whew!

These last two weeks have been extremely busy for our little family. Here is a brief update:

Addie and I went to Michigan for my little brother's graduation and Eagle Scout Court of Honor. We were there for only five days, but they were jam-packed! (I apologize to my friends that I didn't call or let know I was in town, I knew I wouldn't have time to see you. We'll be back for Christmas!) I can't believe Jimmy is a high school graduate! I am also very proud that he got his Eagle. After working at a Cub Scout Camp one summer, I know Scouts is a very positive program. It definitely can be a wonderful influence on a young man. The program can instill a sense of honor, responsibility, patriotism and selflessness that seems lacking in many young men today. Anyhow, CONGRATS JIMMY! WAY TO GO!

I was home for one day, packed for Girls' Camp, and then was off again! I left Addie with Jason for the week (he survived) and spent five days in the woods with crazy, hormonal teenagers! Girls' Camp is a program sponsored by our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, that encourages young women to grow closer to the Lord by being out in nature, away from the world, and teaching them life skills. It's also great fun! I really enjoyed being able to attend as a leader (especially because I never had to scrub the nasty bathrooms like I did when I went as a teenager). Even though I had to suffer through mosquito bites, terrible thunder storms in a rickety cabin, and a 5 mile hike in 90 degree weather with 98% humidity, I had a fabulous time. I was able to go on a zipline, make a sock monkey, head up a service for St. Jude's Children's Hospital, eat delicious food and NOT WASH A SINGLE DISH. More importantly, however, were the girls. I loved seeing the strength of these young women who are growing up in such a tumultuous time and was humbled by their example. They know who they are, they make good decisions, surround themselves with good friends, and rely on the Lord. I was so blessed to be able to attend.

I got home from Girls' Camp on Saturday and have been resting ever since. Between the trip to Michigan and to Girls' Camp, I was pooped. Hopefully tomorrow I'll feel more up to cleaning and getting this place in order. It's hard to come back to real life.

Here, for your viewing pleasure, are some new pictures of Addie. We put her hair in pigtails for church yesterday, even though there were only five strands of hair in each! She also now has seven teeth! Three on top and four on the bottom. She can walk around on the furniture and loves exploring the world from this new perspective. It's amazing to watch her grow!