Rainbow

Daddy was heading out to make some visits this evening so Payton and Alyssa ran out to wave their good-byes only to return excitedly to tell me all about the big rainbow outside. Since I just read a friend's blog who posted a picture of the last rainbow she saw, I thought to grab my camera. It was big. And beautiful. But was quickly fading away. This was the best I could get of it, but still, pretty enough to post. (Those are my happy kids standing in front of the door.)

Swimming Lessons

I don't remember how old I was when I started taking swimming lessons. But I remember my older brother and I carpooled with the neighbor kids upstairs and I wore a red swimsuit with tiny white dots. Mostly, I remember LOVING it. So far, these two seem to love it too.

Blowing Mom a kiss.

Pool Party

Our good friend Sally invited us over for a pool party.

We don't get a very long summer here, so when it's sunny I like spending as much time as I can outdoors.

Left to right: Ivy, Evelyn, Grant (peeking through the castle), Bella, Payton, Abbi and Alyssa

Bella making a splash!

Alyssa making a splash!

Payton making a splash!

Eating grapes. Grapes are one of Payton's favorite foods.

Even Stacey got out with band new baby Aaden to join us.

Jeanne getting some sun with baby Joel. The kids just love Jeanne and mine are no exception.

Thanks Sally for having us over! We sure love these extra play dates.

I also LOVE having this extra motivator to get the toys picked up before we head over! ; )

Maggots in My Onions

Out in my garden my onions have started dying --- just like last year. Maggots again. YUCK! It was a sad sad sad discovery to find them today. I had to pull almost every one.

On a positive note, I did get to pull a handful of radishes --- last year I couldn't get these to grow either.

Nathaniel's Baby Blessing

We got to spend the weekend in Utah with Eli's family. His mom planned a temple trip. His little sister Jessica brought her newest, Nathaniel (Nate), out to be blessed on Sunday.

Jessica & Nate

It was so nice to be with family. My kids especially love playing with all the kids when we get together like this.

Here's Alyssa chatting with Grandpa. She so loves him.

A happy smile from Nate. What a cutie.

Eli getting some baby time.

And a family photo just before heading back home. Too bad it had to end so soon. I am especially glad that Eli got work off last minute so he could come out with us.

Rainy Day Play Date

It rained last night, so instead of spending the morning at a wet park we came to play in the cultural hall instead, only two other families showed up.

"Hey Sally! Hey Jeanne! Thanks for playing with us!"

We had a great time. Especially the kids because Jeanne brought her husband.

I think he likes kids, don't you? The kids sure love him!

Green Thumb?

I'm not sure about the "green thumb" thing yet, but my plants are still alive and growing -- not too many actually died. I am so excited to start planting them and then to wait -- patiently -- to see if they make it on to our dinner plates.

This is where my starts will finish growing (before they land on the dinner plate). Check out my volunteers already growning from last fall -- mostly spinach -- I can hardly wait for the fresh strawberries!

To Play -- or -- Not to Play...

...soccer.

Same old story. Different kid.

Daddy bought him this soccer ball sometime ago. He loves this ball.

However, I hated soccer growing up. My dad made me play -- year after year after year... My favorite part was sitting on the sideline. I didn't exactly imagine my kids playing it. At least not until I saw the enthusiasm in Payton's face when he runs. Then I started thinking...

I wonder how he would like soccer...

He was very excited about playing this game until his first practice. It must have been a let down because after that he wasn't quite so excited. His first game was uncomfortable for him. He didn't want to leave our side.

We wanted him to at least try it. Finally, much to Eli's own embarrassment, he took Payton's hand and ran with him on the field. When he didn't hold Payton's hand Payton just stood there -- like a frowning statue. I hated to see my child so uncomfortable out there.

But, after that, practice wasn't so bad. He began to kick the ball, laugh, play and just have fun. Finally, we had a weekend good enough for game 3. The assistant coach invited Payton onto the field to kick some goals with him for warm up. Before Payton could hide, I told him I would time him to see how fast he could run out there and began counting. That was his cue. He took off running!?!?! Yeah!


(Not only is he competing with his teammate (Hunter) for the ball, they are going the wrong way.)

At one point, Payton broke the ball loose from a mob of boys and ran with it all the way to the goal (although it rolled just outside it). I found myself out of my seat yelling and rooting for him. I was surprised at how much I was enjoying this!!! REALLY enjoying it! For the first time in my entire life the thought crossed through my mind that I was actually thankful to my dad that I had played soccer so that I could enjoy this moment.

This picture proves he runs with a smile. He kept that smile the rest of the soccer season. As did I -- I couldn't get enough of watching him. (That's coach Dirk in the back.)