Summer came full of sunshine and green grass, enticing us to soak in its rays and roam barefoot in our beloved acre of the world. A freshly tilled garden calmed my anxious excitement of all the big events coming in the next few weeks. My calloused hands and newly planted rows were the trophies that I proudly cared for.

Nathan and Hyrum joined in the gardening care as they treated their individual apple trees with additional water and words of encouragement for a bounteous harvest.

Our cheerful innocence, as we took pleasure in each day, was sorely met by the notorious winds that tend to sweep through Rexburg.  For the second year in a row the playhouse lost its battle against the blustery gusts as it toppled once more to a heap on the ground.

Weakened through the torture of such a tumble twice over, it was time to turn the 2-story Chattel house into a single story Rambler. Derek took over construction with Daymia as his apprentice.

Levi took over the grill while Hyrum set up a full picnic and together they provide our first outdoor dinner of many throughout the summer.

Our productive evening ended with a volley of jokes, laughter, and occasionally, the ball.

This family of mine is pure joy! They are my laughter, my heart, and my forever!