to me.....

She is an adorable Oriental girl.

I laughed and laughed!

Brotherly " Wuv"

We are driving away from Isaac's school this morning and Easton says,

"Mom, I wuv my Izzy...... I wuv him." (He can't say his l's so it's wuv.)

Is that what it's all about?

Just maybe.

Little Gentleman

Easton is Mr. Independent these days.

He is the original Mr. Independent. And if I forget it, he lets me know it.

If I do anything for him at all he does it over again.

This all began with Potty Training!

This boy did it in 3 days!!! Done and done.

He had 1 day of accidents and never again. He is even dry every night and it's only been 3 weeks!

He was really ready.

And now, because he is a big boy, not a baby he is all the way a big boy.

He does this when he goes # 2. He hates smelling it.

Another independent spill over is the holding of the door.

Every time we leave or come home to the house, Easton opens and holds open the garage door for me.

No matter how long I take getting through it; he holds it.

I started telling him thank you and that he was such a gentleman.

Yesterday I just said thank you and he said " Yes, because I am a gentleman."

Yay for kind words.

I hope he always thinks of himself as a gentleman.

That is who I want to raise.

Labor Day Weekend in Cedar Breaks, UT

Our Camp Site

Easton wore this back pack the whole trip.

We camped with the Broderick Family!

The Fisherman (this is all John wished for during the break)

The Pond

The Scenery

The friends we caught and ate!

It poured on us the first night. We woke up to 2 inches of rain and soaking wet everything. It took all day for everything to dry out. It was an adventure to say the least!

We had so much fun and there is nothing like being in nature!

And what is it about sitting by a fire?

We did crafts and the kids explored and chased around the neighbors dog "Minnie".

The adults played games and night and laughed and laughed.

I love creating family memories.

Arizona Part II

Safford : The Herringtons

The little valley they live in is so green.

It's like a little oasis in the middle of a barren dessert.

Bella Dawn

We spent most of our days with this little character.

Look at all her faces! She is 100% adorable personality.

She tells stories about herself using her name is 3rd person.

It is so funny! I think I laughed constantly when she was around!

I always love going home. This time was especially wonderful because I prayed before I left and tried so hard when I was there to better my relationship with each person. It's amazing what the Lord will do if we ask for help. I felt a special love for each person and was so happy to spend time with them all.

I am so grateful for eternal families!

Arizona Part I

Flagstaff with the Richardsons!

Alan, Cara, Nathan, Charlotte, Clayton (on Alan's back)

Can you believe they live in this place?

I took some pictures of Charlotte Ilene.

Isn't she gorgeous?

SWINGING

PLAYING

SWIMMING

Indoor Aquatic Center...... AMAZING!

CAMP OUT!

Easton got a little bit dirty.

The first leg of our trip was with my sister Cara and her family.

We had so much fun! I have always loved Flagstaff and my love was replinished again.

Because of some of the pine trees the crispy air smells like butterscotch.

We got to do so many fun things. And it is just so peaceful there.

It could just be that it wasn't 110 degrees!

Thanks Richardsons for a magical visit!