backyard - love the weather

Perfect evening... just a touch of rain to cool things down.  And with full bellies, it's a good time to play in the backyard.

Playing "Dead Man, Dead Man, Come Alive"

Spence showing Mommy the rocket in the clouds

One child that still lets Mommy maul him with love

first day back

4th, 2nd, and 1st
And it was a great day for all!

summer is nigh unto the end

Here are a few shots of the past couple of weeks.  Summer is drawing to a close with the kids starting school tomorrow.  We have really enjoyed the time together, and are looking forward to some quality beach time and Moab time in September... we hope the kids don't get on their teacher's bad side for skipping out on a few days.  Fall happens to be their dad's favorite time of year to travel... besides Spring, Winter, and Summer.  At any rate, here they are...

one of the favorite photo spots in our house... the lighting is nice and the kids are not in a hurry to run around... (Seth happens to be buckled in for this shot :)

Camille in the backyard

Scott in one of his contemplative moments behind the cabin

our wonderful next door neighbors 

"Colt" in his yard

"Tum Tum"

Does this kid ever leave the kitchen?

I guess not

Milo and 'Rocky' this past weekend

sweet family - always a pleasure to be with

Spence was a pro at the fire this weekend

The backyard at the cabin

The picture Amber didn't want me to post

6 years today

No post can fully describe how wonderful Sam is... But here are some small snippits from his life.

Samuel Luke was itty bitty when he came on August 16, 2005 at 3 lb 11 ounces and full term

Sam's heart defects mandated major surgery at 6 months old

These images are just prior to the surgery...

 ...and just after (still in the hospital)

In 2006 and 2007 he dealt with some feeding/eating/healing issues

This was the day Sam finally took a bottle! a Miracle for certain.

At 3 years old, Sam started walking... (fully walking in October 2008)

Sam still has his struggles with communication and abilities, and that can be frustrating for him and for us at times.  But we are grateful for the blessing he is to us and all those who know him!

Big 6

Happy Birthday Sam! We love you tons!!!

Sunday afternoon

We finally got the family up to the cabin.... it only took us 9 months.  Well, kind of.  But we are excited to stay there this coming weekend.  We went up for Sunday afternoon.  We left the 91 degrees of the valley and it was 70 when we arrived to the cabin.   That was pleasant.  Anyway, here are some pictures of the cabin, the kids, and the view from the kitchen window.

another summer weekend

Our little monkey at G and G Gerritsens. 

Someone enjoyed getting lost in the raspberry garden...

Lovin' the tramp - and giving big 'cheese'

Sleeping on the piano bench.

Our nephew, Vance - so cute!