And there went June...

Well, I think June 2012 is going to go down in the books as one of the craziest, but marvelous months for our family.  Buckle up for a long post!

1 - When the month began, we were in the midst of Davis and baseball, trying to get our sprinkling system in and Sadie's Birthday on June 2nd.  Watching Davis play in self-pitch has been fun, and interesting, and sometimes frustrating, and great to see how they have improved.  Davis likes pitching, but he's at the bottom of the list, playing 1st base, and trying for at least a double every game.  As for Sadie's Birthday, she received a much needed bicycle; now she won't be left behind by Claire and Davis.  What a fabulous find; a Strawberry Shortcake bike.  She LOVES IT!  (Never mind that it's the same size that Claire rides; it's pretty funny to watch them both on their bikes; Claire almost too big, Sadie a little too small.  But we aim for longevity at this house, not a perfect fit!)  Sadie's birthday cake was NOT my finest moment.  It was supposed to be a castle; it ended up being a runny pile of goo that we called the pink "sandcastle" that must be going out with the tide.  Good thing Sadie didn't notice!

 

2 - Sprinkling System....what a pain.  This is why I was never going to build.  Next year it will be a long forgotten memory; except maybe for Dave.  He is out there every night digging, digging, digging.  If his arms don't fall off, we might actually get some grass in July.   Maybe.

3 - Charlotte joins our family.  What a sweet little Sadie look-a-like.  She is still proving to be my fussiest baby when she's awake.  But she eats and sleeps well, so we're counting those blessings.  I'm not sure if it's diet related or not; we keep experimenting with little change.  Let's hope it gets a little better as she gets older.  

4 - One week after Charlotte is born, my parents have their Mission Farewell.  Because I am feeling so well, we head to Clinton and just keep the baby covered and away while we enjoy the day.  My parents and Jared and Kristen did a great job.  It is so hard to believe they will be gone for 3 years; but they will be fabulous.

5 - My sister Jana and little Sophie come stay with us for a few days; that was marvelous.  My girls loved chasing Sophie around and Jana was the perfect nanny. She did everything I didn't feel like doing; what a slave! I was so very sad when she left.

6 - We decide last-minute to bless Charlotte before my parents leave.  So back down to Clinton we go and we blessed her in Dave's parents' ward.  It went pretty smooth.  Some of our family didn't get to be there because of Father's Day or other things, but we were glad for those that could come and share it with us.  And it made me so happy to have both Grandpas be there with us.

 

For the next 3 days, the kids and I stayed in Utah so we could get in all the family time we could while everyone was around.  My 3 aunties were all in town, so we went to a picnic and walking trail and we tried to catch up on 2 years in 2 days  I was also able to go see my nephews in the play Les Mis down in South Jordan, which was AWESOME!   For a play put on by teenagers, I was super impressed with their talent and the show.  I am so glad I got to see it.  The trip ended with the greatest part; going with my parents to Salt Lake to be set apart by Elder Neal L. Andersen and Elder Jay Jensen of the Seventy. What a great experience.  To hear my parents be set apart and blessed by these men was so powerful.  I know my dad will be a great mission president and my mom will be a marvelous mission mom.  They were promised some wonderful blessings, and I hope we live worthy for them to receive them.  Afterwards, we all went to City Creek and ate at the Cheesecake Factory.  YUMM.  But sheer torture for someone who is off dairy.  I had to watch all that cheesecake disappear around me.

And as of today, my parents and baby sister Kristen are flying to Cleveland, Ohio...ready to begin the next 3 years of their life looking after missionaries.  We hope it's not too long before we get out there to see them.  LOVE YOU!!!