Dancer Goes To School

This summer Dancer finally got big enough to start.  She is three.  She is little, but I still love her.  She can also be kind of a pill - presumably because sometimes we swear she thinks she is a goat... but I still love her.

Prairie Spy did all the ground work on her.

She was surprisingly responsive and did great.  I was brave enough to get good pictures for that part.

But then when Nova got ready to put the first ride on her, I chickened out and went inside.  But then I couldn't really bear not to see it so I snuck out onto the front porch and watched through my telephoto lens :)  She was a sweetheart.  I am delighted.  What a doll.  (Prairie and Nova did great too :))

Eagle Scout (s)!!!!

On the Sunday evening after Braeburn spoke in Sacrament Meeting we had the boys Eagle Scout Court of Honor.

The Spy Twins finished their projects the summer before and Braeburn finished his project days before leaving for BYU and then his mission so we had a massive 3 person court of honor!

Grandpa gave the boys the eagle charge.  He was wonderful.  He is the real Scout Master and he and Mr. Bechtel are the ones who have truly taught the boys the most things. 

 John Burnham was the Spy Twins' 11 year old scout leader and has been a wonderful family friend.  The boys invited him, and Mannie Sanchez, and Kelvin Dallimore to participate.  We also showed a slide show of the boy's projects.

It was fun!

Mr. Bechtel's sister Christine and her family came from Montana.  Christine is a super good momma.  She came all the way so her boys could spent time with cousins and so they could see how the scouting program works.  I found that very impressive.

And Mr. Bechtel's sister Laura and Seth (looking awesome and rugged - best vet ever!) and their family.

Laura is amazing.  She should really begin a homesteading blog.  Her home is just too perfect -homemade projects everywhere - and she makes it all look easy.  Amazing.

Hi Grandpa and Grandma!  Good job boys!

Ferrier

Ever since I gravely offended our ferrier, Prairie Spy has been filling the bill.

It is hard work, and sort of makes my back hurt just to look at.  Thankfully, Prairie has Jack and Pete to eat all the clipped hoofs and keep him company while he works.

We're going to have to see if we can't get Prairie to ferrier school so he can get some real training.  That would be great.  But even now he does a good job and we really appreciate it.

Braeburn's Birthday

Just like Braeburn's Daddy twenty three years ago,

Braeburn got home from his mission on his birthday.

Kelvin Dallimore and his kids came over to say hi to Braeburn.

I hope you are blessed and happy and healthy and that your dreams come true.

From the Airport to the Temple...

Grandma works at the temple every Friday.  She wanted to see Braeburn, so we went to the temple to see her.  While Braeburn and Grandpa went inside, we sat in the garden.

The Kidlets!

The rewards of being a Mother in Zion.  

I felt so grateful.

Families are Forever.  For sure.

The Return of Elder Braeburn!!!!!!

Elder Braeburn had a very dramatic return to America.  He was stranded in London, hence missing flights, and finally arrived home a day late.

Here he is in England with one of his most favorite Swiss companions.  My mind has gone totally blank on his name....

and with the other missionaries and President Pilkington at the mission presidents home.

Meanwhile, back in America, Prairie Spy dresses up to greet the returning brother.

Ahhh!!! The anticipation is killing us!

The First Look!  Here he is!!!

It is wonderful to just see him - very british, very embarrassed to be the center of attention, so very Braeburnish.

 We studied him closely as he went through the rigmarole of filling out a lost baggage claim - Golden Delicious and I glancing back at each other with secret looks, "It's him!  He's so tall!  This missionary thing!"

We are beyond delighted to have him home.  He is marvelous.

Mr. Bechtel's Birthday

Happy Birthday Mr. Bechtel! 

(very, very, VERY late!)

We love you!