Poor little Tree

Back in April we decided to plant a family tree. We took a starter pine up to Robie Creek and found the perfect spot for it. The plan was to go up periodically to check on it and watch it grow into this large pine tree.

This is us planting the tree in April.

We went back to check on it in July. We were incredibly disappointed that in 2 months there was little to no growth, we determined that it was just slow growing.

This last trip to Robie the family went without me, (I was spending the weekend with friends from out of town) but they did have Grandma & Grandpa Malan along. When they climbed the hill to find the tree they could not find it anywhere (mostly because they were looking for something green). Grandpa Malan spotted it- what a disappointment! It was burnt to an absolute crisp!Poor little tree- RIP

That wasn’t the only disappointment. The girls took their swimsuits up, hoping to get in some water, too bad for them the lake was drained and there was no water to be found (remember that I was not around to take care of the girls hair! However, their hair is also so thin sometimes there is little to be done.)

Despite a few disappointments there was still fun to be had. Dad was so very lucky to have the help of Grandma and Grandpa!

Forever Friends

This weekend I was able to reconnect with several girls from my high school days back in Rexburg. Some of these girls I had not seen in about 13 years! Some of them I saw 5 years ago briefly at Ashley’s wedding reception. We were able to spend time Friday afternoon through late Saturday night together. It was truly amazing how time truly melted away and we were able to reconnect and share our life experiences. When Leslie, Tara, and I were trying to plan the weekend we were worried that we would not have enough activities to keep us all busy. We went to dinner Friday night, lunch Saturday, did a little shopping, but the rest of the time we sat and talked and shared our life stories over the last several years. We spent several moments laughing and crying together. I realized how truly amazing these women all are. The many different trials we have all experienced (and overcome) and the trials many are currently experiencing. I mentioned to my husband on Friday night how everyone seemed the same as I remembered them and how little their personalities had truly changed. However, by the end of our visit on Saturday night I realize that even though personalities have not changed everyone has changed so very much through all of our different life experiences. I have such an appreciation and love for all of these wonderful ladies, and was so very sad to see them go.
I realized this morning I only had taken 2 photos of all of us- and these are the 2 pictures I have to share of our weekend together.

Personality

Okay so all of you who know Savannah know that she always has and idea for how she wants to look everyday. This was her look for today........

Sneakers, leopard jacket, sunglasses the works. She wanted me to do her hair in "lots of little braids". I let her know that we definetly did not have time this morning for that. Also, I did talk her into a coordinating her capris, shirt, and headband (it was a fight). I lost on the sunglasses and the jacket, it just wasn't worth it. She looked cute anyway.

Bye-Bye Julee & Breanna

We used to be the only ones on my side of the family that lived far away. Since we've moved back from Pittsburgh, Rilieanne moved to Coeur d'Alene, Dan's sister Anne moved to Texas, Kelsi moved to Indiana, and now Julee and Breanna are moving to New Mexico. It is hard to see everyone go, but we still do have quite a bit of family in the area so that is nice. We definetly will miss Julee and Breanna, but wish them the best of luck in their new adventures in New Mexico. We will miss you!

First Day of Preschool

Yesterday was Paige's 1st day of Preschool. She was SO very excited and can't wait to go back tomorrow. She sure did look cute!

Martin Lake

This is the last camp out for us for this season- we went up to Martin Lake with most of Dan's family (minus Andy & Leisel and Jim & Dani). The campsite was nice and not too crowded- we got in some fishing, nice walks, and raft rides. Our trip did get cut some short because of a nice little thunderstorm, however, apparently as soon as our family took off the sun came out. Oh, well it was a nice trip anyhow.

The whole crew (minus Byron) Lydia may not have much hair- but there was quite a rat's nest anyway.

Cute little Paige!

We got in a B-day celebration for Grandma Malan. The cake is still minus14 candles!

Lydia enjoyed Grandma's cake!