Jello

Kal'El

 This sweet guy is a perfect mix of his mom and dad! He is so loved. Congrats to there whole family.

Preschool

John is growing up so nicely. I love being with him. He is kind, sensitive, smart,fun and a hard worker. The other day we were going out to the garage and he opened the door for Margaret and me and said "After you." I was floored. I know he didn't learn it from me but I was so pleased that he picked it up. We anticipate this being another wonderful year of learning and growth.  Plus, after about 3.5 years of researching Montessori I finally have a child of mine in a Montessori school!

FYI, I love the blog How We Montessori. Check it out if you are up for it.

Mushrooms

 It has been a really rainy summer. I have never seen so many mushrooms in Idaho.

Best Birthday

 Kelly, the sweetheart, started the day by making a great breakfast. After I spent the morning happily washing walls, vacuuming, and doing laundry. Kelly ran errands and fixed the car. Honestly is was wonderful. Kelly hadn't been home for a day like that in ages so it was a real change of pace. Later we met up with the Mayos and went on walk up Scout Mountain. Just what I like to do! Clara brought her new umbrella that she has been taking everywhere. We found a cool tree arching over the path that the kids climbed on and hung from. I received many phone calls and fun messages on Facebook. It was my best birthday ever!

Good Timber

The tree that never had to fight
For sun and sky and air and light,
But stood out in the open plain
And always got its share of rain,
Never became a forest king
But lived and died a scrubby thing.

The man who never had to toil
To gain and farm his patch of soil,
Who never had to win his share
Of sun and sky and light and air,
Never became a manly man
But lived and died as he began.

Good timber does not grow with ease:
The stronger wind, the stronger trees;
The further sky, the greater length;
The more the storm, the more the strength.
By sun and cold, by rain and snow,
 In trees and men good timbers grow.

Where thickest lies the forest growth,
We find the patriarchs of both.
And they hold counsel with the stars
Whose broken branches show the scars
Of many winds and much of strife.
This is the common law of life.

By Douglas Malloch

Greaves

 Our good friends the Greaves came to visit. They said "Hey, we are in the neighborhood and want to come visit." In reality they were 9 hours away! They came way out of there way and boy did we love having them. We spent our time chilling, playing with the marble run and the bells. We took a really quick trip up City Creek trail. And also went to the South Eastern Idaho Fair. Busy days! We all love these guys and are so glad they made the time.

1st Day of School

 Clara's first day of 2nd grade was a success. I think she had some concerns that she couldn't quite articulate but after coming home, climbing the tree, and getting a snack she was back to herself. We anticipate another great year for her.

Pumpkin

Apples

Without a doubt, Johns favorite food is an apple. When he wakes up in the morning, more often then not, he goes straight to the kitchen and eats an apple. He is getting better and better at cutting them up too!

New Dress

Margaret got a new dress. It is so fun to watch her twirl and enjoy it. This little photo reminds me of this photo shoot of Clara in a new dress. They are about the same age.

Zucchini

Snow Cone Maker

Aunt Rhonda was a "great" great aunt and gave John a snow cone maker for his birthday. Thanks Aunt Non!

Cliches

Fire Hydrant
Sunset
Asphalt