Dear Friends and Family,

Yesterday we learned what a good faker Spencer is. We took him in for an eye exam the we scheduled a week ago when he complained that it was hard to read the projector, that everything was a bit blurry. When they pulled out the eye chart and he could only read the top letter, I was floored. Allison is a bit worse at -2.5 but not much as Spencer is at -2.25. The doctor said Spencer must just be really good at "blur definition" - figuring out what the blurs mean and faking it. I felt really bad. So Spencer is getting some glasses in a week or so. So far we are batting 2 for 2 now. Wonder how early I should take Robyn in? Spencer did point out that bi-polar, retainers AND glasses are a bit much - I had to agree.

This week has been easing back into the school schedule. I am still a little off as Allison show up 30 minutes late for her first gymnastics class and Robyn shows up 15 minutes early for her dance class. My mind isn't quite with the schedule yet!

So Spencer is still doing karate, now only twice a week until his contract expires at the end of November. He says he doesn't want to do it again but he sure loves the experience. Spencer was placed in the 6/7 grade pre-algebra class at school which he was very stoked about. He really continues to enjoy his teacher who has turned his class room into a mock space ship where they have missions to perform. His teacher is an ex-court appointed foster parent for troubled youth. Great background for a teacher! Spencer continues to be hooked to his DS quite a bit but it is almost even with the Percy Jackson series of books that he started in Newport and continues to devour. Even I am really enjoying them. He had pack meeting this week and let the flag ceremony and got his aquanaut merit badge which he was proud about. I keep thinking I should buy him a new shirt as he stands up there with belly button showing if he moves the wrong way but he only has 6 months of cub scouts left!

Allison started her new gymnastics class this week. She has a male teacher for the first time which I think is a good thing. He told them they had to be able to do a pullover on the bar within two weeks or they were out. So Allison did it by herself 10 times in a row for the first time. Its where you put your toes on the bar and then flip your body around the bar. Since no one else in her class could do it yet she had a big smile on her face. Nothing like a little pressure to motivate you. She has been busy every day after school working on her "play" with her group of friends. Not quite sure what version of Wizard of Oz it will be but I know it requires lots of craft supplies as they make sets, costumes, tickets and flyers.

Robyn started her dance class this week. She was thrilled to dress up and try to follow the teacher to the music. She got a new leotard that has become her prized possession. We also started our temple play group Tuesday. So she played with two friends while I along with one of the moms, Ruth went to the temple while Brenda stayed with kids. It felt very strange being in the temple in the middle of a week day. But it was neat to go and I am excited for this opportunity. This week we are hosting the playgroup at our house. With being back on school schedules, Robyn is taking naps quite often now. It is so nice. Not so nice are the tears and melt-downs that go along with being tired enough for a nap.

Taylor seems to really enjoy his new school. They send home a button switch every day which he can push for me and we listen to a recorded message from his teacher. And then in the morning we send a message back with any concerns and tell what Taylor did that previous evening.

Jeremy has had a busy week. He had his usual night of church meetings, plus two family photo shoots plus a night of photo group meetings and he was trying to finish up a video for the young men. So he has been a little stressed trying to get everything done but having fun doing it. Yesterday we spent most of the day working at Lauri's place. We really only worked for 4 hours but with very helpful, whiny, let me stand right in front of you while you are trying to carry that heavy dresser up the stairs kids running around, it felt quite a bit longer. The 94 degree temps I am sure contributed. We made a lot of good progress though. I finished up all the probate papers this week so Jeremy is meeting with the clerk and we should get that under way. After our long, hot day I took the kids out for snow cones to celebrate.

After spending the day in his wheelchair in the hot dusty condo Taylor was ready to be pampered. So I took the kids up the canyon for a ward activity where Jeremy met us while Taylor stayed with Meredith and soaked in the hot tub and cuddled a bunch and made up for a bunch of missed calories. The church owns a very un-wheelchair friendly camp up in the canyon where our ward had an activity. We ate a bunch, Spencer and Allison went on the zip line, we went on a girl's only hike and Spencer found a dead tree to carry down the mountain. Best part is that we got to wear sweat shirts! Coolness feels so good right now.

This week Robyn and I went with the R.S. Stake Pres. to a luncheon for one of the counselors. It was at this extremely girly, snotty, cool boutique that also serves lunch. It is definitely on my list to visit with any female relatives! It was a lot of fun. The rest of the week Robyn and I tackled getting our house in order. We picked one of our apple trees and one of the pear trees and made a bunch of applesauce and pear-applesauce. We picked all our tomatoes and canned salsa. Finally cleaned our oven out and Allison's closet. Feels good to start catching up on some things. We even cleaned out the shoe cubbies and found out how many new shoes for the winter we need to buy (not a pleasant revelation!). Nothing big this week, just normal life which I am really enjoying.

Love, Heather



Realized I didn't post a picture of Taylor going back to school. He was standing up until I got the camera. If you look closely he is smiling because I kept trying to get him to stand back up but he wasn't going to do it!



Our apple and pear tree went gang busters this year. Hardly any worms which surprised me because we didn't spray.



Spencer and Allison made their own snack this week of nachos. They were quite pleased with themselves as they cleaned up their mess afterwords.



Our new weed free corner. Still need to landscape it but am still mulling over ideas.





Robyn showing off her new leotard - post nap, hence the hair style.



Allison has been busy making "cakes" for her friends this week. They involve freezing different types of sprinkles and melted candies. Rocky loves this as he cleans up any spills.

Dear Family and Friends,



I finished my race! Biggest news for me this week is that I made it without walking or stopping for 13.1 mile averaging 9 1/2 minute miles. Not fast for many people but painfully fast for me! My running partner was hopped up on caffeine chomp blocks and I felt bad that I had to keep asking her to slow down. Getting up at 4 am to get ready and drive down there for the 5:15 bus was tough - multiple alarms were called into play. Jeremy brought kids down to cheer me at the finish line which was very cool. To celebrate that afternoon I had a great massage that kept me from stiffening up till night time. This morning I am still pretty stiff and sore but I am doing much better this year than I did two years ago. I am almost more proud that I was able to get up early with my friend all summer to run than that I was able to do the race. I am ready to just walk for a week or two now.

This week seemed to be full of stuff as we try to get our house and lives organized post summer vacation time. Sunday evening since despite our very best attempts to get kids to take naps (so we could join them!) no one had napped we decided to do a walk and turn in early. Robyn riding Spencer's scooter fell and sliced open her hand. I didn't think it was too bad till when I was cleaning the blood off I noticed the fatty tissue popping out. So she and I were off to instacare for the night. She was extremely brave and was mostly upset that she couldn't put her barbie band-aid on right away. So she held her band-aid in hand the whole time while they numbed, cut off all the tissue and glued it all back together. They wrapped her hand all up and stuck her barbie band-aid on top for her. She has been a little miffed that she can't take a bath this week but I sure have been enjoying how quick and easy showers are.

Monday was an early day as we went in to get the office cleaned and then spent the morning at the school where Spencer and Allison met their teachers and had their assessments done. Allison is a little stoked because they asked if she could join the 3rd graders for reading time. They both have really good teachers this year and are very excited. For the last time this summer we all went to the grocery store and I kept muttering my mantra of "last time, last time" throughout the kid helping experience. Laundry and all the other post vacation stuff and then Jason, Kelly and kids came over for the evening. With everyone's trips it has been awhile so everyone ate, visited and played in the hot tub.

Monday also we started turning the weed corner into a small waterfall, pond and sitting area with the help of some very nice Hispanic guys that Jeremy knew. We had met with them before we left for California and as soon as we came back they were all ready to go. They finished up Thursday evening. We still need to landscape, paint some chairs to put there, spread mulch etc but it is so nice to have the weed corner gone! And it amazes me who has been poking away at the corner for years now what a few days and some strong guys can accomplish.

Tuesday I was lucky enough to spend the day at Education week. It has been a few years since I have been able to go. Since I could only go for the one day I was there from the moment it opened at 9 till it closed at 9:30 going to every class I could. It was amazing, tiring and full of great ideas. Kids were with Meredith during the day and Jeremy at night and they all had a great time without me. Biggest idea I have been trying to implement since is the idea of finishing ie. finish getting dressed in the morning involves putting your PJs away, finishing eating dinner means putting your dishes in the dishwasher and all those other things that we all so conveniently forget to do.

Wednesday I had church meetings where kids kept coming in to ask "how much longer??" whine, whine. But they eventually went to the greener pastures of the next door neighbors. We went over for Taylor's new class's open house. He has a really unusual teacher this year but she is full of energy, and ideas and is highly committed. The evening we spent at Jason and Kelly's for Kayla's birthday party.

For the first day of school on Thursday our kids were up, dressed and panting at the bit to go. They asked Jeremy to give them blessings before they left and after Spencer and Allison went Robyn hopped right up for her turn. Same with pictures, she just wants to be part of the gang. Kids all loved their first day and came home happy and excited. The eagerness and excitement that goes along with their first days is almost painful to watch but just makes you smile with their enthusiasm.

Friday I met two of my friends, Kate and Allison at Kneaders for french toast, to celebrate kids being gone and to plan out Kate's baby shower. It was a great morning as we visted from breakfast time till lunch was being served while Robyn and Tally (Allison's girl) wolfed down cinnamon rolls then literally ran laps around the restaurant. I am sure the other patrons were glad for the free entertainment.

With kids being back in school I am exited at life calming down at least to the point that I can caught up on housework and everything else. I tackled my very full inbox this week and kids were amazed by my stack of paperwork. Spencer who was anxious to take over the computer couldn't believe that I had that much work to do. When I told him exactly! he wasn't too amused but he got the point.

Jeremy was able to do two photo things this week. Thursday night he went to an inspirational event up in SLC that uses multi-media (think I have those details right) and then Saturday night he spent at a BYU booster event taking pictures. He really enjoys those time outs to enjoy his hobby. Allergies have been up this week making it tough for him.

Robyn starts her dance class this week on Wednesdays. We went to sign her up last week and she had to go in full princess regalia carrying her dress-up suitcase with her just in case they required a multiple outfit presentation. She is very excited. Between that and preschool that starts September 8th twice a week hopefully she will keep busy enough to stay happy. As well this Tuesday we start our temple play group. Two of my friends Brenda and Ruth have kids Robyn's age so we are doing a playgroup every Tuesday where one watches kids and the other two get to go to the temple. Good for everyone!

I am looking forward this week to some more quiet time as we get back into the school schedule. It has been a good summer but it went by fast and busy it seems. Love to you all and Happy Birthday Kathryn,

Heather

The kids are back to school this week, much to Heather’s great enjoyment :)  Of course it is still a busy week getting started on all this, but it must be a good thing if Heather is meeting a couple of her friends at Kneader’s this morning to celebrate!  There has to be some real relief knowing that there is once again some available time during the day when kids are at school for, if nothing else, some decent amount of quiet time to get things done!

Heather asked that I take some quick photos of the kids yesterday before their first day at school.  I thought I’d share the snapshots.  Robyn doesn’t start pre-school yet, but of course she wanted to be a part of the big “first day” activities as well.

P.S. Photos from the vacation are coming soon, it’s just been pretty busy catching up on some things.  I am planning to post them to a SmugMug gallery in full resolution for everyone to grab that would like them.

Dear Friends and Family,

The secret is out of the bag and I can finally talk about our trip to Newport. I am amazed that my sister-in-law Mimi kept it a secret for the past 4 months but we were able to meet up in sunny Newport, California to celebrate my brother Daniel turning 30. We stayed for a week of fun, sunshine and visiting. It was AWESOME! It seems like so much has happened in the last 2 weeks that I am going to go chronologically.

Two weeks ago I flew out to California for three days for my sister Christina taking out her endowments. I stayed with Peter, Katherine and Christina along with their menagerie of pets. Got to laugh at and admire Porkchop and take a long three hour walk Tuesday morning down memory lane as I walked the new trail by my house out to Shoreline. Had to stop at La Boulongere for some sourdough bread on the way back - it is the best ever. It worked out that my brother David and his family were there Monday night and Tuesday as Peter and Katherine had been babysitting their 3 boys. So I got to visit with them as well. And of course despite the camera packed in my new gargantuan mommy purse I forgot to take any pictures! Tuesday I spent the afternoon escorting Christina through the temple. It was an amazing privilege. I was impressed by how many of her friends were able to come be with her through this process. I had a lot of flashbacks to taking out my own endowments 15 years earlier in the same temple. Wednesday I got up before the sun and a very obliging Christina took me to the airport at 5 am! I realized I have never flown completely by myself for 15 years now. It has always been with Jeremy or kids. It felt very strange.

The rest of the week was spent catching up on laundry, weeding Lauri's, and getting everything in order for us to leave Saturday morning. Jeremy took the girls Friday evening for the daddy/daughter campout where they roasted hot-dogs and ran rampant. Figured they would come exhausted. But at 2:30 a.m.!!!! our kids were up and dressed, ready to go. My alarm was set for 3:30 BUT since everyone was up and happy we left a bit early. Good part is that the kids all zonked out and slept for the first 4 hours, watched a movie for 2 hours and we didn't stop till Las Vegas. There we introduced them to the joys of a casino buffet at some very greasy old casino outside of town. We will not be returning there! But kids loved it especially the fact that they served ice cream for breakfast. So we all porked out and decided to call it brunch. On the way back we stopped at a much cleaner, nicer place. And Allison realized that a plate of bacon and an ice cream cone were not her only options this time.

Rolled into Newport around 4 after stopping at Albertson's with some very hyped up kids. Met Daniel and family at the condo, yelled surprise and were thrilled to all be together. Peter and Katherine met up with us and we went out to the Crab Cooker for some really good sea food. Our kids were in heaven because they had shrimp while I was smiling with my big cup of clam chowder. The condo we stayed at was one block away from the Balboa pier on the peninsula. We bought boogie boards for the kids and after trying out Newport's really rough surf Sunday and Monday we moved onto Huntington down the road for the other days. It was just a wonderful time. Our kids were thrilled to be playing in the sand and waves. Robyn was a little territorial with Claire but by the last day was cheerfully sharing her milk shake and hugs. Peter and Katherine stayed till Wednesday morning at her grandparents and came down every day to visit and play. Christina drove up Tuesday to stay with us and relax as well. She left Friday night.

One day we took the ferry over to Balboa Island to walk around admiring the quirky shops and amazing beach houses. Kids weren't too thrilled until they found the ice cream shop that sold Balboa bars. Peter and Katherine had told us about them and they did not disappoint. After that kids thought it was the best place ever! Spencer and Allison learned how to pace themselves and would boogie board, hunt for shells till tired and then collapse on a towel with a book and a box of snacks. Robyn's hair became bleached out and except for her daily tantrums in the morning and her nightly too excited to sleep excursions she had a wonderful time. She would just roll in the sand till she was covered head to toe and then run to the ocean till she was shivering.

We left Taylor at home with Meredith and they spent the week swimming, going for walks and having a great time. He gave me a big smile though when we came home so I think that although he enjoyed the pampering one on one time he must have missed us a little.

On Wednesday we did the Disneyland excursion for the day. We got to the park around 9:30 and left at midnight. Except for the afternoon melt down of everyone from heat and lines which ice cream helped fix, it was amazing. Mimi and Daniel discovered the one rider stand-by line which let everyone ride the big rides without waiting in line for an hour and a half. Robyn was amazed by Snow White's castle and all the excitement wore her out to the point that she took an hour nap in our arms along with Claire. My favorite part was watching the fireworks over the castle. Kids oohed and awed wearing flashing necklaces Mimi provided and it was AMAZING. We were starving by nightime and kids managed to put away plates of macaroni and cheese at a restaurant within minutes - literally. It was very crowded, loud, happy and thrilling all rolled into one. The next day we all slept in!

Saturday was just one of those days which you always try not to think about. Leaving at 4 am to drive home and unpack. Never a fun part. Packing always flies by but unpacking just stinks! This morning we had Stake Conference. Jeremy said he wasn't sure who was filled with more trepidation, me because I was speaking or him because he was watching 4 kids by himself. He did great though and even put Robyn to sleep. Which at 11 am is an amazing feat - think the vacation wiped her out. Think the talk went OK and I am glad to not have to worry about it anymore.

Kids ate big plates of tortillini for lunch thanks to Daniel and Mimi putting up with our stop at Trader Joe's one day. Wish I was back there, with family around. But next year! Second week of August?!

Love to you all - its back to reality for us. These pictures are all definitely second string and I will post a link when Jeremy gets all of his up.

Heather



We rented bikes one day and took them along the boardwalk for an hour. I love beach cruisers and think I could do that every day. Kids loved it.



In the Tiki Room. Last time we went to Disneyland it closed before dark. It was neat to stay with all the lights on. To ride Thunder Mountain with only spotlights to light the path.





Allison was excited to meet all the fairies and Tinkerbell in Pixie Land.





Can never forget the chips and salsa. Especially when Cafe Rio pork is around!



At least half of every day (after the first day which was spent in a frenzy of shell collecting) Allison spent relaxing with some new books.



Peter and Daniel were sporting some very handsome hats this trip.



After seeing the little girls being buried, Daniel hopped into the game and became a lovely mermaid.


















Robyn enjoying her casino buffet.

Dear Family and Friends,

I was once told I didn't post enough pictures of the adults in our family. So here you go! After spending the day with Jeremy working on the yard getting it ready for his big photo party this week, we went up to Sundance for the evening. We enjoyed a picnic next to the stream in the shade and 20 degree cooler temperatures. If felt so nice. Then we took a tractor pulled wagon up the mountain to watch a musical The Fantasticks in Sundance's outdoor theater. It was a really cool location and the play was excellent. They overacted in a hilarious way that kept us just laughing. I forgot how good the canyon feels compared to the dry 100 degree temps at our house.

And tomorrow I get to go to California! I am very excited. Its the first time I have traveled somewhere without either Jeremy or kids. Feels a little strange to plan for. Meredith is going to be helping out TONS with kids while I am gone so it should all be good.

Daniel, Happy Birthday! Mailed you a little birthday present trying to rely on my memory. Somewhere there is a confused postal worker trying to figure out why a Michigan street address was sent to Phoenix! When they return it eventually I will pass it on but we were thinking of you!

Nothing big this week but again lots of odds and ends. Spencer and I spent an afternoon up at the drug study and decided to take him out. We are hoping the constant need for movement and the grouchiness/irritability from being so tired should go away. On the way back Spencer had enough to stop and get his Nintendo DS. So he has been busy showing that to everyone he meets and waiting for his supercard to arrive. The lamictal should be out of his system in a week so we will see how he does then.

Had pack meeting this week and Spencer was thrilled to receive a ton of merit badge pins. He has been working on them all summer so it was quite a haul.

Took the kids to walmart to buy their list of school supplies. They always get giddy when surrounded by choices of notebooks, pencils and glue sticks. Mega bucks and wired kids later we came home and they wrote their names on everything and carefully packed it up. It is hard to believe school really is coming up soon.

Got a notice from Lauri's HOA that her yard didn't pass inspection and that we would be fined if it wasn't cleaned up. So I spent Wednesday, weeding and hacking away and then making trips to DI. Got a notice the next day that although it was greatly improved it still wasn't good enough and we were given one more week to get it into shape. No one is there to water the ground so I am not sure how the weeds are taking over but they sure are!

Mom for FHE activity we killed squash bugs in our garden. The tiny ones I have no problem squishing with my fingers as long as I have gloves on. The ones that are 2 inches long give me a little pause! The kids thought it was great entertainment especially when the guts really squirted out. Our efforts only seemed to encourage their population surge though so yesterday I doused them with 7 an organic insecticide. We can't loose our zucchini! It would almost seem sacrilegious to not have a huge zucchini in our garden.

Refinanced our house this week and signed all the closing papers. Our kids thought this was extremely boring as they all came with. They sure enjoyed the free cookies in the lobby though. Just glad that my phone plays little movies and I brought headphones for Robyn!

Went swimming this week with Meredith, kids and even Jeremy took some of the afternoon off to join us. With that many adults it sure felt relaxing to hang out at the pool. I can handle playing with Robyn, it is the constant "look at me's" etc that wear me down after a while.

Went 11 miles this Friday and didn't get sick! Tried a different goo type supplement that was made from fruit. Seemed to agree with me better. David, I am doing the Hobble Creek 1/2 marathon on Aug. 22. I did a half 2 years ago but this time I am hoping to do a lot better. My goal is not to stop to walk at all this time, think I shouldn't have any problems with that. I am still a sweaty, jiggly wana be athlete mom but it gives me a great goal to work towards.

Something about Fast Sunday makes our kids decide to argue more. Or maybe I just notice it more on Fast Sundays! Right now I am listening to Robyn complain that Spencer is sitting in her special spot on the couch. Maybe they sense my resistance is low on these days!

Love to you all and seem some of you tomorrow! Heather

Dear Family and Friends,

Friday night the hot tub finally arrived. Jeremy and these guys strong armed it up and spent the evening getting it all set up. Saturday morning kids were quick to get their jobs done so they could try it out. Since we made them shower every time they took a dip, they were very clean by the end of the day! Watching Allison and her friend Andra "swimming" in the afternoon when the temperature was hitting 100 degrees didn't look too enticing to me but they were in heaven. Meredith took Taylor in Saturday evening and he approved by going into his limp noodle happy place.

This week was a lot of odds and ends. Tuesday I took Spencer and Allison to 7 Peaks a local waterslide park for the day. I promised myself that next year I would take Robyn but this year I sure enjoyed the luxury of just doing stuff with the big kids. As we waited in line my friend and running partner Brenda pulled up with all of her kids. What are the odds? I only go once a year with the kid's free reader coupons they get at school. So with friends to play with my job became more supervising and following them around. Spencer got the courage to try the vortex with me (more commonly known as the toilet). He is finding all the scary rides turn out to be the best. Then Brenda's little boy Gabe wanted to do the Free fall ride with me. So I along with all the scared to death but not wanting to show it boys tried it out. You literally fall straight down this open slide and for a while loose any contact with the slide and then you level out at the bottom. Very freaky. I did it once to keep my cool mom status and then just watched as the boys all decided it was the best ride there and needed to be done multiple times. Allison and her friend Andra were happy to have me float them around the wave pool and the tiny tube slides. We all had a great time and it took some doing to get the kids to leave at dinner time.

Friday afternoon we spent the day at the pool with friends in tow. Ran into our neighbor there so lots of friends around to occupy kids. Spencer and his friends spent the whole time trying to do this underwater skateboard floaty thing. I just watched Robyn do the baby slide over and over and followed her around. Allison has her routine down pat - float, do underwater gymnastics/ballet, eat and then repeat. Came home all tired out. We had planned to go to an owlz baseball game to celebrate pioneer day but that was nixed at the last moment with the hot tub's arrival. Turned out to be a good thing as I was so tired I fell asleep watching Robyn take her bath! And then our neighbor across the street invited us over for fireworks. They had made a trip to Wyoming and were loaded down. Lane (the dad) let Spencer shoot off Roman candles with Lane helping. When shooting them off for a second time after all the illegal major fireworks were done a city police car drove up. So Spencer got a little lecture with Lane but they were let go with a warning. One of the fireworks went off sideways causing us all to leap to our feet to avoid the pieces. Allison and all the girls decided to watch the rest of the fireworks from across the street after that. They were holding their own little rave over there dancing and watching the strobe effects of the fireworks on their shadows on the fence.

I was so tried Friday night because I finally made it to 10 miles. Felt fine legs and lung wise but I tried taking this liquid nutrition stuff halfway through called goop and man it did a number on my stomach. Good thing it wasn't race day! Don't think I will try it again. There are a couple other brands out there I might look at but perhaps I am just meant to not try to eat anything while running.

Robyn is always looking for a friend to play and had Raquel over this week to play and have a picnic in the backyard.



Kids and Jeremy go their hair cut this week. We went to the local beauty college where the students doll them up and they just eat it up. Allison went a lot shorter and I really like it. Spencer went almost to a buzz. Robyn got bangs to hopefully prevent her hacking any more off. When Allison saw Spencer she told him "wow, your hair looks cool". When she asked him for his opinion on hers he told her that it looked "hideous". We had a little talk about biting our tongues! He just said he was expressing his opinion because he thought all girls' hair should at least be below their shoulders. Nevertheless Allison remains confident in her cuteness.



My 2 day project of finishing a book case/night stand for Robyn's room turned into 2 weeks but I finished it yesterday. She is busy filling it up with anything she can find.



Spencer got his retainer this week and is back to wearing it all the time until his teeth straighten back out. In 6 weeks or so he should be back to just wearing it at night again. Met with the drug study doctor again. I really am getting tired of the process especially since I don't think it really makes a difference. They did wonder if Spencer's inability to sit still without periodically moving is caused by the drug. Spencer is excited because this week he will have earned enough from the study to buy his Nintendo DS.

Jeremy was able to do a photo shoot this week. You can see some of his pictures in the thumbnails on the side. Besides the hot tub he also got a drummel tool this week to fix our bedroom door. For the first time in 2 years we can now lock it. The luxury of being able to take a shower without company (kids and kids friends) joining me. Robyn and her friends think nothing of having a conversation with a buck naked mom. Not to mention that its much nicer to cuddle with your hubby without a little voice asking "what ya doing?".

Haven't been doing much in the yard lately besides mowing and keeping the front fairly presentable. Did notice that my squash and pumpkin plants were dying. Couldn't believe you could overwater squash but thats what it looked like. Yesterday though I finally got around to weeding and noticed that they are literally covered with squash bugs and eggs. They look pretty cool but they are everywhere sucking the life out of my plants. Tomorrow we are having a bug killing party. Spencer and Robyn are quite excited. Allison volunteered to watch!

Last night Jeremy I had a chick night of eating at a very girly restaurant I wanted to try (Jeremy was astonished that their idea of a portebello burger did not involve any meat!). And then went to the temple. It was a live endowment session and it was neat to watch all the new people going through for the first time. Next week I get to fly out and go through with my sister Christina which I am very excited about.

Summer days seem busy and go by fast but we are all good. We had our last story time this week at the library and have our end of the summer party next week. The school supply lists just got posted. It seems like summer just started! I can't really get into the mind set of thinking about school when its a 100 degrees outside. Nice part about school is that our hour of quiet time on Sunday afternoon does come with any protests. I think the kids are all happy to lay by a fan and veg for awhile.

Love to you all, Heather

Dear Friends and Family,

This has been a week of summer and kids. Temperatures kept climbing all week. Kelly had PRK surgery Monday and we got to have the cousins over for the day Mon, Wed and Thurs. We all had a great time but I was glad I don't have 7 kids all the time. By the end of the week I was in sort of a grumbly mood where thoughts of "I do everything around here" start to float through my head. But mowing the lawn in 100 degree temperature allowed me to mutter to myself for a while till the heat and sweat got all the mean-ness out and I was able to snap back into the reality of how much luxury and ease my life has in it! I started listing all the wonderful often chaotic things that went on this week. Like saying that I got to take a 20 minute nap today instead of saying Robyn woke me up just when it was getting good by jumping on my stomach!

But seriously it was a good week. Kids were ecstatic to have cousins over to play so much. Spencer was waking up early to do his jobs and sharing with us his fast and loud rendition of supercalifragilistic... at 7 am to get us all up. Everyone got along really well. Wednesday was a little funny in a non-funny way as Kayla threw up all over Jason's new truck as they turned into our neighborhood. So Jason was out there scrubbing and muttering away in our driveway while Allison helped give Kayla a bath and tucked her into the couch with a throw up bucket. But a two hour nap and Kayla was as good as new.

We learned that we can fit 7 kids into our car with everyone in seat belts as we drove Allison to gymnastics, Spencer to karate and took Spencer's retainer mold in to get a new retainer made. ($100!! I told Spencer that he better guard this next one with his life!) We even tackled storytime. Each kid took a younger cousin with them to their story group and they all were great.

Tuesday was our big annual trip to Lagoon with Jeremy's work. I have so many vivid almost snapshot memories of being there as a teenager. I could almost see Grandma sitting on the bench by the merry go round. Meredith took Taylor to the zoo for the day where he had a great time. I snapped tons of pictures so this will be a mommy style blog of kids having a great time getting wet, and riding rides. I sort of consider myself a wimp at amusement parks because I don't like the rides that make you sick. But it is amazing what you will do for your kids. Go down river rides that get you soaked (twice! so each big kid could have a turn with me), riding in circles in little helicopters with my lips clamped tight so I wouldn't hurl. But Spencer rode with me on wicked despite him being very scared and said as soon as he finished that it was the most awesome ride ever! Even Allison stepped up and went on the water slides for the first time by herself and tried out the old roller coaster. Jeremy went with her on the coaster and said he has never seen such a look of pure terror! We met up with Jeremy's work for a BBQ and everyone got a company shirt that Jeremy had designed. They say Echo, Foxtrot, Niner on them standing for EFN. Our kids thought they were very cool.

Friday I spent the morning getting a physical at the doctors while Meredith was here with kids. Wanted to make sure I wasn't over doing it with the iron supplements and since I was there... So I got poked to get my immunizations up to date. My arm is still sore! And they did a bunch of blood work. Turns out I am barely not anemic now so the iron must be working. But my cholesterol is way too high. How does that work?! Seriously felt betrayed by my body on that one. And since my blood pressure was way too low (70/40) he said to start eating lots of salt and drinking water to see if I can bring it up without meds. To make up for the shots I stopped for my birthday pedicure that Jeremy gave me. I couldn't quite figure out the design the lady did till Jeremy pointed out that it was a flower with a caterpillar next to it. (He actually said slug but I think caterpillar sounds cuter). And I went grocery shopping without kids - spent so much less and was out of there in half the time. So a great morning off for me.

Friday afternoon Meredith took Taylor to the pool where he floated and chirped away in the cool water. She said as soon as they got in he just perked right up! He doesn't like it when it gets super hot. He had summer school a few afternoons this week and the last day the bus didn't show up. After 30 minutes of waiting in his chair outside Taylor looked just wilted so we called it a day. (30 minutes after that the bus calls to say they broke down and were still on their way - but we were done trying for school that day). Spencer had a birthday water party to attend. So the girls and I went in for Allison's eye check-up. She hasn't been able to see the clock lately. Found out in 6 months her eyes jumped from -1.2 to -2.5. The doctor said she must take after me! I feel extremely guilty for my faulty genes. So we went to Costco and she picked out some turquoise sparkle frames for her new lenses. They have to sent your frames in to get the new lenses installed. So rather than going without for 2 weeks she is going to have a back up pair.

Friday night Jeremy had a girl's pizza and movie night here with Taylor along for the ride. He went to buy a manly style pizza with them to make up for all the estrogen. Spencer and I had our date night. We went out to dinner and to see Harry Potter 6. That movie is good but it is long! I knew it was really long when Spencer started doing yoga (literally!) in his seat. Good thing we had some tolerant people around us.

Saturday morning Jeremy had a photo thing going on. And I had a very important appointment I couldn't miss. So the kids and I prayed together, I put the phone with my number on it in their hands, turned on the TV and they promised to watch Robyn like a hawk. Spencer was quite proud to babysit and I was a nervous wreck. What was my so important appointment? Getting my hair done - I felt very selfish about it. Called home and they were fine, watching TV together, not breaking out the knives. My neighbor was on alert to come help out if they needed it. Don't know if I will do that again as I worried too much. Told the lady I wanted a chin length bob. Think she hear ear length bob as that is what I got. But I am blond again and my hair will be perfect in a month or two! Saturday night we left Robyn and Taylor to party with Meredith and the rest of us went to see West side story at an outdoor theater. Spencer and Allison loved it. We ate a picnic there, played on the playground and then watched a really well done play. The temperatures came down to 85 so it just felt nice to be outside.

Following is a ton of pictures as I brought my camera to Lagoon. Love to you all and best summer wishes, Heather






As we walked out of the park, Spencer decided to get soaked. So he drove home, wet, happy and wrapped in a towel.



Last ride of the day was the tea cups. The kids loved it and were raising their hands the whole time laughing. Made me sick just to watch!

h



d





This is one of those make you sick rides but Allison was scared to go on it by herself
t



'









Allison couldn't carry her tube. She was such a light weight she kept getting stuck at the top of the slides and the life guard would have to give her a push



Robyn as always - eating away




Us at Scera Park. We have learned through experience that kids get separated by adults int he seating arrangements.




My self portrait after my hair cut. What a schnoze! Spencer told me that he liked it better long and that I needed to put a bright red stripe in my hair next time. Said it would really look good on my face since it wasn't very thin. So nice!