Fort Washakie, WY

Forgive me while I jump back and forth
between real time
and days past.

It's just a reflection on my scattered life.
I start all too many things before a finish any one of them.

But there we were at my parents current abode . . .
Fort Washakie, WY

eating at the local restuarant . . .

and seeing the sights.

We looked at some shops, explored Sinks Canyon,

and kayaked on the lake.

And then we said goodbye

to Jacs, Josh, Macie, and Jen

to make their long drive home

back to AZ.

The next day,

we were down at the Lander pioneer musuem.

And then we said goodbye
to the Texas family.

Our first

"Allen Family Reunion"

and we will call it a

success.

Outings With Four

I took out all four kids by myself for the first time one week ago.
Kyler had soccer practice.
I wrestled two kids into car seats
remembered Ky's water bottle
snacks and diapers.
When we arrived on time,
I was feeling very proud of myself.
I got the double stroller out of the trunk
and loaded everyone in.
We played at the park while Kyler practiced with his team.
I was the mom handing Ky his water bottle
watching Kacin on the monkey bars
feeding snacks to L
and the one everyone was staring at while D
tantrumed on the ground.
As we walked back to the car after practice,
I noticed someone left their trunk open.
And that someone was me.
Almost flawless.

On the days I don't teach preschool,
D, L, and I walk with the boys to the bus.
Well, the little ones don't walk.
They ride in the stroller.
One time, I had L in the Ergo carrier
and tried to hold D's hand and walk to meet the boys at the bus stop.
Bad idea.
I tried to corral D in the direction he needed to go.
He was not having that.
Instead, he was throwing himself on the ground
and screaming,
and trying to go the other way,
AKA into the street
and the complete opposite direction of the bus stop,
and then screaming and flailing some more.
A persistent little guy he is.
We never made it to the bus stop that day.
Eventually Ky and Kacin made it to us
and assisted me in persuading and carrying the little guy home.
Strollers are now a must for us.

There was a very pleasant outing on Saturday.
Our family of six
last minute
decided to go to the zoo.
The zoo was good to us.
Nice weather, no crowds, walking, playing,
and with two pairs of adult hands
all went well.

Four New Legs

Someday I will finish catching up on our summer vacation.

In the mean time,
know that I am busy with a 1 year old girl and 2 year old boy,
and, as always, the best 7 and 8 year old boys of my life.
56 hours as parents of four
(yes, I'm counting. That's two successful nights and here's to a third!)
has left us tired and busy,
yet
I can't even entirely explain the
overwhelming sense of peace and strength.
When the Lord asks you to do hard things
and you are willing to do them
he provides a way for you to do it
and helps you along.
This may just be for a few months.
We don't know yet.
But I'm already glad that these sweet kids
have come into our lives.

And I'm laughing because they really did end up coming
on the first day of my preschool
just like we joked about.
Life's timing never seems quite right. :)

a branch, a ranch and pictures

On Sunday morning, we said goodbye to the Lodge,

and drove the hour to Fort Washakie.

We attended, and basically ran, my parents' branch meeting.

Jacqui was nursery teacher, Stef and I helped with primary,

and the son-in-laws gave the talks in sacrament meeting.

It's true, we nearly doubled the attendance.

But we met some good people there.

The church is true no matter where you are at

or how many are with you.

That afternoon, Jacqui organized us for family pictures.

I love having a photographer in the family!

And she is GOOD.

(FYI She'll be in the Seattle area in January if anyone is interested

in the best photo shoot you'll ever have . . .)

Check out her website

http://www.sweetsnapshotsphotography.net/

Our photo location was my mom's friend's ranch.

It was perfect.

 Jacqui did not take this picture. Jenny used my camera.

 Hanging around as each family had their turn . . .

 Happy days for the kids! There was a swing.

 Time for the kid pictures. Good luck.

Transformation

The happy day arrived
when we pulled out the clippers
and went to town on Eric's face.
Of course, this needed to be done
in stages.
Which is your favorite look?