A little color...

...makes a big difference!

Boys

The summer heat has hit and we've been celebrating by playing in water almost daily (whether it be the water park, the Provo River, or just the garden hose). Yesterday, Kjell, Marcus, and I braved the Provo River. The river was so high that we floated down it in about 3o minutes when it normally takes over an hour. I was in a tube and Kjell and Marcus were in a raft. Great fun!

Photo 1 - Holden wearing grandpa Love's old onesie. I think he likes it.
Photo 2: Dallas, Joseph and Marcus. The 3 neighborhood amigos playing together on the swingset.

Photo 3: Marcus loves to help Kjell make Swedish pancakes on Sunday mornings.

Photo 4: Sweet Holden enjoying his cheerios.

Marcus' Doll

Marcus has become quite fatherly these days. Thomas the Tank Engine is very well taken care of - he's washed with soap, dried, fed, takes naps, and his feelings are considered at all times. Thomas needs medicine and a band-aid when he gets a boo-boo. Marcus even insists that Thomas watch and cheer him on while he's doing his business. Since we have Thomas' of varying sizes, the small Thomas is "baby Thomas" and the big Thomas is "mommy Thomas". Baby Thomas is the focus of Marcus' attention. If only Holden received the same loving treatment....

My latest garage sale find

My frequent garage sale trips have proved fruitful so far this summer. My latest find is this picnic table for kids (and dads who want their kids to share their ice cream) for $5. Yes, Kat, the next one I find is all yours.

Holden took his first step yesterday. He walked toward Kjell...what a nice Father's Day present!

Holden's 1st Birthday (3 weeks late)

This photo and video were taken on Holden's birthday, which was May 18th. We celebrated with a picnic in the park with Pam (red hat). A good time was had by all.

Holden has brought such a sweet spirit into our home. His enthusiasm, love for life, and peaceful nature were all evident from an early age. What a wonderful year it has been since he has joined our family.

Our Getaway

Our brief getaway on Thursday and Friday could not have gone more smoothly. We left Thursday morning and drove 4 hrs. south to Zion's National Park. When we arrived I went to the Backcountry Office to get a permit to hike Subway the next day. We were very lucky to get a permit and only because someone had just cancelled. We then went to reserve a campsite and once again we were able to do so because of a recent cancellation (obviously these things need to be planned farther in advance!) That evening we hiked Angel's Landing (photos 1 & 2). On Friday morning we drove to the end of the Subway hike and hitchhiked to the trailhead (it was us plus 12 BYU students in a minivan) where we commenced our 9.5 mile hike. We hiked over slickrock, through forest, down a ravine, through a canyon, and along a river. We rappelled into 55 degree pools that were so narrow our hips got stuck. After swimming through several of these very cold pools in narrow canyons with no sunlight, I got very cold. Fortunately, it was only about 20 minutes before we were in the warm June sun again. What a hike! Who wants to join us next time? Make sure and get a babysitter....

Timpanogos Caves

Sadly, my camera was stolen from a park in Provo several weeks ago, which has led to a lack of blogging. On the other hand, this was good timing, since my birthday is this week and now Kjell knows exactly what I want...
We hiked to Timpanogos Caves on Saturday with our friends the Johstoneauxs (thank you Jessica for documenting this adventure seeing as the aforementioned camera is surely in a pawn shop by now), something I'm amazed I've never done after living in the area for almost 10 years! The hike was steep, the views gorgeous, and the caves fascinating. Here are a few pics:



In other exciting news, Kjell and I will be heading down to Zion's on Thursday to hike Angel's Landing and Subway (if we can get a permit). This will be in celebration of 5 years of marriage in August! Kjell proposed to me in June of 2003 in the Narrows (also in Zion's National Park).