Neigh neighs

Annie likes horses, she doesn't say too many words, but is in the animal loving phase. To her, and now to us, we often call horses neigh neighs.  Toddlers are just about the best. Really, really, busy. But still the best. I was exhausted this afternoon. I laid on the grass in the shade of our trees out front. I was on my back looking up, closed my eyes. She came over and laid on my chest. I tickled her smooth back and little arms. She is almost constantly taking things off/out/from places they should be and leaving them strewn about, or likely in the garbage (I still can't find that new nightlight, I think she snaked it from the countertop!).

Its been a while since I wrote. Probably because I'm usually up way too late researching homeschooling related topics. And I took an online spin certification course so I'm now a legit spin teacher :) Yes, I'm planning to homeschool the girls this coming year. Lots of reasons why. We'll see how it goes!  I'm not set in stone on anything (as far as curriculum or methods) but hoping it goes well and we can all learn about this together. It's kind of definitely overwhelming and I have no expectations on how long or short this will last.  But if you have any advice for me, please share!!

July in Utah. 90's and sunny. All. The. Time. The mornings and evenings are beautiful. I have a hard time being motivated to get out during the day. Annie turns into a sweat fest in her car seat (can't wait until she's big enough to be forward facing!), the sun is strongest during the day which is not conducive to fair skinned folk like us, and it zaps my, and often times the kids, energy and patience. I also think if I would just spend more time outside we'd get used to it.  And perhaps I was spoiled when Mark and I went to Alaska the beginning of this month and got to wear jackets and hats and be chilly. It was beautiful and glorious! We went with Mark's siblings/spouses and his parents. Trip of a lifetime. We were on a cruise and I'm so thankful I didn't get motion sick as much I thought I would. A little bit the 2nd day, and a few days of recovering from that rocking feeling once we got home.  So thankful for our little village  that took care of the girls while we were gone: My mom, sisters Jenn and Liz, sister in law Sheri, neighbor Sarah, and Mark's oldest nephew Noah and his wife Katie. Bless you all!

A few recaps from the summer...Camp Hobe was a great experience for the girls and they want to go again next year. I did a 7 day detox-I can't say enough how much I learned and value that experience. I had no idea how much thought, emotion and action would come of it in addition to the physical aspects.  The annual Millie's run at Daybreak was awesome, as usual. Jane ran both the 5k and the 2k and could have kept going. I love that more and more faces are familiar to me.  Loved having my sis Jenn and her fam to visit but wish I could have spent more time with them! Jenn is an amazing mom, her life is full of new and adventurous experiences. She's such a good planner! I want to be like her.

Ruby has another "hospital day" on Wednesday. Usual check up, nothing fancy. Her last visit was the first time we've ever had any issues with her port. They had to put in a solution to break up any clotting but after an hour it was drawing just fine. Next scan will be in August.

Mark and I would go to bed exhausted from playing so much!

4th of July insanely huge cake

Butchart gardens in Victoria BC

Red Fish Blue Fish in Victoria

Love that these kids got to be together while we were gone. Liz and Dan wrangled them during the Sandy city parade where Ruby got to be the Grand Marshal!

Remembering Naomi, 

their cousin who would have been 6 this summer.

Friends in town are my fav

Got to ride horses in Kaysville with a generous woman who shared her time, talents, and horses with us. Even Tinkerbell showed up! The people who take time to share with kids/families with cancer are angels.