Lance. . .

I am married to a man I have never had to make "Honey-do" list for. . . he has an uncanny ability to see what needs to be done and just do it. . . If anything, I would guess, he would love to give me "to-do" lists as I would rather be reading or playing than doing housework.

This summer, Lance's major project has been building a garage and working on the drainage around our property. Here he and Levi are digging a drain line - we're hoping the snow melt is better next spring!

For Father's Day, we decided to explore more of Colorado. We knew if we stayed home, Lance would be tempted to work around the house, so he took us to a spot outside of Salida - it was gorgeous!! We hiked about 1 1/2 miles into some beaver ponds and had a wonderful day with our wonderful father/husband. We are so blessed!

On the path, ready to start our hike. . .

The hike was gorgeous, the scenery even better - we had such a great time exploring our beautiful state!
































Lance set our camera on auto for the family shot - you can't believe the obstacle course he had to run to get to us - impressive~

I'm Back. . .

This past month has been full of wonderful adventures, leaving little time to blog. When I thought about it, my mom and sisters are the only ones who really read my blog, so it is not like the world was missing out on much. . .

We had a visit from my family - One mom, three sisters, a three year old and three (did you catch that? THREE) one year olds!! It was loud, crazy and wonderful. I am so grateful my family was willing to make the enormous effort to travel to see us. We hung out, visited, bounced babies and even suffered through several rounds of the stomach flu. . . Family - it is a beautiful thing~


Ty reading with Stella. As you can see from the book, this was one of our kids' favorites. . .

Mom, sisters and the babies at the Riverwalk in Pueblo, CO - a gorgeous day!!!

We took the whole crew bowling. It was fun, in a chaotic sort of way. . .

Mom, Elly, Em and I in Salida - we had just finished an amazing lunch at Amica's - yum!!

The day after everyone left, my friend, Elaine and I (pictured in AZ) loaded all our kids in the minivan and headed for San Diego. . . What an adventure!!

We explored La Jolla, Cabrillo tide pools, went on a whale watching cruise, and played on Coronado beach. Tommi said she is pretty sure God meant for her to live at the beach. . . I know the feeling!! We loved the ocean. . .

Tommi at La Jolla Cove. . .

Looking for Hermit crabs in LaJolla - Tommi, Elaine and Tyler

We found Peet's coffee in Carlsbad - Oh Yeah!!!

The ocean is not as warm as it looks, but we couldn't stay out of it. . . The highlight and reason for our trip, was to watch Christian (Elaine's son) perform in Rigoletto with the San Diego Opera. It was amazing - we were so proud of him and so grateful to get to experience opening night with thousands of other opera lovers. . . We are so blessed.

So, the big question: Have I been reading??? Some but not much. Read some Robert Crais, Jodi Piccoult, Laurie Halse Anderson, and I even read an Anothony Horowitz, but more on that later. . .

The Book vs. The Movie

Over the Thanksgiving weekend, my niece Lauren and I attended the Twilight movie. This was a plan that had been in the works for some time and we both went with great trepidation as we feared it would not live up to the book.

One of the things I loved about the books was that they were so clean. I know, I know they are about vampires - teen vampires none the less, and I know there is some controversy in Christian circles about these books. I think now is a good time to remind everyone, that the books were never intended to impart a Christian message. After reading YA fic for three solid months, for me, this book was refreshing in its innocence ( as innocent as vegatarian vampires can be :)) There is no sex, no teen drinking or drugs, and no language. The series drags a bit and it is good to remember that they are written about teens, for teens. I just happen to love YA lit and love teens so this book was a good fit for me.

Did the movie live up to our expectations? Frankly, no. Edward is supposed to be perfect. I could not think of an actor who could adequately portray him. . . Supposedly, 75,000 people wrote in to protest his being cast in the role, so I am not alone in this opinion. Was the movie good - I thought so. I enjoyed the treat of hanging out with Lauren, it was fun to see so much of my hometown and I am pretty sure I saw my parents road ( seriously!) filmed as the Cullen's drive. Should you see it or read the book? That is entirely up to you. . .