July and little June on the side

Emma with her piano teacher at her recital.

Towards the end of June our family had a mini-vacation (less than 24 hours) in San Diego. We stayed at a great hotel in Mission Valley. We swam, played, visited the zoo at night (the koalas were awake!) and went to Todd's work party at Mission Bay the next day.
Livin' large. Parker and Truman had never stayed in a hotel before.
View of the pool from our room. I give Priceline 4 stars. I love the gamble.
Miles, Cecily, Truman and Emma at the zoo.
On our hike in Idylwild.

Best friend brothers: Parker, Truman, Jeremiah, and Jacob.
Parker's preschool class, all decked out in American glory.
Parker's display of three things about him:

1. superhero - Parker always wants it clear when he learns a new story, "Who are the good guys and who are the bad guys." Our FHE lesson about David and Goliath prompted a lot of scared questions about giants. Being a superhero sorts out all those fears for Parker.

2. Measuring spoons because Parker loves to help in the kitchen.

3. Tennis shoe because Parker loves to play tag, chase, and run.

Parker and Emma. Parker was recruited because both of the girls wanted a turn to be the beautiful butterfly and Cecily flat out wouldn't be an ugly bug.
Emma and Cecily

TRIP TO IDAHO

Emma lives the dream: bareback riding.
This picture represents Parker's general response to do the opposite of what I ask. "Smile!"
Truman weighs less than the saddle.

Jett and Truman enjoying "the system" in Jenna's car. Our family makes do with a flimsily strapped up DVD player that no one can hear or see. But for some reason it satisfies them.

Jett and Truman being chummy. Here's a typical conversation between the close cousins:

Jett: "Truman, where are you? Truman, do you want to go outside and throw rocks with me?"

Truman: "ao-ee eowa eh eh. chuckle chuckle"

FYI, to the people who care, I took Truman to the speech therapist this week and he's going to start some sessions. He might have a mild speech apraxia problem, so I'm glad I decided to take him in. Keep you posted.

Ready to go get the horses from the pasture with Grandpa.
Grandpa with High Pockets (Hy) and Blaze.

Emma has been obsessed (and I don't use that word lightly) with all things "Little House" for several months. I don't know how many times she has read the whole Laura series, but trust me, there is no question she could not answer (or ask!) on the topic. Anyway, she was in heaven in Idaho living a little closer to the pioneer ideal. She also found a book from the Rose Years series (Laura's daughter) at the D.I. in Rexburg and it was like Christmas morning. Emma loved being around the horses and spent many hours just hanging around the corral picking alfalfa and bringing it them.

Checkers: the inter-generational pastime.
So cute.
(Janelle, feel free to copy this and add to your post.)
I love the open sky. It was great to be home with Todd again after two WHOLE weeks! (and 2,000 miles alone with 3 children) but depressing to come back to crowded So. Cal.

And for my dear, dear friends who I didn't see along the 15, please forgive me. I love you!

Parker on top of the world at the sand dunes.