Isn't this so darn much fun?

 We went to St. George and then later on to Provo to spend time with our family for 4th of July.  Cory and I sat down at the beginning of the week and decided what we would  do each day.  We came up with a great fun list and here's what we did.  We spent time with Wendy (Cory's Aunt) at her pool. 
Another family tradition is to take a pizza to the Church across the street from the St. George Temple, lay out a blanket and have a picnic.  After dinner we walk around the Temple and talk.

 Of course Sara's old "Jefferey" bear had to come along

 Here's Caleb and Cory walking together

 Another day was spent at the REC center in St. George.  Ummm... it was deliciously fun

 Even Afton thought so,

 Until she fell asleep.

 Another day we went to Zion National Park.  We left St. George early to beat the heat and the crowd.  We hiked the Emerald Pool trail. 

 During the wet season, this ledge is pouring over with water, but during July it was just a trickle.

 We saw some tadpoles ...

 Afton put her feet in the cool water.

 We found the Emerald pools!

 Provo 4th of July Parade!

 All the young cousins taking a short break from playing and laughing and hugging (well except for Hannah and Henry) for a picture.

 Just before the fireworks began at Doug and Helen's house.. HI HEATHER!

 We went out to dinner, Afton surprised the lady behind her by selecting her own meal.

 Home Again, Home again. 

It was a quiet ride.

We had a fabulous time. Thank you Gene Orton's!

Summer is here

 Afton is a joy to have.  She is loving and happy and darling and ....

 pretty darn cute!

 Hannah getting on the swing

 In the tub.  It's almost too small

 Caleb enjoys being in the backyard and making up stories. 

 3 Saturdays ago, while Cory and I were working in the front yard together, we heard Oreo (our cat) get hit by a car.  His back end was hit but he was able to run to our grass.  We ran to him and sat beside him stroking his fur and watched him suffer.  Cory and I said a prayer asking Heavenly Father to please take him quickly.  He did.  Oreo died in our front yard.  After a few minutes we called the children to us and told them the terrible news.  They sobbed and sobbed.  We buried him under a eucalyptus tree.  We spoke about Heaven and how there is no sadness there and no pain there.  The children were glad to be reminded of this.  Even still I think about Oreo from time to time.  He was a wonderful and special cat.  We are glad we had him for a time.  

The following Saturday Hannah and I went out and adopted a cat.  She is all black (pictured above) and after almost a week of being nameless she will now and forever be known as Kasha,

If we loved a cat this much and hope to have him with us after we die, how much more will we mourn the loss and hope for the presence of our children, parents, spouses, siblings and friends in Heaven.  I want all of them with me and I want to be with all of them.

 Slip and Slide (with soap of course)

Luke teaching Caleb multiplication. 

Huntington Beach, the Park and D-Land

 Huntington Beach was really windy but we didn't mind... we were at the BEACH!

 Caleb enjoying boogie boarding and the kids in the warmer (than Ventura) water

 We always make a sandcastle when we visit the beach.  And it all starts with a moat.

 The kids were happy and tired - the perfect combo

 People love Afton.  Wherever we go she draws people in with her sweet spirit.  This little girl followed us around at the park (near Uncle Ben's house in Huntington).  Then her grandmother asked if she could hold Afton.  The Grandmother only spoke Spanish so Cory translated for me and answered her questions about our baby.  The Grandmother was very sweet and Afton (although it doesn't look like it in this picture) was happy to be in her arms.

 

 The D-land train

 We've been to Disneyland a lot but never into Toon town. For this trip we started here.

 Hannah was big enough for Splash mountain...she rode it but said next time she would get off the ride before she got to the "big part."

 Sweet Afton with her sweet Daddy

 Another Family tradition: One last picture

 This is classic Calvin and Hobbs:  I count to 3 while Caleb holds a handsome smile, then just before the camera clicks I get this face.  I laughed and laughed... who cares?

 Alison, Janae and Sara: I wish you could hold her

 Caleb waited all day to buy something (with is own money) at the Lego store.  One noteworthy  thing about this boy: He can wait.

 One more hotel bath

Oh the fun they've had

 I looked behind me and both the girls had fallen asleep...Ahhh

 Growing up Cory loved reading the Calvin and Hobbs comics.  He collected several books over the years and has now passed them onto Caleb. Caleb is old enough to "get" them and laughs at Calvin's crazy schemes and humor.

 My parents brought Hillari up to our place so we could visit with her during her very short trip from S.F. state University,  We had a picnic, fished, and changed the oil on the corolla.  I know... don't you want to come?  I'm sure we could think of something to do.

 Sister Lane (in our ward) invited us over for a swim.  Now you might be thinking... Early May?  Swimming?  Well, considering the two oldest Randall kids have been in and out of a pool since March, May is no big deal.  But why on earth did I join them?  Sister Lane keeps her pool covered during the day so it warms up faster.   75 degrees feels a little cool but not too cool.

 We have a family of skunks living in our backyard, a mama and her 6 babies (only 5 a pictured)  We went back inside after they hid themselves in the giant cactus that serves as their den and read that Skunks typically only have 2 or 3 babies.  So either we have witnessed an oddity in Skunk offspring or maybe adoption?

 We had a fire really close to our place.  No one was hurt that we have heard and no damage to property but it was very close to several homes.

 Hannah fed Afton for me one day and I was witness to how sweet, tender and attentive she is.  Hannah gently wiped her mouth after every bite and gave her a sips of water when she thought Afton was thirsty. 

These children are growing up so very fast.  Am I teaching them enough so they won't stray?  Will I have them in the eternities?  The more I read about parenting the more I realize I don't know. Their learning spirits depend upon my testimony and example to teach them.  Heavenly Father lives and he is watching me and expects me to do my best.  I also believe that he wants to me to succeed and has made available everything I need to do so: prayer, scriptures, the Holy Ghost, my husband, and advice from wonderful friends.