Oh Tahoe... my constant friend...

It doesn't matter what is going on in my life, how I feel, how busy/bored I am; when it comes time for Tahoe... life. is. grand.  I simply love it here.  I have a tradition with Xiana where, every time we go to a lake, but particularly to Tahoe, I put her in her little raft and push her out to the buoys.  Once there, I say, "okay, it's time."  Then we stop, put our faces to the sky, and slowly turn around to appreciate the diverse beauty surrounding us.  And every time I whisper, "this is my most favorite place on earth.  God must love us a lot that he would create such a beautiful, different, earth for us." Then we talk about what it looks like in every direction.  When you look at your surroundings from the middle of a lake, it changes everything.  To me, the trees become more richly green, the snow capped mountains more shimmery and resplendent, the deep blue water more translucent, and clear, the sun baked sands more like pixie dust, and everything else just disappears.  All you can hear is the water's soothing lull and the birds' dignified cries.  It's glorious out there where your feet can't touch the ground, but you are buoyed up by the crisp, gorgeous waters.  Everything makes sense.  Everything is perfect.  I pray my children will always recognize and appreciate that beauty... and the beauty everywhere.  When I pushed Kolton out, the water lulled him to sleep, and he napped in his raft for 30 minutes or so.  He is such a peaceful little bugger when he sleeps.  The pictures are of two separate trips to Tahoe, both filled with sand castles and picnics, cold water and hot sun, good friends and fun conversations.... and perfection.

Grandma's birthday

For mom's birthday, my dad ordered a German chocolate cake from the Nugget, which is my mom's absolute favorite!  The only problem is that he's getting hard of hearing and instead, got a cherry chocolate cake.  We had a wonderful time celebrating together, but I'm afraid cherry just isn't the same as coconut and pecans..... Happy birthday anyway to one of the most selfless people I've ever known.  Every year I get older, and every year my children get older, I grow to appreciate my mom more.  She's pretty much amazing! 

Family trip to Washoe Lake

Sometimes it feels like we rarely do anything just us... we always go with extended family... which is a great blessing!  But every now and then, it's awfully nice to walk along a beach with just our little family.  We took an evening drive up to Washoe Lake.  We got Port of Subs along the way, and then ventured out in the wind to walk along the muddy shores.  It was really beautiful!  Xiana found about a million little tiny snail shells that she lovingly referred to as seashells, Kolton got to breath the fresh air, and I got to hold my handsome husband's hand reminding me how awesome he is, and how wonderful it is to be connected.  It was just what the doctor ordered.  I wish that I could always remember to be grateful for my little niche in this world; that I could always feel like I'm connected in a meaningful and important way.  But sometimes I forget.  It's nice to have refreshers every once in a while.  This was a beautiful short little family uniting outing... I'll have to remember to do this more often!

librarians...

Aren't they cute?!?!

Fourth of July

Brian opted to work this Fourth, so I took the kids to mom and dad's for some amazing ribs and ridiculous dessert.  Then we went downtown for the festivities. My girl is ever so brave when it comes to carnival rides, although this year there wasn't much selection.  Fortunately, I discovered that my boy is also pretty fearless.  He loved the swings and wanted to ride them again and again. Because they were the only ride he could go on, I complied.  Xiana, on the other hand, managed to squeeze in a few other rides.  Still, in years past they've had a lot more rides to choose from.  Good thing the littles had a blast, not noticing the lack. 

Xiana is so funny with her hands in the air. Her little friend got a little scared so they stopped the ride.  As a result, Xiana got to go again!  Fun for her!

Our friend Tyler did the strong man contest, rang the bell, and made it look like the easiest thing on earth... not so much.  I could scarcely swing the hammer and, after I managed, the ball went approximately two feet up the 15 foot pole.  It was quite hysterical!

We met up with tons of friends and family, and as soon as Brian got off work, he headed over to meet us.  We played, the kids ran around like hooligans, and waited for the fireworks.  And waited.  And waited.  And waited some more.  Apparently it was quite windy and, because of fires all over the country, they were being cautious.  Finally, just as we were deciding whether to follow the crowds and leave too, the fireworks started.  It was a fabulous show, well worth waiting for.  Unfortunately, Kolton slept in my arms through the whole thing.  I guess that's what happens when they don't start until 11.  I think he would have loved them, but the poor boy was sleepy.  The rest of us enjoyed the flames immensely.  The grand finale was spectacular, and I was so grateful we waited.

Nikki made these little headbands with paper, crayons, and tape.  Each one is unique, and she made one for every kid.  They were so cute!

Woohooo!!!  Happy Fourth of July!

Baby blessings

The real reason that we went to Battle Mountain was for the baby blessings of the two most recent additions: Hadlee and Audrey.  Brian blessed Hadlee and grandpa blessed Audrey.  Both blessings were beautiful and so unique.  I feel like it's such a testament to the validity of God's presence when the verbiage and promises are so individual and special.  I'm grateful we got to be there and participate in such a momentous occasion. These sweet little babies are close in DNA... their daddies are brothers and their mommies are sisters.  What a wonderful life!