Libby's Baptism

Libby's baptism went great. There have been a few days in my life that fall into a special category of "greatest days ever". This day was definitely one of those days. Daren did a fantastic job and Libby was a sweetheart. We had wonderful support from both friends and family. I didn't get a picture of everyone that was there, so I limited the pictures that I posted to just our little family. It just didn't feel right to include photos of some, but not others. That's my only regret for the day- that I didn't get a photo of everyone that was there.

(I did, however, post a picture of the cake because it was just to fabulous to leave out).

Oh my, what cute Panamanians!

Its been almost 10 months since we went to Panama. I should have documented this a long time ago, but better late than never. The girls are wearing dresses made by the Kuna Indians and Daren's tie is also their work. I have a dress too, but I didn't happen to be wearing it Sunday.

Little Big Problems

As I was washing dishes this evening I had a little companion sitting on the counter next to me. She was crying and going on and on about how she didn't want to get in the tub. As I looked at her tear stained, filthy little face I realized that all too soon she was going to be an adult. As much as I was not enjoying listening to her crying and complaining I wanted to remember the moment. The moment when my biggest problem was getting her to take a bath. As far as problems go, that's a good problem- I'm anticipating worst in the years to come. For now, we will tackle the tub issue and accept that she wouldn't look at the camera, so you'll just have to believe me that she was crying.

Happy Birthday Libby!

Libby's wish for a basketball hoop was granted.

And on to some photos taken after the birthday celebrations...

Noelle and Libby are playing restaraunt (complete with head piece and touch screen).


Just a quick photo of my mini cantaloupe from the garden. It was so tiny and cute I couldn't resist taking a photo. It even tasted good too!

Just because it makes me smile

Lately I've really been embracing the idea of only having two kids. This is not how I imagined my life, but I'm really trying to get use to it. Hence, the photos of Noelle in the tub. I thought I was past the tub photo stage, but I'm squeezing a few more in because I may never get the chance again. Anyway, these photos make me happy.

School Days

First Day of Preschool (for the second year in a row!)



First Day of Second Grade




Back to school nail art. Ooh la la!

Fun Four

Have I mentioned what a great age 4 years old is? This summer Noelle got to attend preschool at Utah State. It has been really good for her. I've noticed that her creative play has really increased in quality since she has attended there. .
I walked into my bathroom and saw this. It took me a minute to figure out the scenario. Basically, we need to get our children a pet. Let's hope if we do get a dog they choose a slightly less drastic way to keep him in one spot.


Same day, different room. Poor Grover. It's a little disturbing.


She didn't need pre-school to teach her how to dress. She has always had excellent taste in clothes. However, whenever I try and take her picture, this is her reaction.

Caught her!
PS Libby, seven years old is great too!

Bear Lake and Baby G

We got to go to Bear Lake with some friends last weekend. We had a great time. This is Noelle and Lauren. Noelle is always looking for a "baby" (or at least someone younger than her) to love and be friends with.

A sweet mud bath. Mindy got the award for being the best mom and playing in the sand with the kiddos.
Nate also got an award for good parenting. Here he is showing the kids how to really "feel" the cold air coming from the cave.
Evidently, if you squat even lower you can feel the cold air better.



All the mommas of the group.
Noelle and Payson holding hands. They are such cute little friends.
Before the trip to Bear Lake I got to babysit my niece Grace. She is such a little dolly! The girls LOVE her too!

4th of July Celebration

As is typical, we were without Daren the night of the fireworks. So I had some extra time on my hands and I got to play around with my camera. I think the results are pretty cool.




Fourth of July dresses. I just love having two little girls to dress up. I wonder how long they will be willing to wear matching clothes? Noelle found her glasses the morning of the fourth and insisted on wearing them to church. Daren made sure the got "lost" afterwards. He is worried about them damaging her eyes.





A photo of the grandkids just before the parade. They all look so good in their red, white, and blue!


Playing at Grandma and Grandpa Jacks



Our "special visitor" at the annual Jackson 4th of July celebration. I believe his name was Obock Barama- America's number one clown. We called him Bocky for short. He taught us a song about giving as congress gives and living in eternal debt (to the tune of Give Said the Little Stream)and he gave away dollar bills.