Family quick trip and updates

This summer has been filled with high school sport practices (I'm told practice in the summer makes for a better season-we'll see!) and scout camps, youth conference, campouts,  EFY, and more sports. We haven't been able to really take a vacation but I'm hoping that soon (my graduation 2010****hint  Steve hint) our family of six will be able to take a small get away. We did however get to go see Steve's brother Bill in their new St. Louis home. We took at quick impromptu trip to Nauvoo. This is our families 2nd time to Nauvoo. The spirit that is there is awesome. I love that little town. Here are some pictures of the fun events. 

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 After we arrived home from Nauvoo our nephew Spencer received his mission call in the mailbox. It was so fun to be a part of this and great for my soon to be missionaries.  He will be leaving on our Caroline's birthday Sept. 8 and going to serve in California.  We are glad he is state side because our last nephew went to Africa and to mail a package to him it was like a million dollars!

As soon as we returned home my boys had a service project to help their rank advancement in scouts. This wonderful place called Special Kids was so excited to give my boys 6 hours of weeding!  Ha!!! This is before picture should have taken an after picture!!!!

Caroline and I got to go and see our sweet little friend Cora Grace that "graced"  our friend Lila with her surprise presence. She is the sweetest baby. It was so fun to be a part. You can read about her HERE. What a special little story and we loved spending time with her and hoping around with her big brother Evan.

 I have found the richest blessings in being with  people I love and  I miss those that we haven't gotten to spend time with  this summer and glad they understand what it is like to have busy teenagers and the importance of busy teenagers!  This summer it seems that I have taken more time to truly smell the roses meaning

-I have finally put down my hair-I'm sure I owe this new founding realization to my sweet Dad.
I haven't cleaned my head off and haven't studied like I should-I haven't taken pictures of customers every spare minute I can find for once!  I have taken more time to spend some good fun time with my mom, hang out with my sweet Granny, playin cards with my girl, rubbing feet with my sweetheart, hanging out with friends, swimming with these babes

We have gotten to spend time with Steve's nephew's- we all went through withdraws missing these three little boys but have gotten to spend some great time this summer with them!

  It has been so different not having Dad this summer and I have even missed going to the hospital since last summer he spent most of his time there.

 I do feel him close and feel like he watches over us. I can't explain it exactly!I've always heard others say that but never really experienced. I know he's very aware of what's going on with us!  Which makes me want to be better instead of such a stinker all the time!  I have a new appreciation for those who have lost and so glad my sweet hub. has lead me by the hand through this new journey. He has more wisdom than he gives himself credit.   My life truly is blessed and I am thankful daily to HIM.