Just the two of us!

The big kids are off to school.  He will start pre-school in two weeks.  Where does the time go?  I am glad he will still be home and still be my little boy!  The others are big and independent, but he still needs me.  I need to embrace this time.. To hold his hand...  I feel like time is flying and my little kids are slipping through my fingers... turning into these interesting, funny, smart,  individuals.... So for now, I need to savor them..savor tiny moments and let them still take my breath away!

Zach and his buddy Peter sitting on the Elephant at Hogle Zoo!

We are at the zoo... Nice posing!!

reading together on the trampoline... look how sweet they are



One of Zach's random outfits!



I want to capture a million of these smiles and moments!

Again, I want to capture this smile forever!!!

First Day of School

She made the sign herself.....

Do her earring match? 

First grade = all day!

He picked out his own outfit!

Best Friends!

She's in third grade, he's in first.  She started on Monday, he started on Tuesday.  She worried about her earrings and how to wear her hair.  He wanted to take some Lego's in his pocket. 
     This is a whole new world.  I sat this morning listening to her re-assure him about lunch, "just ask the lunch lady to open you drink', she said.  "I am sorry I can't sit by you at lunch, they won't let third graders and first graders sit together, yes,  I will find you after school."  They are best friends and I am so glad they have each other.  She mothers him and he teases her and they love each other.  I pray that the world won't eat them up, that they will be strong and well mannered.  I hope they always take care of each other, as they did this morning!  The best thing I ever did was have two babies who are growing up to be best friends!

Summer Part II

Crane Reunion in Bennington

Jumping on the trampoline with Grandma Sans

Riding bikes in the church parking lot

On a hike up Joes Gap in Bennington with Grandpa Markee

Alex waterskiing at Bear Lake

more waterskiing

getttin ready to waterski



pretending to waterski





We spent the day Saturday at Snowbird.  We rode the tram and went down the slides.. It was so much fun!



Summer

evening in Bennington

Some of the family in Bennington!



Chad ran a back to back marathon around Bear Lake!



Reading and playing on the trampoline~

wrestling on the trampoline~

Dinosaur museum in Ogden

Birthday pary in the backyard with Grandma Sans and Grandpa!



Sister Cathy and cousins headed to a reunion up the canyon!



Rolling on a log at Bear Lake!

Sami turns 8 and is Baptized!

Family hike up Bells canyon on the 4th of July!

Fireworks with friends on the 4th!



Family reunion in Bennington!



Four of my cousins at their brother Kacey's funeral!

Reed and Court at the funeral!

Happy 24th of July, Butlerville day parade!!!!

We have had a great summer.  There has been lots of reunions, hikes and swimming.  We live in a great neighborhood and have great friends.  The sky at night is beautiful and everything is so green this year.  This kids are really fun ages and excited to do everything.  I lost one of my best friends this summer.  So as I think about him and summer I want to cherish the little things and enjoy everymoment!

Kacey

     I have now started this blog 4-5 times... Where do I start.  Kacey was a month older than me.  He was always bigger and taller and stronger than me.  We lived two blocks away from each other, growing up.  I could tell you about pick nicks and bike rides.  I could tell you about the time we found a buffalo skull, while we were on an adventure with grandpa Crane. I could tell you about soccer games in 5th grade, where he was the captain and always picked me first.  I could tell you about shooting squirrels, or crazy snowmobile rides on the double track.  I could tell you about sluffing seminary and going sledding instead.  I could tell you about sledding in the moon light with him.  I could tell you about when I broke up with my boyfriend in High School and Kacey swept me up in his arms and cried with me.   I could tell you about parties and late night talks.  I could tell you about the way his eyes wrinkled when he smiled or about his laugh.  I could tell you about his practical jokes and his adventures.  I could tell you how he ALWAYS called me "Rach."   There is so much to tell. 
     It is amazing how someone can change your life, change it for the better.  Kacey changed me and made me better.  He had this amazing quality to love people, no regards to looks or circumstances or any of that stuff.  He just loved you and you could feel it.  He was adventurous and happy.  He was strong and healthy.  He was perfect in so many ways!
     My last memory of Kacey is one I shall cherish forever.  We were at his parents house.  It was the end of the big Crane reunion, and he and I along with Cari, Julie, Tammy and Kelli sat and visited on the front lawn.  We talked and laughed, but Kacey glowed.  He was so good... Just so good.  He offered me a Dr. Pepper and then gave me one of "his" hugs, and then said, "I love ya, Rach.  It was so good to see you again." 
     So here's to Kacey, thanks for the adventures and fun.  Thanks for showing me how to love unconditionally, thanks for your laugh and smile.  But, most of all, thanks for the great memories, and for all of your love.  I am so so blessed to have been able to share part of your earthly life.  I love you and always will.  God be with you till we meet again.....

It's great to be Eight~

From the first moment I felt her move I LOVED her.  She is so so sweet.  There is a light in her that burns so bright.  She is brilliant, she glows.  I often want to touch her hair and feel her warm skin to see if some of the brilliance, the brightness will rub off on me.  She is happy so happy that she is loud.  She vibrates with emotion and energy!  She is tender, not dramatic, but tender.  She cries in movies and feels bad for homeless people.  She hugs me and wants me to be ok, always!  She holds her brothers hands, she gets them drinks of water, she puts band aids on their owees, she tucks them in bed at night, she loves her brothers.  She is not needy or demanding, not dramatic or selfish, she is kind.  She shares and is always a good sport.  She is not spoiled, or full of herself.  She thinks of others and usually puts them first.  She's got this crazy curly hair.  I have never had a day, never, when someone hasn't asked, "is that natural?"  She loves stuffed animals and watching movies.  She likes to paint and roller skate.  She rides her bike and does a little babysitting.  She reads her scriptures and was so excited to get baptized.  She LOVES her dad.  She likes being the oldest granddaughter on one side.  She is a good example and friend.  I want so much for her.  I want to always hold her hand and help her when life gets tough.  I want her to tell me her deep dark secrets and share her funny jokes.  I want to share the world with her and to protect her.  I want for her to grow up healthy and to be a mom.  I want her to have a good husband and a happy life.  I want her to love the Savior and the gospel.  I want to hold her forever, and I think I can do that, at least in my heart!  I love you Sami and find extreme joy and pride and happiness in being your mom!  Thank you!