holiday weekend

I sometimes feel like I'm storing up words...arranging them in my head just so. But then realizing I don't really have anything yet to say. I like to think and ponder. . .and sometimes doing that too much makes the written word jumbled and not quite what I was wanting to say.

Been reading many books - creating more thoughts that are still making their way here. Investing in my girls - one day at a time. Cherishing my husband - every day in the shadow of the cross of my Savior learning how to love from Him. 

My friend told me recently that she read an article about how our generation is the most "recorded". Never have we taken so many pictures, written in so many journals and baby books and captured so much media of our children and our lives. We live in an age of guilt if we forget the camera for that program or don't have every Happy Birthday on video. It's so true that as humans, we long for the forever...we don't want to miss or forget. We have eternity written on our hearts; how can we not try to cling to these things? We must never forget our true purpose as children of The King. Love well today, aspire to greatness and so what if you don't take the camera? Won't our children remember us showing humility and gentleness towards our husband more than the trip to the ice-cream shoppe? What are we going to be remembered for, despite our many pictures, poses and framing?

After saying that, I will go ahead and post all the pictures from our weekend; living up to my generational categorization. :)

Olympic swim day 

watching sister poolside

Olympic Training center

First ever snow cones at the Freedom festival...

Inspired by the idea by Aunt Heather, we had a neighborhood block party on July 3rd. We invited some other friends over too and had fun getting to know some neighbors better. The kids played in the pool and sprinklers, decorated bikes for a parade and we all enjoyed homemade ice-cream. This might become a regular family tradition. . .

real life picture: Grace was a little upset by how fast the older kids were riding

our neighborhood has lots of girls! Good thing Sam is getting a little brother soon

We ended our holiday weekend at Uncle Ben's house for a delightful evening. Their property is such fun and I'm already planning on future photo-shoots out in the woods and barns.

What are uncles for? Taking you for rides on their ATV!

"tough girl" look

What are aunts for? Making you lots of strawberry shortcake and whipped cream!

Earlier in the week, Liz and I made the drive to Cheyenne, Wy. to visit my Grandma. We impressed ourselves with only stopping once on the 3-hour drive for bathrooms as we had 4 little girls in our vehicle.

Cousin Chance and Madelyn climbing trees

visiting Great-grandma's place

lots of hugs