The Nest

I saw this quote the other day

Those who admire the freedom of birds, have never built a nest

I've thought about this saying a lot these last few days. In the spring, we had a bird make a nest in the tree right out our kitchen window. We enjoyed admiring it and seeing the tiny blue eggs inside. If you know anything about Lehi, you are aware that we can get mighty winds. One morning in mid-May, after a particularly strong windstorm, we went out to look at the tree and see the nest. We were sure the nest wouldn't be there, or certainly the eggs would have blown out. We were surprised that not only was everything intact, but that the eggs had hatched and we now had baby birds in the nest! Of course, everyone wanted to see them and admire them. We all agreed that they were just ugly enough to be cute! Newborn birds are so tiny and just a little fuzz on them. The mother bird was very protective of her babies, however, and didn't appreciate us all trying to get a glance. She started chirping very loudly, and swooping down very close to our heads! We put the ladder away, deciding we would leave them alone. For the next several days, if we were even in the vicinity, she would spy us form wherever she was perched and come swooping down yelling very loudly at us! The kids were afraid to go anywhere near the nest - Savanna just about couldn't get the lawn mowed.



Well, that hovering, protective mother took good care of her babies - keeping them safe from wind and rain and storms (and humans) - feeding and loving them. Then, not too much later, those baby birds had grown big and strong enough and learned to fly. They left the coziness of the only home they'd ever known and took off for greater adventures. The mom was proud of them, I'm sure, but it had to be hard for her to see them go.

I hope that the nest we are building for our kids is a strong one - one that will keep them safe from all the storms of life. I hope it's one they long for and a place they want to be - where they feel loved, and wanted, and accepted. I hope it's one of peace. And when it's time for them to spread their wings and fly - it will be very hard for us to let them go. Hopefully we've taught them well and they're ready to face what's ahead for them. But until then - we will hover over them and keep them safe and guard them from the wind and rain and storms. We will love them and teach them and protect them - until they are ready to begin building their own nest.

Cherry Hill

A favorite childhood memory is coming to Cherry Hill every summer. We’d play miniature golf, swim much of the day, and play cards whenever we could find a flat spot that was cool. We wanted the kids to experience the fun times at Cherry Hill, so we planned an overnight trip to this fun place.

We borrowed a tent from Paul and Julie, and their family joined us for a couple days of fun. Here's Kennedy up a tree at our campsite. That evening we went golfing.

The next day we spent in the water. Jared and Kayden are getting ready to ride down Cardiac Canyon.

We got lots of rides in before the lines got too long.

Kennedy usually stuck with Paul down the chute. Occasionally they'd get separated.

A favorite was the Lazy River. Savanna, Julisa and I stayed in it for a long time. It was huge and themed after the wild west. So relaxing until I got suprised with a cold stream of water. I was careful after that!

This is the way to camp. =-)

(I can't figure out what is up with the underlining. I'm new at this and will figure it out soon I hope!)

Stadium of Fire

A tradition for the 4^th of July is to go to the Stadium of Fire. It doesn’t matter who is performing; we enjoy the patriotic program and outstanding fireworks. This year Kotters and Grandma and Grandpa celebrated with us. Lucas, not quite two years old, liked the fireworks, too.

Savanna was very excited to see Carrie Underwood! She sang and danced along to the music.

A Cute Scout

I know. Scouts are not normally referred to as cute. But look at this handsome boy!

He went on his first Scout Camp and loved it. Yes, he had plenty to eat. Yes, he stayed warm at night. No, he didn’t have to stay one night all by himself to earn a wilderness survival badge. Yes, all the boys got along. No, he doesn’t remember what things he had to eat. Yes, he brushed his teeth every night but one. Hmmm. We’ll have to think of more questions to ask. He’s not as forthcoming with details as we’d like. But we’re happy he had a good time.

Thanks, Leaders!

Lava Hot Springs

Last month, on our way home from Idaho, we stopped at Lava Hot Springs. The kids loved jumping from the platforms. I think I was more scared about them jumping than they were! It had changed quite a bit since I had been there as a child. They had added several slides and an indoor pool with a climbing wall. It was fun to be in such a beautiful setting, enjoying the day with family. Paul and Julie and their family, as well as Kendal, joined us for the day’s adventure. We love playing with family!