Paul

Don's son has decided to enter the army in Aug and therefore gave us all one last summer trip to spend time with him.

It was less expensive to have Paul fly into Chicago. At least we thought it would be: by the time Don was done with gas, tolls, parking, food / snacks... not to mention the time and stress involved in the drive... needless to say we aren't doing that again.

When they got home mom had Pizza King Pizza for them.  I love it when your pizza accidentally looks like the Millennial Falcon from Star Wars: 

The next morning Rebekah was so ready to play with Paul. She even decided he needed a check up. Cutest little doctor ever.

I knew I would only have one chance at the pictures and I also know I would be the "bad guy" and make it happen. So I did. All in a row.

Notice the lack of smile on Don and Paul. Totally genetic.

I mentioned something about it and Paul decided to smile a little more.

And a little more....

Nicely done Paul! I'll work on his dad more.

We took a trip to Gene's Rootbeer. Rebekah wanted to play with my phone.

There's sad Rebekah again....

At the end of the day Rebekah wanted to play with Paul. I suggested to Don that they play catch in the living room. Good times.

Rebekah made this letter to Paul all by herself. She missed the do in doing and the from is spelt fomr but I think it's wonderful! Not just her spelling but her desire to do it. She has such love in her heart.

Paul couldn't stay long and was gone the next day. We all wish him well in his endeavors!

When I'm Not Around

I don't always carry my phone around which is fun because of what I find when I go through my pictures:

Love my sweet loving girl.

Meet sad Rebekah

Happy Rebekah

....Um....

...not sure what's going on here....

But this one is sad Rebekah - I see this lower lip a lot.

Surprised Rebekah!

I'm ready for a big thing of chocolate to pour in my ever open mouth Rebekah

Memorial Day Weekend and Beyond

We started out the weekend with getting the mini kites that we bought Don for his birthday out and ready to fly. Turns out flying a mini kite is just as hard, if not more difficult, than flying a normal size one. But Rebekah had fun. And I had a great time watching Don and Rebe play together in our very picturesque back yard.

At some point Don and Rebekah shared a milk shake from Steak N Shake. 

We made a quick stop to the community garden to set things up for planting.

Apparently it tuckered Rebekah out.

The next day Rebekah and I planted. Love that she is helping me this year! The Paw-Patrol gloves and shovel were good motivation.

A job well done.

Saturday morning Don had a bishopric temple date so we got fancy which meant I needed a picture. Rebekah joined us for some. Cute little girl.

Gonna be 7 years next month.

Actual Memorial Day we went to Frank's land and had a mini family reunion with Don's side. There was great food and good play times. Rebekah learned to try new things!

Think this was the next week. We went as a family to get a snow cone which Don and Rebekah shared while I took a walk through the park. Beautiful! Camera doesn't do it justice. Doesn't help that I've never been that artistic with my photography.

And then, because school is out, we began swimming with friends again. Rebekah (white hat) loves showing off her mad skills.

May Misc

For my church calling I get to travel everywhere and Rebekah gets to join me. Sometimes she gets to eat cupcakes. 

Rebekah got to tall for her little house so we took it to a friend. She had to have one more picture.

Rebekah has learned a lot in gymnastics. I thought this was pretty cool!

It was time to take the training wheels off. I tried to run along side her and it hurt my back way too much. There's got to be an easier way, I said. So I searched the internet and there was! You take the pedals off and after a few days she's got it!

Practicing with daddy on the hill like driveway.

Don wants to teach Rebekah golf. I'm all for it.

Last story time. Crazy! We made Miss Brenda a card. That woman is amazing!

Miss Brenda in action.