Ben's home... Part 1

Ben flew in from Aspen, Colorado this afternoon for a four-day visit. We last saw him in February when we were in Santa Barbara for my mom's 80th birthday party, but he hasn't been home since last October - which is way too long! It is so wonderful to have him home. And, being Ben, one of the first things he did was climb the tree fort he built about seven years ago. He called me over to the tree and told me that there were bear droppings on the platform he was standing on. WHAT? Can that be true?

Here are the alleged bear droppings. I am no expert, but Ben sees bear all the time in Colorado, so he must know, right? You be the judge.

I will post more pictures as the weekend unfolds. For now, suffice it to say that I am one happy mommy. Nothing gives me greater joy than having my kids close! And tomorrow more of our clan will be coming home to visit with their brother. Love you so much, Ben! Welcome home.

Father's Day

We celebrated Father's Day over the weekend. Below is the card Sarah and Chris modified for Mark. And since he is indeed that super-hero Geoman, he totally loved it!

Sarah and Chris, Jake and Beka, and Hannah all joined Mark and me to honor Dad! On Sunday morning, our kids worked together to make delicious omelets for everyone. Mark was also able to talk to both Ben and David during the day, and he later said that he felt like it was the best Father's Day ever. I believe his exact quote was, "it was like my birthday and Christmas all rolled into one!"

Beka enjoys a moment of relaxation after helping in the kitchen.

Mark camped out in his favorite chair while awaiting his breakfast. Thanks, honey, for being such a great dad to our kids! You're the BEST!!!

Chris does his assigned melon-slicing-and-dicing duty with a cheerful face.

Mark dives into his breakfast feast of omelet, bacon, fruit, and toast with gusto!

The lovely and talented Hannah sautees the mushrooms. Good job for a girl who absolutely loathes mushrooms.

Jake was the omelet-making king. Mixing, cooking, flipping, filling - the whole shebang!

Sarah contemplates her next move.

Omelet-boy at work! Jake was making my omelet, and I had requested "no cheese," so you'll see him putting cheese on the omelet, then remembering my "no cheese" request, then promptly removing the cheese. What a guy!

Happy Birthday, Nikki !

Our dear daughter-in-law Nikki is celebrating her birthday today. Happy Birthday, Nikki! We are so looking forward to seeing you and David next month. Have a wonderful day today, and know that we will be thinking about you. Love you so much!

Oh, deer

I'll admit it - I love deer. And the fact that our property borders a huge undeveloped field which is well over a hundred acres in size means that many deer visit our yard. And they love to munch on all the fresh tender green stuff that is growing there - and we love to watch them.

There are lots of baby deer these days. This one is just outside the sliding door to our back yard.

Above you can see three of the critters. They are just so beautiful and so fun to watch that we really find it hard to be angry when they munch on our plants.

Hello there, cutie!

Come a little closer, sweet one!

Nibbling the grass just off our back deck.

Gotta scratch where it itches!

Sorry about so many pictures - but aren't they just too cute?

Caught in the act, eating our tomato plants. This is about the third time they have eaten on these poor plants, to the point that I don't think they will recover. Good thing we love going to the Saturday Market for our fresh produce. Apparently we are growing our garden for the deer.

A Happy Celebration of Love

Yesterday was Pamela's and Michael's wedding. Held in a breathtakingly picturesque setting in King's Valley, the ceremony was simply lovely. Pamela has been a close friend of Hannah's for many years, and was invited to serve as one of Pamela's bridesmaids.

Pamela and Michael exchange vows.

First introduction as Mr. and Mrs.

Hannah and the lovely bride.

Hannah and Mom.

Hannah and Dad.

My groom and me. In a few weeks Mark and I will celebrate 36 years since our own wedding. Going to a wedding such as we did yesterday is always a powerful reminder to us of the vows and promises we made to each other those many years ago. And if I had it to do all over again, my dearest love, I'd still choose you.

HOORAY, SCHOOL'S OUT!

No more pencils,

No more books,

No more teachers' dirty looks.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SARAH !

Today our firstborn turns 31. Sarah is the one who started it all, way back in 1978. She was the first to say Ma-Ma and Da-Da, the first to take those first, wobbly steps, the first to get a tooth (and the first to lose a tooth), and the first to... well, she was just the first to go through every category. In typical eldest-child fashion, she was pretty much born responsible. And she has always had such a great sense of humor - to this day, every conversation with her includes lots of laughter. She has blazed the trail well for her four younger siblings, and she has always been a delight to our hearts. Love you super much, Sarah. We had such a fun time celebrating at your house yesterday. Enjoy your day today!

Sarah and our sweet oldest son, Jake (which one looks more worried)?

Eating outside is great - you get to be as messy as you'd like.

Then dear Ben came along.

Then our bubbly David. This is Christmas, 1986.

Sarah with her best gift ever - her Cabbage Patch doll, Ina Nan.

Of course, our dear Hannah eventually came along to join the line-up, and made our family complete.

During her college years, where she trained to become the accomplished second-grade teacher she is today.

Sarah with her amazingly wonderful and talented husband Chris, who loves her as she deserves to be loved. We are beyond blessed to call you our daughter, Sarah. Much love to you on your special day.