Nauvoo

Chloe basks in the California sun, her mind far away from the cornfields of Indiana.

This beach babe loves to boogie board. 

Before church at Nonna and David's house.

Saying good-bye to the Yuba crew who came down to visit.

Chillin' with the penguins.

Feeling crabby.

Logan swung for the fences, trying to destroy his birthday "piñata". 

Happy 8th Birthday, Logan!

Joss helps Dane in the 4th of July bike parade.

Finding some shade at the 4th of July celebration.

One of the kids took this candid of Finn, who's showing some shoulder.

Logan was baptized 7/6/2019.  

We sang "As a Child," a song Dad wrote, and Finn joined us to photo bomb.

At the creek in Happy Hallow Park with the girls' friend, Emmie.

Sitting in the shade while touring Nauvoo.

Dane still squinting with one eye.

Like he always has. (7/2018)

Looks like it's always the left eye that gets spared from the sun.  (6/1/2017)

We toured Carthage Jail, where the kids learned about the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith.    (You might notice Finn is missing from this picture.  He was behind us playing in a rain gutter.)

Nonna with Dane, playing pioneer games.

The girls really liked the idea of playing in the Nauvoo Brass Band (Chloe) or being a young performing missionary (Joss) when they get older.  

Mastering another pioneer game.  Look at that determined face!

The boys climb up with Boiler Pete at Walmart.

School is starting next week, and our wonderful summer is coming to a close.  The girls had the trip of their dreams, staying with Nonna and David and then Aunt Becky and Uncle Gerald.  They also got  to see the Ververas, Grandma, and Aunt Sari -- so much love!!  

I was a little nervous about the girls flying alone, but turns out one of their young women leaders was on the same flight and was able to sit right next to them.  Then Nonna and David flew back to Indiana with them and spent a couple of weeks here.

While the Needhams were here we went to Nauvo, which I haven't been to since I went with the Harrisons when I was 11.  My favorite part was the Nauvoo pageant, but I also liked visiting the little shops.  My least favorite part was sharing a bed with Finn -- serves me right for forgetting his crib.

This week has been filled with twists and turns, with me taking a different kid to the Urgent Care or the pediatrician 4 times (strep for Logan, unknown virus for the other boys), preparing for the start of school (and seminary!!!), and planning for the future as Landon and I weigh the pros/cons of different job opportunities coming up.  Exciting times!