AUGUST

We had some crazy weather in August. Look at all the rain making a roaring river right down our street. We usually love to sit out on the rocking chairs on the front porch to watch summer rain storms, but his storm was a little too scary. If you look closely you can see tumble weeds racing by. Our poor neighbors at the end of the street ended up with a whole yard full of them.

Sam likes to help me make breakfast in the morning. Apparently he thinks we need more mouths to feed, so he found a few of his friends to eat with us.

Happy birthday to Grandma Paula! We love Grandma so much and I don't know what we'd do without her. Thanks for all you do for our family.

Look at what a cutie Luke is. I love his crazy blonde curls.

We are the Champions! This is our glory picture after winning the coveted tournament champion T-shirt for the 2nd summer in a row. We are such tough soccer chicks.

Sam the Man

It has been a while since I have posted any words of wisdom from Sam. I wish I could record all the funny things he says, but I'll just have to try hard to remember some of the highlights.

• One night when I got home from work Dave and Sam were cuddling in our bed. Dave said that Sam had been extra nice and helpful all evening. Sam had a huge grin on his face and said, "Mom, I would do anything for you."

A little bit later I said, "come on Sam, it's time to go to bed."

Sam started to whine and complain.

I said, "I thought you said you would do anything for me."

Sam quickly replied, "I'm going to start that tomorrow."

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Our family was driving along in the truck listening to the radio, a Celine Deon song came on and Sam groaned, "turn off this song Dad. This is girl music."

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I was reading a book about baby animals to Sam and Luke that had lots of different textures to feel. The pig has a soft rubbery nose. Sam felt it and said, "This is scrumptious".

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Dave and I were both driving home separately, so of course Sam wanted it to be a race. he said, "Come on Dad, I know you can win because you are the Dodge-Master".

JULY

July is always a very fun-filled month. With 2 major holidays, plus my birthday (which I think should be a national holiday), I am always amazed at just how much partying we do.

We were lucky to have an Esplin Family Reunion with all of Grandpa Reed's brothers and sisters. I think 7 of the 8 were there, plus lots of kids and grandkids. They also invited one of their cousins to talk to us all about life on the old ranch with Great-Grandpa Jim. It was great to hear the stories of life on the Southern Utah range with the sheep. I love to talk to all the Aunts and Uncles, and I especially love to hear the Aunties laugh and laugh.

Of course the kids loved the piniata best - compliments of Grandma Paula.

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We were also lucky to be able to attend the open house for the Oquirrh Mountain Temple. We took Sam, along with Ashlyn, Liz and Grandma Paula. I think Sam loved finally getting to the temple after being told so many times that he is too little to go to the temple. He was very reverant and thought it was pretty special. It was really beautiful and I am glad we got to go as a family (well, except for Luke.)

Sam posed his Aunt Wiz for this one.

Sam and Ashlyn are such cute cousins.

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These are a few pictures of our favorite things about summer. The boys especially love the 4-wheeler. Luke is following Sam's footsteps and is always looking to go for a "RIDE". We will be really sad someday when our 4-wheeler track next door turns into houses.

The boys also love to play in the water any way they can. We have had lots of fun with the slip-n-slide at our house, or they also love to swim in the neighbors little pool at the end of their slide.

I think Luke looks like such a hunk with sunscreen in his hair and his swim shirt.

Sam's smile shows just how happy they are when they get wet and wild.
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Happy Birthday to me! Thank Jack and Mary for the ultimate chocolate birthday cake - delicious.

We have wonderful neighbors who planted raspberries along our property line. They are very generous with their berries, and our boys pretty much claimed them as their own. As you can see, Luke decided it was easier just to eat them right off the bushes. I think some days he ate his weight in raspberries. I don't know how he can eat so many and still want "more".

Luke doesn't limit himself to just raspberries. We brought some bread home from my special birthday dinner out, and Luke quickly helped himself. He's a real animal

Sam loves his new 4-wheeler helmet. Why mess around with a wimpy bike helmet when you can have real protection?

Look at my two manly-men. Sam loves to help Dave weld. He has his own helmet and gloves so he can get right in the action. I don't know which boy has more fun, and I am usually the lucky recipient of their projects.