Elaine & Nathan's Wedding

A little back story: For the last year or so, we've been thrilled to have Elaine & Nathan visit with us every couple months as they have finalized plans for their wedding. We tasted cakes and looked at pictures of locations and talked about photographers and shared our opinions {however unnecessary they were} and were caught up in the excitement of planning a wedding. 

A week ago we, along with everyone else, were horrified to learn Elaine & Nathan had been in a car accident involving a drunk driver. We are so grateful {so so so grateful} they survived, though they both have injuries- some extremely serious.  Being pushed around in a wheelchair on your wedding day is not every little girl's dream. 

Despite these challenges, Elaine & Nathan had their big day- full of smiles and happiness and family and tender care and love. 

We love you Elaine & Nathan! Congratulations! We wish you a speedy recovery!

Here are a few of the pictures of the weekend I managed to take while chasing after my 5 kids- I'll post some more pictures once I get my hands on them. 

Wow! Wow! Wow!

We know our family and friends are amazing, so the many generous donations they've made to support Olivia's Team and the Children's Tumor Foundation isn't surprising. We ended up raising our goal by 200%. We are incredibly grateful for all your generosity!!

 The Salt Lake City NF Walk is 10 days away - its time to sign up!!!

The Salt Lake City NF Walk will be on Saturday, October 1, 2011 at Liberty Park {600 E. 900 S.} in Salt Lake City, UT.  Check in and day-of registration begins at 8 a.m. and the walk starts at 9 a.m.

The walk will be a single loop {approximately 1 mile} around Liberty Park followed by guest speakers, including NF Heros and Dr. Viskochil {Olivia's genetic doctor}, as well as prize raffles, breakfast, and entertainment!

Olivia's Team Page - click "Join our Team" at the top of the page to register for the walk. 

Olivia's Family Page - if you aren't able to join us for the walk, consider making a donation to the Children's Tumor Foundation.

We've been working on a little surprise for everyone who will be a part of Olivia's Team - can't wait to see everyone!!

Thank you! 

What have we been doing?

Checking out bugs

Going where no baby should go. Another climber, sigh. 

Particularly because she keeps falling on her head.  A few days after this bump she banged the other side of her forehead so she has matching bruises. 

I'm doing a preschool co-op for Olivia and Jolie.  They are loving it! 

Pinky up!

Olivia and Jolie also have their own "school work" to do while I am working with Austin and Nyah.

Nyah likes to help Olivia and Jolie.  I think she likes their school work more than her own. 

Austin likes to do his work by Dade.

Taking a break.

While Olivia and Jolie are at preschool, Nyah and I have been having some fun!

Reading time.

Michael stopped by for a visit. 

Sometimes Austin gets pulled into playing with his sisters. 

A field trip to check out some ducks ended early when Jolie fell into the pond.  Nyah rescued her while she was hanging onto the rocks about waist deep, but slipping. Where was I? About 5 feet away tripping over the others to get there.  Oh boy.

Wonderful Inspiration

 Chocolate on My Cranium The Redheaded Hostess Welcome to the Madness We Talk of Christ

Idaho Falls

We recently  spent a few days my family in Idaho Falls.  We had a lot of fun:

welcoming Keshia home from Croatia where she was serving an LDS mission.

Mesermized by the luggage return. 

Playing at the {GIANT} playground

Visiting Reed's Dairy for some delicious ice cream and to visit the animals.

Going to the zoo.

Feeding the ducks

Watching the penguins eat their dinner and swim around

All the big cats were out and roaring (it was dinner time).

On our way out of town we stopped at the river to feed the birds

It was so good to spend time with my family - playing soccer in the backyard, playing hand & foot for hours, and we even squeeked in some volleyball. 

Last Days of Summer

For some fun ideas to end our summer with a bang we are using the free notebook page from Handbook of Nature Study. 

 Washing bikes

Sleeping

Splashing

Playing

Digging

Eating

Being adorable :)

More Digging

Smelling

Enjoying a sunrise-

Hanging out with Dad

and our dog, Dade.

NOOOOOO!!!!! I don't want summer to end :(