Piper's second year of preschool

Piper started her second year of preschool. She goes to the University of Utah Child Family Development Center. I could not be happier with their program. Highly recommend it. She loves her teachers, Ms. Mary and Ms. Tammy. The parents and children who attend the program are wonderful. I feel so grateful that we are involved in such a wonderful preschool family. All that matters is that Piper loves it, and she does. When I pick her up she's happy, and she is excited to go back.

My beautiful daughter, I love you and am so proud of you.

 

Always be kind, gracioius and love the gift of education.

Know that you can do anything you set your mind to.

I can't wait to see the extraordinary paths you take. You are an amazing young lady.

Brilliant and beautiful!

Love always, Mom

Hebgen 2012

If you are lucky enough in your life time to have certain experiences or travel to certain places that reach inside and touch your soul, then you are a lucky individual. I have had several, and time spent in Hebgen is certainly one of them.
Hebgen Lake is just outside of West Yellowstone. It is a perfect little slice of heaven that makes me feel like I am back in the 50s. My personal favorite era. My sister-in-laws family owns several cabins on the lake. They have been so generous to let us come and experience their paradise. Laura's great grandma, grandma and mom have cabins at Hebgen. It is their matriarchal society.
When you are there you just feel pure. Your day consists of beach time, water skiing, sitting on the porch and connecting with your loved ones.
I think what I love about Hebgen is that it really does just make you feel good. It reignites human connection. It has an older, simpler feel to it. My grandpa Lincoln loved the place. My mom was there when the great earthquake hit. I suppose this bit of family connection makes me like it even more.
This time we got to stay in Laura's grandmas cabin. It was built in 1948. I was in heaven. For the most part they have left the cabin in its original pristine 1950s state. Curtains with pom poms, chrome 1950s handles on the kitchen cabinets, 1950s dishes. It reminded me of my grandma who I miss every day.
I long for any experience that takes me back in time. Sometimes I feel so displaced in this fast world of complicated technology. Wow that really just made me feel so old. We are less connected as a human race in today's world.
I want to bake pies and sip cocktails and do the dishes by hand and go on walks with the ones I love. I want to spend hours on the porch with the women in my life laughing and talking, not emailing or texting.
Piper got the Hebgen bug. Watching her uninhibited happiness on our trip made me so happy.
Thank you Laura and Co. Your gift of Hebgen has really touched our lives. We love you!

 

 This sign is on the road to the cabin. I get so excited every time I see it.

Dear summer 2012

Dear summer, I wanted to thank you for your long days of warmth and sunshine. We have loved every day. Piper and I went to a mom and me camp at UMFA. Spectacular. Piper is a gifted artist. She tried soccer camp with our favorite team, SL Real. We swam in lakes, the kids spent a lot of naked time in the backyard playing, my dad and Daryl came for a visit and we all went to the zoo. Seth graduated from college. Quinn turned 1, and I have decided to apply to graduate school. Piper and Quinn became closer. Every day I see their relationship developing. We grew tomatoes, ate ice cream sandwiches on the porch, read lots of books, went to a movie in the park, laughed, cried, and spent as much time together as possible. Afterall that's what matters the most. Keep life simple. Turn the tv off. Turn your Iphone off. Go on walks and talk. This is what makes me happy and it's what I try to bring to my family.

 One morning at camp we were doing chalk art and Piper wrote her name for the first time. She amazes me every day.

 

My daughter is truly spectacular!

 

 We love SL Real!

 Jordanelle Lake swimming

When will I stop saying "wow these two are mine." I still can't believe how lucky I am. Watching them develop a relationship is one of the greatest joys in my life!