My tree lover...

As many of you may know, my hubby is a certified arborist (tree lover, tree hugger, tree surgeon, etc.) and has a true tree addiction. So far...he has planted 24 trees in our yard...with 3 fruit trees coming this fall! Really? Do we need that many?!

"We can learn a lot from trees: they're always grounded, but never stop reaching heavenward"

-Everett Mamor

Some of our trees...

top row: : Southwestern White Pine, Kentucky Coffee Tree, Chinkapin Oak

bottom row: Japanese Zelkova, Japanese Tree Lilac, Southwestern White Pine

. . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

Earlier this summer, while we were away, our lovely puppies (they are sisters) decided it would be fun to strip bark off the trees. We lost five trees before our neighbor called to alert us. SO, $700 later, Alex decided it wasn't worth it to keep the dogs (this wasn't their first property destruction offense and it certainly hasn't been their last!). He told the children we were selling the dogs and, of course, they began to SOB!

I pled their case (the children and the puppies) and made promises I haven't been great at keeping. We finally agreed they could stay (the children and the puppies). Alex really does have a big heart under that rough exterior, but you just don't mess with his trees!! :)

The culprits: MOLLY and ZELDA (a.k.a. bad news and trouble)

Look at those mugs!

Ben's private photo shoot...

Apparently, Ben found my secret hiding place for the camera... what a sneaky boy!

Back to school...

Look out teachers...they're back! The kids were sooo excited to start school today. Rachel was up and ready 1 1/2 hours early. I was actually feeling quite sad. It's hard seeing all your babies go to school all day.

Elli and her new shoes.

When Alex saw her feet he asked "is she really going to wear gold shoes to school?" I told her that her dad just doesn't have any fashion sense. Every girl needs to have at least one pair of shiny golden shoes in her life!

Horseback riding...

The kids were thrilled to ride the family horses. I don't know why we don't ride more often - they're only five minutes away! Elli and Rach each got a turn riding bareback. This horse is Sade (above)... she is the youngest of the bunch!

Rachel riding Sam

Ben had a great time riding... with lots of love and help from Aunt Syd!

Amy and Peanut

I need a break...

Last night Alex was singing "If I Were a Rich Man" and Ben was getting quite annoyed. He finally said "Dad, please stop singing, we need a break!". I guess I say I need a break a lot - well...I do!

Summer Highlights...

This was the annual Fourth of July celebration at the field! I love this tradition! We enjoyed family, fireworks, food and lots of running around with cousins.

Not so sure about this group!

(back: Rachel, Chase, Michael, Chazz, front: Elli, Mitchell, Zander, Josh and Ben)

In June we went to YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK (Alex's favorite place on earth). He's been wanting to go since we got married. I'm so glad we went - it was BEAUTIFUL! It brought back so many good memories of my childhood.

The kids had a good time and finally adjusted to the smell of "rotten eggs". I personally like the smell. We spotted all kinds of animals, even a mother bear and her two cubs!

Now that's a smart looking couple! :)

Not sure where they get it from - probably Alex!

Swimming lessons...

The kids took swimming lessons at a private pool in Spanish Fork this summer. They loved it! I couldn't believe how quickly their swimming improved. The best part was that I got to sit under a big shady tree and read a book while they swam!

Ben had a HUGE crush on his teacher, Kelci!!

Rachel practices a dive

Elli post dive (I wasn't fast enough with the camera)