Know ye not that angels are near you?

I showed Ruby the angel paintings I mentioned a while back.  She painted us surrounded by angels.  I sobbed when I saw it.  I was profoundly touched by what a tender gesture this was on so many levels.  She knows: my family is my world, I love family pictures, I know that we are surrounded by seen and unseen angels.  She included angels that I know and love (my Mom, Mike (my brother), and great grandma Pete) and those we are not familiar with...yet.  Ruby is one of my earthly angels. I am so blessed to be her mom and learn from her every day.

Burlington, VT

 We did the Ben and Jerry's factory tour.  I do have to say it was rather underwhelming.  Super crowded and no ice cream production that day.

 Shelburne Farms was awesome.  It is a huge working farm.  The kids loved climbing trees, holding hens, and eating at the bakery.  My favorite part was watching the momma goat give birth to 2 babies.  May have been the most amazing thing I have ever seen.  The process is called kidding, no kidding.  My kids may be scarred for life.

 Matt completed his 10th marathon.  He had a goal to get 10 by the time he turns 40.  He rocked it with a few months to spare.

 If you haven't noticed yet, I have a thing for murals.

 Coolest drinking fountain ever.

 Burlington was charming.  We loved Church street.  Rocky wasn't feeling charming so Ruby tried to help him be so.  As you can see it didn't go well.

 Lake Champlain was massive.

 Rocky asked me why moms never get messy like kids do.  I took that as a challenge.

 We stopped by Cold Hollow Cider Mill and watched how they make cold press cider.  This process competes with the goat birth.  It was fascinating.  The man is squirting mashed apples out of a high powered hose.  They wrap it up in the cloth you see, stack a plastic sheet on top, repeat the process, and then smash all the delicious cider out of it.  It was divine!  Just blocks from Ben and Jerry's.

 Making apple cider doughnuts the old fashioned way.

 This table was awesome the benches rocked back and forth.

We attended sacrament meeting at the Burlington Ward.  I love how no matter where I am in the world I can go to LDS.org and find a meetinghouse.  When I get there I will be welcomed and loved. I will learn the same doctrine I would learn any where else in the world on the same schedule.  I am so thankful to be a member of  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  I know that it is His church.  It is true!

Birthdays

Pretending to blow out a candle of her birthday pie in Natural Bridges.

 We were in Southern Utah on Ruby's 13th birthday.  Even though we partied all day, it just didn't feel fair to not have all of our birthday traditions.  So once we made it back home, we had a birthday redo.  We have special decorations, dishes, banners, family dinners that the kids pick their favorite meal for me to make, and they get to pick any crazy/delicious/outlandish cake they want me to make for them.  Luckily now that they are older it is more delicious than outlandish.

 Rocky made the cake.  This was his first time cracking eggs.  He is an EGGSpert now.  Ruby frosted it.

Ruby had a few of her close friends over for a party and then we celebrated as a family with all of our crazy birthday traditions.

I am so blessed the be the mother of this amazing young lady.  Ruby is talented, kind, responsible, helpful, respectful, funny, hard working, and all around amazing.  She is not only the best daughter I could ask for, but also an amazing friend to me.  She gets me.  She knows when I need a foot rub.  She knows just what special gifts or acts of service will influence me profoundly.  I love you Ruby Girl.  Happy 13th!!

 Coops friend party

 Birthday date at Auntie Cathies with pancakes larger than life.

 3 layer chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting and oreos.

This man had his golden birthday this year: 11 on the 11th.  Cooper is such a great kid.  He is always creating something.  Once he is into something he gives it his all and becomes the best he possibly can in that area.  He really wants to do the right thing and is very tender hearted.  I am amazed by his tenacity.  I never have to get on him about homework, ever.  I love you Cooper man.  It is a pleasure being your momma.  Happy birthday buddy.

Maine

 Kennebunk, ME

 South Freeport ME

 Freeport, ME.  Riding down a banister has been on my bucketlist.  CHECK!

Matt completed his 9th Marathon.  We are so proud of him.  We had the pleasure of crossing the finish line with him as a family.