LA Temple

A month or so ago John and I had planned on going out of town for the weekend, and then we cancelled our plans at the last minute.  I had already found a sub for primary, taken everything over to her, and gone over all the details of singing time.  So there was no way I was canceling.  My friend had talked to me about how she had taken her kids to the visitors center at the LA temple on a Sunday before church, and I thought it sounded like a great idea.  We just decided that that was going to be our Sunday activity this one Sunday.  Joshua was upset to tears because he thought we weren't keeping the Sabbath Day holy, by not attending church.  And maybe we should have done both.  But it was neat to take the kids to see the temple and go through the newly done visitors centers.  It was basically empty and we got the full attention of a sister missionary guiding us through everything.  Afterward we walked around the temple grounds as long as Caroline (having not napped) could handle.  We don't get too many family days.  And often when we do have one, it is full of chores and things that need to get taken care of.  It was needed to have this day just as a family.

Brooke and Robin

 I thought this picture was great because it totally looks like Robin.  I can see her 31 year old face in that little baby.

And this one could totally be my glare today.  We all know I make a good mean face!

Last days of school

 I can not believe that Luke has already finished his first year of preschool.  He loved every day of it and wished I'd put him in 5 days a week with extended care.  He loved all his little friends and his wonderful teacher.  I was nervous how Luke would do back in September, and his teacher was expecting the worst - as she had witnessed him as a 1 1/2 -  2 year old back when Joshua was in her class.  She had nothing but praise for Luke all year.  I guess that shouldn't be surprising as Luke entertains everyone where ever he goes.  After primary today I had two teachers come up to me saying how Luke was cracking them up during singing time.  He can sure put on a show in front of a crowd!

 Caroline had fun getting into things in the classroom.  I hope she gets Mrs. Jennifer when she goes in a year or two.

 Joshua was so ready to be done with Kindergarten.  Especially because Luke was out a week before him.  He did have a great year of school, but nothing as memorable as preschool.  If you ask him who his friends are he'll say Jacob and Riley (his friends from church and preschool).   He did love playing soccer at recess with all the kindergarten kids.  I'm not sure if Joshua gets appreciated for the awesome kid he is in the 30/1 classroom.  I think he just gets overlooked as an aloof, slow working kid.  It makes me sad because I want everyone to love him and think he's just as amazing as we think he is!

We are now in the full swing of summer and LOVING it.  I so prefer the days of no schedules.   The kids and I just get along so much better and have so much more fun.  I can't believe that after a Montana vacation, we'll only have a few weeks left of freedom before we have to start a whole other year of school!

Artichokes

 We have loved planting a garden for the past couple years.  This year we bought 4 artichoke plants that everyone was super excited about.  I spent $25 on a bigger one from Armstrong, and the other three we got from our favorite nursery for $1.50 each.  The small ones grew just as big as the one from Armstrong.  Kinda hilarious.  We got more artichokes than we could eat.  The kids loved checking for new buds every day.  Now that the artichokes are done for this year, we check how our pumpkins are growing each day.