Time to catch up. . .

I have so much to catch up on. . .

First of all was the 4th of July!!! It was an especially fun holiday for us because we had so much family celebrating it with us. My parents, sister and brother-in-law, and neices arrived that evening from South Dakota. Our house was actually the final stop on their way to the coast where they are now living. I spent just a little on fireworks for the night, but Mike (my brother-in-law) supplimented our scant supply with a very nice bundle of his own. I had also prepared a nice lasagna dinner (frozen, of course!) for feasting whenever anyone was hungry. I have to say, it was one of the most enjoyable Independance Day holidays I can remember.

Next was Nichole's birthday. This time she got to keep the cake!!! (Her new tradition is to try to steal the cake and get everyone to sing to her instead of the TRUE birthday person. It actually worked the first time--Rachelle's 16th birthday. Several of us actually said her name and we had to sing all over again! What a NUT!!!) Nichole is now 18 which makes 3 adult children. Do I feel old? Nawwww.

The following week, the girls went to our Stake's YW Girl's Camp. Cynthia decided to join them this year. Since Nichole's birthday was only a week before the camp, the YW leaders graciously allowed her to join them for one last year. I am so glad that she could be there for Jamie's first year. For the most part, the girls had a wonderful time. They got to do some hiking, swimming, and rock climbing. They came out suffering only a few near death experiences. . . (Just kidding, of course!) Also, I had the rare experience of being in an empty house on several occasions when both Tim and Rob were at work. WAY too quiet. I love these experiences that remind me how much I love my children, and how much fun we have when we are together.

We set up the pool while the girls were gone. Well, Rob did, anyway.

Tim turned 19 the Monday after the girls returned. He is now officially the age of an LDS Missionary. True to Nichole's tradition, there was an attempt on the cake. Happily, Tim can really hold his own.

July is birthday month. Cynthia turned 16 on July 25th. Selena brought her and Jazmin to our house to celebrate. Some of her friends from church were able to come wish her a happy birthday. Thoni and Hollace Holbrook & Anna and Naomi Scherette. From the sound and appearance of things, they all had a wonderful time. I really enjoyed my visiting time with Selena. It has been WAY too long.

Our next birthday was just around the corner. Jamie became a teenager. I can't believe it!!!! These kids insist on growing up so fast. My camera was both full and dead, so I had to borrow Tim's camera for pictures of Jamie's birthday. I will post those as soon as I can get them from him.

Tim is almost completely ready for his mission. We went suit (and stuff) shopping on Monday. He looked soooo very handsome and missionary-like in his suits. They had to be altered, but I will post pictures as soon as I have some.

WHEW! That was a lot to catch up on.