Everett Jackson Reunion

We went over to Jackson Hole for a reunion with Todd's side of the family in August, and these are the pictures we got before our memory card filled up.

Emma with Grandma Everett

Parker, Jacob, and Emma on the Hidden Falls hike.

I had to include this picture of Jake showing his angry side, because tonight at dinner Emma asked if we'd ever actually known anyone who really got coal from Santa Claus. Well, we do know one person. Is he headed for a repeat?

Truman, Graham and I waiting for the boat at Jenny Lake. I did take a Snugli for the hike, but really it was more convenient just to carry him.

Back at the Ranch

Todd tried to set some jumping records at the sand dunes.

The albino elk at Bear World was too interesting not to post. It's a lonely existence; can't "join in any reindeer games", and all that.

Emma's ladder ball game has dramatically improved. We bought a set after returning home, but Truman, Mr. Take-it-apart Man, soon put an end to the fun.

Chillaxin'

A little "out of the suburbs" therapy, with Todd this year, was just what the kids and I needed.

Baby Blessing

We blessed Graham the first weekend in August at my brother's ward in Salt Lake. It was a special day, and we really appreciated Lowe and Michelle hosting the affair. Lowe makes a great bishop! One of the things from the baby blessing that stands out in my mind was that Graham would be blessed to appreciate the differences of others and to love them; to have charity. I look forward to seeing Graham grow and having him in our lives. We love our little baby!

With Uncle Jordan who came from I.F. with Julie and kids. Looks like he's ready for another one! LOL

Graham is wearing the only "blessing outfit" that any of our kids has worn. I'll admit that in the past I felt they seemed a little too Catholic for my taste. I guess ten years after coming home from Italy the effect is wearing off. Nothing wrong with a little rite and ritual in good measure, I always say. Anyway, he looked adorable. He was especially chubby when we put on his cap and fastened the strap under his double chin, but he didn't stay happy in it long enough for a good photo.

Chloe, Cecily and Emma

Precious.

Even though this happened 7 weeks ago, Parker just came by the computer, saw this picture, and started hammering me with questions about how many brownies Emma got on this day, and at what time she consumed them. Honestly! Kids and sugar!

Julie and Holly lunch prepping. It's lovely to be with sisters.

Michelle, Julie, Holly and Mom . . . and Emerson's head.

Steve, Chloe, Jordan, Holly, Maia (who was unbelievably cute and entertaining).

Newborn pics

My friend, and very talented photographer Melanie, took some great pictures of Graham at 3 weeks. She also took darling photos of the kids, but they won't load on - too many MBs. Someone with more computer savvy could figure it out, I'm sure. This picture makes me realize how huge my baby has gotten. Look at his tiny newborn-ness.

melaniesmithphotography.com

A Visit from Uncle Tom

Todd's brother Tom came to visit with his family in the beginning of July. Katie and Kellen were lots of fun to play with, and Truman decided Aunt Jeni was his new best friend. Honestly. He wanted her to get him dressed and one morning he sat outside her door waiting for her to wake up and come out. When they were leaving, he said, "I want the nice mom to come back!"
Thanks for coming guys, and we all hope you'll come back. Swingtime! Since Todd was away on business, and I was still in recovery/survival mode, we didn't offer much in the way of exciting entertainment: the park, the pool, and Shakey's Pizza.

Last week of May

I never posted these photos from the end of May. Parker's pre-school graduation was very cute. His teacher, Miss Michelle, is a wonder. She used to teach high school dance, so their programs are always really fun to watch.

Brynn, Porter, Calie, Jacob, Cami, Mae and Parker; Harry was having a hard night and sat with the audience. This was a great class of kids, and they were together for two years.

"You've Got a Friend in Me" (Disney theme)

Big finish: Brynn stoically danced on, minus a partner.

When Miss Michelle invited anyone to join in the chicken dance up front, Truman was on his feet and heading for the 'stage' before she finished talking!

Way to go, Parker! You've grown and changed so much in the past two years!

There were three age divisions for the gunny-sack races, and it was an Everett sweep. Emma had an impressive win against all the older boys, and Truman wasn't about to let the family down!

My ward gave me a baby shower and replenished the "boy closet". These were some women who stuck around to visit afterwards. It was a lot of fun.

Lovely spread.

Memorial Weekend we drove over to Long Beach to visit the gravesites of my grandparents, great-grandparents and uncle. I told the kids a little bit about my Grandma Cole as we drove over. I always remember going to the cemetary for Memorial Day growing up and wanted to pass on the tradition. I think it's important for our kids to know that there is a reason for the holiday beyond a bbq. We put a flag on my grandpa's grave because he was a WWII veteran.