Untitled.

While Allen and the big kids were away, the little ladies and I decided to kill some time in front of the camera.

 As all lonely ladies should.

Spending five days as just the three of us was such a special and unexpected delight. 

 BUT THE BOARD GAMES.

 I physically could not go down another chute or climb another ladder or sorry someone back to home.  

Candyland aside, I really enjoyed those little humans.

Heaven Gains a Grandma

Allen, Ryder and Linley were able to fly to California in June to celebrate the life our beloved Grandma Dorothy Liddell Zimmerman.

Heaven gained a beauty, inside and out.

If there is a way to appreciate funerals without being morbid, then I'm a fan.  They are harrowing and sorrowful, but also peaceful and beautiful. There is something about the beginning and the ending of life: the veil is so thin and God is so close and the warmth is so encompassing. 

The gospel is good.

The plan of Salvation is good.

God; He is so very, very good.

Of course, no trip to California is complete without a trip to Grandma K's.

 Or cousins!!

Such a wonderful legacy this Grandma created.  

I am grateful to be a part of it.

Stealing Summer's Saturday

To celebrate the first Saturday of Summer, we headed to the Bronx Zoo.

 I will never grow tired of this serene animal sanctuary. 

 It's just so lush and green and massive and all things unexpected in the middle of the chaotic and clutter that is The Bronx.

And also, rhinos.

 And lemurs.  Someone steal me one, stat.

 And baby gorillas.  God got that soooo right.

 I would happily ride the monorail on repeat.

It was the beary greatest way to kick-off summer.

And I'm not lion.

You can bet giraffe I could continue.

But this is getting sealy. 

So I'll stop.

Ryder Graduates

June 18th my little man walked away from elementary school.

My heart beats for this super human.

And so, the first born is officially the middle schooler.

Related: my prayers have become vain repetitions begging my sweet innocent 6th grader stay away from porn and pot. 

I've totally got this.

Tessa Turns Six!!!

 On June 15th the world's sweetest, spunkiest little chick turned six.  And we were all thrilled to celebrate her.

We started with the showering of gifts and donuts.

 Then, party time.

 She had only two requests: Barbies and a catwalk.

 So, you see, she makes it easy to love her.

 Happy birthday Tessa Jane!!!! 

We adore you.