Temple View, Cousins New

 While in Snowflake last month, my mom and I were able to attend the temple.

 Mom offers a short prayer before we go inside.

 James + Melissa = 9 children
This March my brother James remarried.  This summer trip was the first time that we were able to meet his lovely wife, Melissa and her 4 children.  The three girls: Kenzie (Melissa's), Thea (James') and Hayley (Melissa's).   (And Madeline's fist wrapped tightly around Hayley's hair.)

 This picture was taken through the trampoline net.  It was difficult to get a picture with all the kids holding still.  Ian (J), Ben (M), Jared, Jake (M), Eli (J) and Ethan (J).  Gavin (J) wasn't on the trampoline and was missing from the picture.  Dylan was on the phone with his dad.

 

Madeline's beauty shop.  First customer, Thea.  Jared is waiting for his turn.

Handsome Horseman

 Jared went horseback riding this summer in Arizona with Grandpa Martineau.

 He is in intense concentration while he saddles up the horse.

 Time for a quick cat nap.

 Grandpa adjusts the stirrups.

 Tightening the saddle.

 Another horse is curious and starts whinnying to go too.

 The goat sunbathes on a rock while Jared rides around the yard.

 Grandpa doing the final adjustments.  (All 3,578 buckles done up and ready to go!)

Off on an afternoon of riding.

Happy Birthday, Dylan!

Today (Labor Day) is Dylan's 12th birthday.  In honor of 12 years of joy we bought a small Neapolitan ice cream cake from the frozen food section at Walmart.  (No expense spared...)

 It's hard to believe that he is already 12 years old.  This will be a year of firsts for him.  He just started middle school a few weeks ago.  He also begun learning the french horn in band.  He will join Young Mens this week and become a Deacon.  So exciting!

 Lip exercises.  Preparing to blow out the candles.

 And action shot.  (Notice Madeline's hand pulling the plate away from Dylan?)

 Colton assisting with the lip exercises.

 Dylan with cousin, Colton.  (Red was a popular color...)

 Madeline and Jared helping out with the cake.

 Colton and Sharla drove down from Abilene to help Dylan celebrate his birthday.  (Uncle Keith was away serving in Iraq while Mia stayed up in Abilene with a friend.)

Farm fresh.  (Don't hate me because I'm beautiful!)

 Nothing beats quality time with your cousin.

Happy Birthday, Dylan!