The bug infestation that we've seen over the past few weeks has been a huge source of entertainment for Harrison. Thanks to his fresh supply of bug containers from Grandma Karen, he has had a great time catching different bugs to study and scare his sisters with before setting the bugs free. 
Barking at mom to play fetch with his toy squirrel. Charlie loves to play fetch and will drop a ball or his squirrel at my feet several times a day, urging me to play. The barking starts if I don't respond quickly!
Worn out for a minute, but not too tired to jaw on the squirrel.
Happy boy
Olivia came home from school yesterday with a new friend she named Roger. Because Roger arrived with only the plastic bag he was swimming in, a quick trip to PetCo was in order. That meant picking additional friends for Roger who the kids have named Blaze, Tyler and Shatter.
Ed participated in his first Triathlon this morning and took 3rd place for his age group - finishing in 1 hour 15 min. He was so nervous last night, I was happy to see him relax once the race was behind him!
Olivia and Keira having fun while we waited along the bike route.
Ed coming around the bend to finish up the run ... the last leg of the triathlon.
Getting a congratulatory hug from mom.
Talking about the race.
Ed collects his medal
Not bad for his first attempt. Now he's caught the bug and is anxious to plan for the next event.
Thinking of you today Den ... you're always in our hearts.
The turning point in the process of growing up is when you discover the core of strength within you that survives all hurt. ~ Max Lerner, The Unfinished Country
The robbed that smiles, steals something from the thief. ~ Williams Shakespeare, Othello
If one dream should fall and break into a thousand pieces, never be afraid to pick one of those pieces up and begin again. ~ Flavia Weedn
I got an earful from Melinda last weekend when I failed to bring my camera to the family party so she didn't get to see any photos from the get-together! Determined not to let her down again, the camera was out and I got lots of fun shots at the 88th birthday party for Grandma Dykes that was held this evening. Grandma got quite emotional when we all sang to her. Cassie made her a beautiful book with wonderful photos from different times in Grandma's life accompanied by heartfelt words. It was very touching. The kids had a blast playing with cousins and the weather couldn't have been more perfect.
Megan and Cody enjoy a private moment with baby Senya still incubating away (give mama a few more weeks little girl!)
I paid a dollar to get this photo. Keira tried to run away when we told her I was going to take a family picture. I got her to come back when I promised to give her "moneys" for her bank. It was worth every penny - this is a stinkin' cute picture!
Managed to get one more photo out of her when I reminded her of the dollar in her pocket.
Sleepy little mister was so sweet tonight. I had so much fun with him.
Megan and Papa Ray.
Grandma with some of her kids. These Dykes folks are not easy to get a photo of.
We can always count on Uncle Paul to liven up the photos! I didn't tell the kids that Cassie and Paul were coming to Salt Lake so the minute Olivia saw them pull in to the parking lot, she flew off the playground to go hug her beloved Paul.
Sweet girls with balloons.
Me and my girls with Grandma.
Me with Grandma Max.
Some of the sisters with Grandma. I was so happy that Michelle and Cassie were both there - they had a long drive back to Salt Lake after their vacation to Cannon Beach last week.
This was too funny. As we were preparing to leave, I told Harrison to give loves goodbye. Aunt Deb modeled his glasses - they look pretty good on her!
It's not nice to give one Aunt loves and not the others. Harrison rolled his eyes and said "It's like pinball and all of the Aunts are kissing me!" Cass was laughing so hard!
Aunt Michelle needed a turn. I love this photo - her expression looking at Har-bear is very sweet.
He pretends to not like it but deep down, I know he LOVES it!
