sweet car- oline...

My dear friend, Katie, just moved away and sent me these photos she snapped of Caroline a few weeks ago. I thought they captured her expressive little self so well. She is a growing girl... giggling, waving, giving "kisses", loving her brothers to death, and making her every whim and desire known to all! We love her.

By the way, Kate just moved to Utah and is a fantastic professional photographer. I'm sure she's booking up quickly, so for all you Utah folks who may be interested, check her out here. You will not be disappointed! Katie, we miss you!

jack's aspiring career

The following notice is currently posted on a piece of white cardboard, hanging on our front door:

Jack Docktor the greatest

no cure to high

open 10 am to 3:30 pm

wendsday to saturday.

18 Hastings Avenue

Junior Partner= Nate

We cure hickups, back ache, itchyitus, slide monster bite, and others.

I knew Nate secretly wanted to be Jack's junior partner on his research year.

June = ready, set, go!!!

June was such a busy month for our family! If you're willing to put up with lots of pics and even more rambling, here's a brief synopsis:

Grant rocked as a Farmer in his splendid end-of-kindergarten Farm Show. You should've heard his rendition of "Down on Grandpa's Farm." Definitely one of his favorite moments in life.

Here's Jack, with his best bud in the whole world, Jack Dudley. As well as addressing each other always by their first and last names, they also affectionately call each other "Trout" and "Tuna," and simply, "Friendy." Jack moved away this morning. There's a hole in our hearts.

What are we going to do?

A girls trip to NYC with two of my dearest friends in all the world, Shari and Rachel, and of course, Caroline (on tap!). Caroline proved to be a NYC rock star. Who knew she could sleep in a stroller for 2 1/2 hours at a stretch? She must have inherited a genetic love for the city.

Shari, we will miss you!!!!!!!!

Camping in the Poconos with our friends. I love camping. I don't love it with a baby. Rockstar Caroline is more of a city girl, it seems. We're so nerdy--we even brought our noisemaker to use in the tent (those real-life nature sounds just don't cut it, I guess!) But chillin' by the campfire with my boys, singing songs and roasting marshmallows is simply the best.

The 5 mile hike at the beginning...

... and the end.

Ricketts Glen is awesome... we hiked past 22 waterfalls!!!

Jack turned 4!!! Unfortunately, the park party was rained out, so Nate and I got creative with 16 crazy kids in the house. Apparently, "freeze dance" to "Under the Sea" was effective and enjoyable. Where do these kids learn their moves?

Jack doesn't eat cake. Not a bit. So, donuts had to suffice. Frankly, these were so easy that I don't think I'll ever go to the trouble of making a cake again! (Sorry, Grant.)

We love you, Jack.

#1 Dad

"The words that a father speaks to his children in the privacy of home are not heard by the world, but, as in whispering-galleries, they are clearly heard at the end and by posterity. "

~Jean Paul Richter

Grant really IS living the dream!

(please observe the genetic Richards' tongue thrust)

(the $100 million dollar question: safe, or out?)

BFF

Caroline and Sarah M.  It's love at first.... taste?

Nobody lives at 2501 Meredith Street...

So long, adieu, adios, and good luck to our beloved Dan, Hailey, and Preston!  You who have supported, cheered, saved, babysat, fed, laughed, cried, and birthed, celebrated, and made these past three years here so joyful.  Off you go to the land of Seattle, so very far away.  If you don't mind, we'll hang on to the Jetta for you.  Don't worry-- we won't drive it.  It'll just be a shrine.