Beginning of summer

Summer is here, school is out, the pools and parks are open, the heat and thunderstorms are here, the plans for summer fun are being made, and the calendar is filling up like madness. I don't know why summer, or at least the beginning of it, has become so crazy for our family. Perhaps its the 2 surgeries we are doing (turbinate

reduction in the nose for Lauren and Justin's major mole removal this week), OR maybe its the family dentist appointments and other doctor's appointments that have all come up, OR maybe its the daily swimming lessons for the next 2 weeks and end of year multiple ballet rehearsals for Sophie's recital this week, OR maybe its the preparations for Lauren to go to Girls' Camp for a week immediately following the 4th of July, O

R maybe its the c

ontinuing education seminars that have come up for Lauren's physical therapy licensure, OR maybe its re-orgnaizing the ward playgroup and continuing to organize book club. When I put it all down, it makes sense...I think. :) How ever you look at it, we're busy, and we are trying to create and find those special moments in between that make it all worthwhile.

Lauren and the kids have been trying to hit the pool often to keep cool, and we finally just went outside to run through the sprinklers (after a week of cooler temps and non-stop begging from Sophie). Yesturday, Lauren had received an invite from a couple other wives, and found a cheap amusement park ticket. So for Father's Day yesturday, off Justin went to King's Dominion for some all day rollercoaster guy-time fun. He had a blast, and I think it made up for some all morning meetings for Stake Conference we had today.

here are some snapshots of the kids (up top): eating watermelon, (below): having fun with their bubble bath (check out the Santa beards), Ryan trying to fill some big shoes (Justin's), then falling, and then some sprinkler fun. Happy Summer!