"Tract-tors"

Spencer has developed a real interest in "tract-tors". 

I love the way he says the word, almost like each syllable is it's own word.

We weren't able  to squeeze in a ride when we visited "Aunt Mimi" in Lewiston, so a retired fireman friend of Richard's set us up for a ride on his combine. 

 All four of us thought it was great!  I had never seen how a combine actually works.  So amazing!

And so very big!

Money! 

Thanks Russ!

Oopie Daisy!

Have some sunscreen, Spencer!

This picture doesn't quite due justice to the mess Spencer made with the sunscreen last week.  As he would say, "Oopie Daithy".  He is becoming very independent and likes to do his own lotioning.  He is talking more and more, and often asks Daddy, Mommy, or Vivia to "Pay me", translation: "play with me." 

I've noticed he has a slight lisp, which is sweet as can be right now.  Of course, I am hoping he grows out of it soon.  What are the odds we'd change names,  from Blake to Spencer, and the kid would end up with a lisp???  Listening to him laugh and call his sister "Rothie" is almost as cute as Vivia".

My Rosie Posie!

After reading one of our Thomas the Train books this summer, Olivia has decided she wants to be called Rosie.  For about the last week she will get upset when we call her "Olivia".  "No, I'm Rosie.  You forgot!".  Spencer gets a real kick out of calling her Rosie.  The names she comes up with for herself, Spencer, her friends, and her dolls crack me up.  Some of her favorites include Cupcake, Snowflake, Sparkle, and Santa, just to name a few. 

"Dodder Dutie"

I'm not sure who decided Dodger Duke needed to try on the life vest, but it was great comic relief.  Lovin' the summertime!

Rollin' on the River

I spent my summer weekends, from the time I was about 10 years old through my college years, jet boating the Snake River through Hells Canyon and up the Salmon River.  It was always my favorite way to spend the summer.  Whenever I hear a Credence Clearwater Revival song, my head and my heart are filled with river memories. 

This year I got to share the experience with my favorite people, which made it all the better!  We didn't go far, since the kids are so little, but it was such an awesome time.  If some one offered me a trip anywhere in the world, I think I'd just take these seven people, and have my Dad jet boat us through the canyon.  We'd find a nice beach and put a line out in hopes of catching a sturgeon.  In the evening we'd watch the "Bad Moon Rising" off the back of the boat.  This was a day I never wanted to end.       

Whose ready to boat???  I'm ready guys, let's do this!

This may be one of my all-time favorite pictures!

Starting out, Olivia was a bit overwhelmed by the sound of Grandpa Tucker's Ford 454. 

She adjusted in no time, though, and slept on the return trip home.

Grandpa Tucker and his first mate, Spencer Dude

 Richard and Olivia built me my dream house overlooking the river. 

It came complete with a wrap-around-deck, windows on all sides, a tree, and a moat. 

Love my architects!  I'd say they've got talent.

 My brave little swimmer jumping off the side of the boat, the same way I've done probably over 100 times.  It makes to smile to write about it.

 Grandma Tootie helping Olivia and Spencer learn to fish. 

Grandpa Tucker handled the worms, though. 

Captain Ed, aka Grandpa Tucker, and his Co-pilot, Spencer Dude

My Wonderful Grama Lane

This beautiful woman is so special.  I think of her as a true prayer warrior.  I know she prays for every one of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren every day, and probably has from each of their births or marriage into her family.  1 Peter 3:12 says " For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer."  I feel so blessed and thankful to know she's my Grama, and she's praying for me and my family... so incredibly blessed!  She is righteous by her faith, and her prayers are heard!

4 generations of the Lane Family. 

We're missing a few very important people (Ravary's!), but I've learned to take what I can get. 

One of these days we will have a picture of the entire family, I hope. 

Cousins!!!

We had a wonderful time in Lewiston this weekend.  One of the highlights was playing with our cousins.  We sure wish we could see them more often! 

Hi ho, hi ho, it's down the slide they go. 

The five little cousins headed down the slide together!

 Miss Karson and Mr. Spencer, contemplating life, I think.

 Karson positioning Sadye where she needs to be for a game of "Mother, May I".

Olivia and Spencer chasing after Ryley in  a game of "Hide and Go Seek", I think. 

 How we all LOVE Grandma Lane! 

They don't get any more special than Great Grama!