Family Wedding Pics

Anson can't resist teasing his sisters and sticking out that tongue!
The perfect little lady.
Sydney, Sydney, how does your garden grow?

We recently attended Jared's cousin's wedding reception at Millenial Falls and couldn't pass up the chance for some candid photos. As usual Quin and Syd acted like they had just stepped into the Secret Garden and Anson was on a mission to escape from all confinements and run run run.

Lavender Days

We recently took a short road trip to Mona, UT to Young Living Farms to see the lavender fields. The best part of the trip was just being outside and smelling the lavender everywhere. We picked up some lavender plants for the garden and some lavender honey - yum yum!

Heber Valley Camp

What handsome happy campers. We spent last weekend at Heber Valley Family Camp. This is a gorgeous family camp in the foothills outside of Heber, UT. The camp is owned by the church and run by senior missionaries. Grandpa Gines was just released from being in the mission presidency at HVC and we were so happy to spend a weekend with cousins and grandparents in this beautiful setting. Anson was especially thrilled to try out the "Wheeler Wheelers" - a definite trait of his father's, who wanted, "a motorcycle and credit card" at about this age. Between hikes, treasure hunts, paddle boats and lots of good food and campfire s'mores, I think we will call this weekend a success.

Walking the Runway

Quin and Syd willingly posed for these pictures in their new twirly skirts. I was feeling inspired by these fun fabrics, Quincy's is Anna Griffin! You could call it my homage to all of those sewing classes I took in high school. Between sewing, hanging sheets out on the clothesline and wearing an apron while cooking dinner you could call me a regular June Cleaver.

Actually, I think this domestic behavior is the welcome antithesis to my hours in the HBLL reading, writing and researching. I am thoroughly enjoying my PhD work and I think that studying part-time (a.k.a. the wee hours of the morning) is really the perfect solution for a busy mommy. It is amazing how many arguments and solutions to research questions become clear and focused while changing diapers, taking walks around the block, and watching my kids play.

Who says that raising children well can only be described as a good and moral thing to do - it takes some brains and immense physical stamina honey (have you tried persuading a four year old to eat green beans lately)?

Cherry Pickin' Time

Quin and Syd are in a dead heat with the robins to see who can claim the most cherries on our neighbor's tree. Enjoy these cherry-cheeked darlin's!

Summer Days

Quin and Syd have had a fortnight of fun going to swimming lessons. They are both little fish and are fearless when it comes to the water. I am convinced they get all of their natural swimming ability from Jared - a great swimmer - and not from me - a water aerobics guru, but not a natural swimmer. They both advanced to the next level - we'll see if mommy is up for any more swimming lessons this summer!
Here are some pics that show our little mermaids at their peak!
Anson and I had a lot of fun chasing around the pool, catching a few rays and playing "Throw/Taste the Rocks." Isn't it funny that we all think babies are gross when they put strange things to their mouths, but forget to ask ourselves how we know what a rock tastes like?