The Next Day...At The Lake

Oh fun at the lake.

Robot dancing clinic.

Warming up for the big stuff.

Thanks to the talented Bry Cox for catching this lovely moment.

...and this. He is an amazing photographer!

So...wakeboarding was great fun, but I am not that great :)

This pretty much sums up my day of wakeboarding. I may or may not have swallowed 12 gallons of lake.

Camping With Julie!

This is Julie. She is easily one of my favorite people this side of the Milky Way. We went camping/boating with Julie's aunt Trish. It's a longer story, but this little trip was quite a turning point. Thanks Jewels/Chachi/Dr. V/Crocketteer! (...pick your fave nickname :)

I believe is my first ever tongue picture. A trip of many firsts!

Whoa.

Precious! (I just remember thinking...Ahh! Flash! Bright!)

Summer Fun at Uncle Jon's Pool!

Tosh and Hannah looking radiant with their little ones.

Happy Birthday Maddie!

Brooke and Sals finishing off one divine little cupcake.

Oh Sisters!

Heaton Family Reunion: Rush 2008

I love this shot of Sally. Just gracing some random lawn chair with her presence and looking as lovely as ever.

A timed sawing competiton. Obviously one of the happiest moments in my life. We finished in 22 seconds, which means it would prob take us six years to cut down a real tree. Okay. We were actually ranked pretty high...then (surprise of the century) my mom beat us...21 seconds! Way to go Mama!

Cousin Emily. One of my favorite people of all time. I love her immensely and I'm fairly certain she could save the world if she had to.


Echo and Ada. Such beauty!

Here's the story. We are getting ready to leave on the "Hike for Fossils." He spontaneously decides he wants to join, but has no idea where his shoes are. We tell him he can't go. He's upset. We feel badly. We say, "Okay, but shoes or no shoes, no one is going to carry you." Yeah. He did 68% of the hike barefoot. The little trooper.
Our fearless leader and native to wild, untamed territories such as this, Carl H.

The Rock Sliders! The little ones taught me how. Great fun!

Oh! You two cute little briar rabbits.

Had I found a diamond...(or an Egyptian mummy), I would not have been more thrilled.

The Fossil Finders

According to Brit, this is the greatest photo I have ever taken...Perhaps, you adorable little thing, you.

Saving the best for last....this is my absolute favorite photo of the whole day. Never once complaining, he was by far the most youthful person on our three mile hike through all types of terrain. Whilst piggy backing him, he politely started converstation by complimenting my necklace and then asking about it and my earrings. Such a dear, sweet little boy and what a lovely memory to end a wonderful, wonderful day.

The Trip There...Rush 2008!

We pulled over to switch drivers and...had the most bless-ed opportunity to meet one of the largest snakes I have ever encountered. As you can see, I wouldn't let the girls get too close...just in case it decided to attack. Serious.

She has the BEST! facial expressions and...where did those EYES come from?! Geck!

Sleeping Beauty and the borrowed (yet faithful...how does this thing make it in so many pics?!) sidekick...Scary (not sure of it's last bath) Blue (Brit's fave color) Baby Monster ("Monster" because it gives off this vibe of having the capacity to attack your lower leg at will.) I woke up a couple nights ago to find Brit (we had company...Brit likes my bed better anyway) totally and unabashedly cuddling with it. Brit...if you write it, I will insert a tribute...here.

And here it is....!

"okay. about the blue pillow. which you referred to as monster. I want to tell you its background. Two years it has been with me. At first when I recieved it as a bday present from a girly friend i was like..cool and threw it on my bed. Then slowly it became the only person/thing that was there for me all the time. Seriously. It was. It never ever left me. Okay this could get long. But ... about it sleeping with me. I need it. Well I have been without it and been okay. If you think okay is waking up and grabbing for it then sitting up and bed and staring at the wall...wishing I had my blue 'monster' or 'grovey' for grover on s. street. I love my blue pillow. In peru a man tried to buy it from me. 10 soles. which represented about 3 dollars American money. Uh..i wouldnt sell it for a thousand dollars."

Oh! So precious! Echo definitely reigned supreme this trip.

They were attempting to make Echo's leg resemble Brit's arm. Apparently, a four hour drive will get to ya.

Stadium of Fire With Miley Cyrus!

I must say...this was probably my favorite moment of the entire night. These crazies came out of the sky with a death wish and then landed like little, baby chick feathers.

Also...very awe-inspiring. I love America/Americans!

These 10,000 little people performed a representation of every sport in the Olympics in seven minutes. The lady that choreographed this thing has years of therapy to look forward to.

Miley Cyrus cult members in action. (My favorite photo of the night :)

I was most impressed with her ability to dance and sweep the stage with

her head. I can show you, but talk to Brittany. She does the most accurate/acrobatic impersonation.

Brooke and Hannah

And...the domino photo finale to end a night of immense fun. One day we will see Echo smile. Just you wait. :)

My Lovely Little Joy

She took her first steps this week. I love all my brothers and sisters dearly and am thankful for this time I have to spend with them, but this little one melts my heart.

A Friendly Game

I hesitate to date this, since it would give away how far behind I am...oh well...July 4th. First, a tribute to my amazing sous chefs. That 4th of July meal would not have been possible. Thanks Sal, Geck and Shad. Then, we took the good times out to the side yard and played a little ball before the Stadium of Fire (next pics in the line up). I believe the lovely Echo (one of my personal favorites) was our photographer.


She drops back...scrambles (despite the obvious lack of defenders)...throws to her fave/money (only) receiver...and the crowd (Landon, Echo, McKay) goes wild!


Victory hug. Nice catch, Ether.


...and the fearless warriors/warriorette pose for a group shot. Love football.

Landon's Homecoming!

Just prior to Landon's heralded entrance down the escalator, we posed...in order! All the kids drew and colored these awesome letters. Lucky we have enough people in our family to spell "Welcome Home Landon!"


Oh! He is so handsome!


All eight of us with the Mama!


Landon with the parentals.


His first kiss!


Welcome Home Lando!