Update

We had Wes's brother Tyler take some family picts for us. It was long overdue, since getting the fam ready for pictures in one of my least favorite things to do. The shots were fabulous and I'm glad not to have to do that again for a while!

I ran the crazy Ragnar Wasatch Back relay race in June. It took our team 36 hours! It was really quite the par-tay, and so much fun to run with my dear sister, Amy.

Another family picture that I love!

These three girls are peas in a pod, especially Ivie and Norah. Ivie pretty much ceases to exist unless she is with another human being (yeah, she's social), so Norah has become her side-kick. Ivie is so attentive and sweet with Jane and is always packing her around and giving her loves. I'm thankful for a responsible, sweet oldest daughter!

Doesn't every boy look forward to his first pinewood derby? Caleb worked so hard on his car, designing it, cutting, sanding, painting, and figuring how much weight to add to increase it's speed. When his car cruised past all the others, he couldn't contain his excitement! It was a boost he needed and really fun to see him so happy.

The 3 year old birthday has been one of the best with all of my children. It is the first birthday that they are old enough to really, really be excited and understand what's going on. Norah was the sweetest three year old and got to celebrate with three parties: one at our home with grandma and grandpa M, one at grandma and grandpa S's with mini cupcakes on her new mini tea set, and another at the Argyles (well, it was really for Emma, but they let Norah feel like it was for her too.)

I just love this picture. It shows perfectly what a creative leader Ivie has become. They were "playing the piano" on the stools, even though we have the real thing in the next room!

Adding compost to our garden. It made me happy to see my family all working happily together.

One of Jane's most distinguishing features is her hair. It has become really curly, and is always crazy, crazy, crazy! But I love it so much and I love this girl so much!

Other things of note:
Wes and I went to Washington DC for a conference. While he was in meetings, I toured some of the cool places there. A highlight for me was seeing a REAL painting by Leonardo di Vinci. Turns out I really like art museums! Hours after visiting the White House, it was announced that a certain terrorist had kicked the bucket by force...and we could hear the happy cheers of the crowd in front of the White House from our hotel. Spending time with my best friend, uninterrupted was fabulous. I could get used to that!

I still haven't figured out how to manage the laundry in our house.

Caleb started violin lessons again, and Ivie started piano. I hired traveling teachers that come to MY HOUSE. It is heavenly, and pretty cool to hear my children create music too!

Wes is officially a partner in his group after a 2 year buy-in.

We did some landscaping in our front yard and built a sandbox in the back (that the kids get SO dirty in, but that is absolutely so fun!)

I'm so thankful for the words "I'm Sorry." It seems I'm using them every day as I learn how to be a mother. I get rather tired of messing up, but glad my children forgive me. In the midst of it all, I love, love being a mother and really try to relish the time I have with my little ones (between dishes, laundry, and wiping little bums).
That's it.