Water Lily Lake

A few evenings ago we decided to go for a hike up the Water Lily Lake trails. It was a beautiful evening and we had a great time. We had to turn around when it started pouring out but we still loved spending the time together.

I take a lot of photos for other people but I hardly ever have the time to take photos of my own kids. It's sad really. But then I finally decide to take some and this is what happens...

Wow. They are a little crazy. Maybe this is why I stick to taking pictures of other people'e kids!

The boys even caught a toad!

Reaping the Rewards

I planted a garden this year.

For the first time.

Ever.

What a chore!

I'm not a gardener. Never have been. I really don't enjoy weeding and watering and all that jazz, but I must say, when those little leaves and shoots started poking out of the soil a little something hidden deep inside of me broke free and I was pleased with it!

I've only harvested lettuce so far but I've got loads of tomatos, squash, peppers, peas, carrots, onions, cucumbers, raspberries and strawberries up and coming.

Here are some of the varieties of lettuce coming up...

Yummy!

I planted way too much lettuce so if you live in the area and would like some let me know... seriously!

One quick question for all you gardening pros out there...

I am growing purple onions. The green shoot part (is there a name for that?) is really tall but I just noticed today that it's starting to flower on top. The problem is that the onions themselves are still tiny. What to I do?!? Do I let the tops flower and die and hope the bottoms will grow bigger or did I get a variety that doesn't get big? HELP!

He's Home

My little brother, Kasey, returned home from serving a two year mission in Chile!!! He survived days in the hospital from swine flu, many dog bites, a huge earthquake and so much more and now he's home with us, safe and sound!

Here we all are waiting for him to get off the plane!

And there he is.......

Looking awesome after two years away!


Chatting with one of his older brothers.

Korlyn (the only sibling younger than Kasey) was pretty excited to see him. He's grown up a lot over the last two years and pretty much towers over Kasey now!

Kyle, another older brother. I love the sheer joy on his face!

And dad. I'm getting teary just looking at these photos again!

A photo with all the nephews and nieces!

And all the brothers (except Garyn, we missed you man!) and sisters and mom and dad. Don't I have the best looking siblings? :)

Left to Right -
Korlyn, Kyle, Kaelen, Jana, Kasey, Jared, Karli, Kara
Dad and mom on the back row.

Kasey really missed his Barqs rootbeer down there in Chile but my parents remembered to bring one to the airport. Can you see the anticipation on his face? :)

Ahhhh......

Kasey, we are so glad to have you home. We are all so proud of you for serving an honorable two-year mission. You've done us proud and I am so thankful for you and the example you have set for your younger brother and all your nephews. We love tons!!!