Haven Updates. Finally.

Where did August go??

And September, too? What about that one?

And for that matter, what about most of October, as well?

As much as I don't like doing "catch-up" posts -- it looks like that's exactly the point that I've achieved. Bear with me, and we'll all get through this together.....

 

I confess, it made me smile a lot to see Cameron playing on the trampoline with Emma. This was not long after his homecoming, and it was his first time jumping on the tramp in two years. She loved playing with him. And Cameron? Well.......  :-)

 

He's still got some mean skills on the tramp. (Is it like riding a bike? You just get back on and it's like you never stopped? I wouldn't know!)

 

Years ago, I picked up some little fairy figurines, and gave them to my girls so they could plant a "fairy garden". It's been several years, but I pulled out the fairies, and Miss Emma made a little fairy garden, right by the front door. I should have done it earlier and had flowers blooming in it, but she was happy with just the moss. Next year, it will be better! Here she is with her "favorite" fairy:

 

We grabbed just a quick couple of snapshots of the family all together at Cameron's homecoming open house. Nothing formal......

 

In fact, we're pretty darn INformal:

 

Darcie had a wonderful opportunity to go on a "trek" activity, commemorating and learning about our pioneer ancestors. I think she had fun with her friends .......

 

Alyssa ventured into learning some major baking skills, and made her first from-scratch lemon meringue pie:

 

I tell you what, that was some serious mmmmmmmmm right there!!

 

And, my beautiful big sister left her busy life behind to come up and visit for a few days! It really was so wonderful to see her and spend time together again.

 

 

And a recipe for some layered toffee bar cookies grabbed me and made me bake them! It also solved the question of, "what am I going to do with this bag full of toffee bits in my pantry?"

 

Oh, be still, my heart!

 

And unrelated......

Why does it feel like I am the only one in this house who changes the TP rolls? I am constantly walking into a bathroom with this sight:

 

Totally out of order, but I'm too lazy to drag-and-drop right now....

This is the pile of dirty clothes that Darcie brought back from the Trek and dumped on my laundry hampers. Seems she brought home a friend:

 

I was really excited for this visit with one of my bestest childhood friends!

 

We've literally been friends since Kindergarten. When we figured out that she'd be only two hours away when she was bringing her gorgeous daughter to college, we knew we wanted to get together again. I am so glad their family drove those last two hours to get here, and we spent the afternoon together --- SO much fun!!

 

On one of our road trips this summer, we caught a glimpse of this gorgeous sky:

 

And this amazing young lady started her Junior year of high school!

 

I know. Can you believe it??

You should know that the above "look" was on the SECOND day of school. Because she is in student government, the FIRST day of school actually looked like this:

 

The first day of school was filled with activities for the incoming sophomores, and the student government kids had a lot to do & show the kids. Hence, the school spirit look she was sporting.

 

And one day, Todd brought home flowers to Emma ..... she was SO thrilled!! I hope her future husband has a corner of his wallet earmarked for florals.

 

And finally (for now).....

 

My biggest [personal] news was.........  dum, dum, dummmmmm....

 

Getting my braces off!

 

Yes, I'm pretty darn excited about this. And you can quote me on that!!