Dump.

Okay, so if I am ever going to get up to speed on here, I have got to quit thinking I am going to give everything due attention and just do a great big dump.  I thought making this blog private would help me to get here more often.  Fact is, I have gotten out of habit.  And here's my theory about my blogging habit breaking: while the kids were small, this was my lifeline to the outside world.  My connection with adults when I was surrounded by only little people (by my own choice) day in and day out.  Now that my children are venturing out of the nest...so am I.  It is a good season, and I love it...but this little place suffers because of it.  I am resolving to at least post monthly...I think I can do that.  But, before I do...I must get caught up!

So here goes...mid-February through June 30:

Lots of beautiful blossoms all around Garden Cottage.

  

Some friends were getting rid of some cool bike gear and we were at the right place at the right time. Looky...it even matches!

Myra started on her big picture wall with all the quotes and pics she has been gathering...with the help of her 'straight guy with a queer eye' dad. ;)

Of course, there were plenty of fine weather days during our Spring.

In March, Myles and Bryan attended 11 year old scout camp together.

Besides freezing all night, the boys came back with glowing reports.

My babes continued to grow, as time marched on through the Spring...

Myra gathered roses and brought the beauty inside.  We watched and loved General Conference...but I neglected to take any pictures.  

Bryan signed up to do the 75 mile bike event for the Tour de St. George, but his fellow riders talked him into doing the full 100 miles during the ride...and he was so glad he did.

Meanwhile, the kids and I went with Gramps and Grandma Olive to the Tuacahn market.

We got back to the race just as Bryan was finishing up.  We were so proud!!

The fair came to town and we attended one afternoon/evening.  The boys had a blast in the bubbles.

Easter time rolled around again, and the kids painted eggs.

And hunted for them...

This year these two were the egg hiders.

Easter Sunday was a beautiful day, with my beautiful family.

So grateful for our Savior and for his life and resurrection!

Cousin Oliver was blessed.

Bryan turned 39...

and got a new helmet.

How our four adore him.

1 more year until he is officially 'over the hill'. 

Bryan took the kids to the Castle for a few hours, while I worked on a Relief Society lesson and some Girls Camp stuff.

Myra checking out a nasty tomato worm.

Myles and Grandpa duking it out.

McCoy on the play set.

And Maisy a swingin' and a  smilin'.

Bryan had a station at this years Cub Scout Day Camp and took Myles along to be his big helper.

They made bug vacuums. 

Myra made another embroidered quilt, this time for Rene and Spencer's baby girl that is due this Fall.

It turned out so cute.

Nursery rhyme themed.

The weather turned hot and out came the swim gear.

The Stake Girl's Camp Committee had some long meetings...always a blast with these gals!

Myles earned his Aviation Merit Badge, with the help of his Scout leader/our neighbor and pilot...
and Bryan even got to fly the plane for a little while.

A summer shear selfie.

For Memorial Day weekend we went camping to Richfield with the Castle Crew.  But first we made a pit stop at the Beaver park.

We also went to Emery and spent the day at the park, and visited Great Grandma and Grandpa Mortensen's new headstone, which is beautiful.

We also went to Moab's Dinosaur Museum.

Run Myles, Run!

Back at home we got in a few bike rides before the heat hit hard.

I got my braces off.  

(You're welcome for the black and white filter. :))

And then it was up to Girl's Camp 2017...which was a huge success.

Here are the only two pics we got of it...
but it was wonderful!!

Here is Myra on the climbing wall!

Bryan was able to be with me, most of the time, on the mountain... thanks to my lovely mother's willingness to keep the 3 youngers.. and the blessed fact that she lives close enough to camp that Bryan could make a quick trip to play with the kids.

And play, they did...

Also...Myles turned 12.

I can't even believe how fast these little ones are growing up...but they are doing it so nicely and I am so lucky to be able to watch them learn to become who they were sent to earth to be.  

Myles' candle was an afterthought.  But, he still made a wish...and he still has my heart.

12 years ago this boy joined us after a long pregnancy on a warm summer's morning.  As with each of my children, he changed me forever...and continues to do so, daily.  Myles has taught me so much more than I will ever be able to teach him...and I love him for it.  This is a big birthday for him, as tomorrow he will receive the Priesthood and become a Deacon...as his wings continue to develop.  

This kid is going to fly high.
So glad he is mine!

Phew!  Onward to July!  

*Lots of missed details over these past few months, no doubt.  

Chiropractor visits, pulled teeth, stop motion videos by the ton, many preparations for High School for Myra, her enrollment in public school, tennis practice, trumpet practice, friends, mutual, scouts, library activities, one on one trips with mom, gardening, yard clean-ups, homeschooling, chicken death, cousins, April Fools jokes, exercise, bike rides, chores, wheat grass growing and juicing, book reading, cat sitting, Aunt helping,  living and learning and loving and working and taking one day at a time...as we maneuver this crazy, wonderful world together.

:)