Hey there. No, we haven't dropped off the face of the earth, we've just been traveling a bunch of the earth this summer. My last update was the middle of May and after that we had six weeks of here a week, gone a week (Houston to see Jade's sister and family), here a week, gone a week (Dallas to see my brother and family), here a week and gone one more week (stay with family at a condo in Pagosa Springs, CO). That brought us to the middle of July. My sister and her kids were able to come to SLC for a week the end of July.

Finally now at the tailend of summer, we've been able to let Garrett take swimming lessons. He's at the pool four days a week for the entire month of August but he's loving it and is tan enough to be the Coppertone Baby Poster Child. In the meantime, the summer has been filled with the zoo, SL County Fair, an afternoon at Thanksgiving Point, a couple trips to Gardner Village, a morning at Wheeler Farms, a ride on Thomas the Train in Heber City, the Bountiful Handcart Days Carnival, play dates at the park, and a few lunch dates with friends. Another highlight for Garrett was seeing CARS in the theater the day it opened in June. That was his first movie ever and it was definitely a home run. Earlier this month, Garrett was ring bearer at our friends wedding. I am still working one day a week, however, Garrett's schedule seems to dominate the rest of our agenda. Looking at the last two paragraphs, I realize why I'm always yawning.

"God has promised a safe landing, not a calm passage." - - Anonymous

There are still plenty of tender moments. This summer we have experienced two funerals filled with heartache and loss, two happy weddings - - with two more weddings planned in the next few weeks, and the birth of nephew. Seeing family is wonderful but bittersweet. Most people are astonished at how much Garrett looks like Jade. I've always said he's so much like his dad yet still finds a way to be uniquely his own person. It's now been eighteen months but I seem to be living in a time warp. In some ways, it's been a lifetime since Jade passed away and in others it seems like just last weekend. There's usually a Kleenex box somewhere nearby in the house . . . just in case.

When I did my last email update in May, I had a few people mention the lack of photos. I've more than made up for it this time. The first two are photos we took for the "Paws-itively Wild About Reading" contest for our library. (Garrett still loves library storytime.) The next two are from our trip to Pagosa Springs. It's gorgeous there and we loved the mountains and time with family. The last two are of Garrett in his tuxedo from the wedding earlier this month. (My actual photos are in black and white and look so sweet and timeless, you'd never know how much he truly hated every second he had to spend in it.)

"There are thoughts which are prayers. There are moments when, whatever the posture of the body, the soul is on its knees." - - Victor Hugo

I loved all three of these quotes I've seen the past week and couldn't choose so just put all of them in. I'm a huge fan of Victor Hugo and loved that phrase of the "soul is on its knees." Yeah. I know what that feels like. Overall, as I always say, we're doing ok. I just believe life can always get worse. Our life isn't perfect but it's ok. The pace has been pretty crazy and I'm ready to calm it down as we head into fall. Garrett will start our "neighborhood mom" preschool after Labor Day. (Although the holidays are still a little intimidating.)

We are grateful for your friendship, kindness, love and continued concern. Just think the world of you and are so appreciative to have such wonderful friends and family members. Enjoy the last weeks of summer. Sigh. Ready or not autumn will be on its way. (The pumpkins in our garden are definitely ready!) Take care!

With much love .................... Tanya