Different But Just The Same

What's different?  Layne is done!!!  He handed in the final draft of his dissertation on Monday.  He had already defended and 'walked' - it was just a matter of editing.  That's quite the process!  It seems there are several individuals/committees that need to proof and sign off on it before it's official.  Each time Layne handed it over he needed to wait until they finished and then edit before passing it along.  It's taken a couple of months.  It's been 2 1/2 months since he 'walked'.  Now there's just the employment process - it also seems to be a long one.  

Before

During

After

We're proud of you Layne!

The same?  Layne doesn't really feel done because he still goes to the same lab to do the same research to come home to the same family living in the same student housing.  I think he's ready for a change - except for the family part.  I think he's OK with being 'stuck' with us.

Jog Your Memory

I saw this on Brooke's blog and thought to try it.  It's one I haven't seen before.  (I tried to do a link to the blog - but, I haven't learned how to do that yet.  The one thing I tried, didn't work.  The kids need help - I'll try later.  Thanks for your patience.  You're welcome to share a 'how-to' tip.)

Here is a fun little game...Leave a comment on my blog of a memory that you and I have had together. It doesn't matter if you've known me for a short time, or a long time, anything you remember! Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you...

BTW - you do not need to have a blog to leave a comment!  You don't even need to commit to putting this on your blog if you have one - you can just write a memory anyway.

Week in Review - Take Two (First Week of July)

So far behind...

There are several things I have been thinking to blog about in the last couple of weeks.  I feel like I'm just so far behind.  I plan on doing a slideshow for a week review.  But, it's from 2 weeks ago!  I feel like I just haven't had the time to put it together.  It shouldn't be that hard, right?  I have spent time figuring out which pictures I want to use.  It'll just be a matter of putting it together.  

I feel like I'm behind in my summer too.  I was going to do so many cool things with the kids and get a bunch of stuff done.  Apparently, I do not thrive well without pressure.  This summer has been a very relaxed one.  Who knows?  Maybe it's what we needed.

Week in Review

Here are just a few of the things we did last week.  We went to the zoo on Monday.  It was the last day of our membership - so, we did the things that mom has been to cheap to do each time.  We didn't see many animals, but we had a good time.  We went on the carousel, rode the train and purchased a gift store item for each kid (the boys brought their own $, the girls? around 2.50 total).  I also thought it was fun to see some of the items that have been there for years that have been moved around the zoo as changes have been made.  After the zoo we went to get lunch at the park and were lucky enough to meet some friends.  On Tuesday, we started out with the girls' music class, went to the park and then had lunch.  Later that evening we went to a Concert in the Park.  Wednesday brought a trip to the Fine Arts museum and a BBQ with friends to start off the holiday week-end (most were heading out of town).  Thursday we went to lunch in the park and then headed to the Drive In that evening to see Wall-E.  Friday brought a beautiful hike, a delicious BBQ and splendid fireworks (that only the 'boys' saw).  Saturday we went to Thanksgiving Point and then grabbed some dinner on the way home.

Alma 7:14

We were reading scriptures the other night and it was Jonny's turn to read this one.  He was part way through the verse and exclaimed, "I'm going to do this!".  He read a couple of more words and all of the sudden, "I'm so excited!".  We love that he's excited about something so important.

Wally and the Bead

Yes, you read that right.  Last night we went to the drive-in to see Wall-E.  Megan had a conversation with her dad earlier in the week about it.  Layne ended up mentioning something about Wally and the Beav - memories from a TV show of days gone past.  (I don't know what the connection is either.)  Apparently, it stuck with Megan - for the rest of the week she referred to the movie Wall-E as Wally and the Bead.  She had me questioning myself a couple of times.  Is there something about the title of this movie that I'm not aware of or is she just making something up?  (She is 4 - imagination is always a possibility.)  On the way to the movie, there were several times she enthusiastically stated, 'Wally and the Bead!'.  It was completely random and humorous all at the same time.  We love our Megan!  We count her as one of multiple entertainers in our family.

Happy 4th!

Happy 4th!  One of the things we did today was go on a hike.  Here are some photos from the event.

We had to watch out for hanging inch worms.

We loved the beauty around us - 

and had a great time.

Jacob usually led the way.

Rachel was just along for the ride.

The kids threw rocks into the water.  This is Jonny in action.

Megan showing off the rock she found.

Jacob keeping hydrated and thinking his shirt is cool.

Megan carefully taking some 'fluff fluff' (dandelion head) to show Daddy.

Jonny being funny - 'Look, a plane!'

Rachel insisted she walk towards the end.  She did a great job!  She even found a couple of her own rocks.

We had a wonderful day and hope yours was just as great!

More Shirts

Layne occasionally travels to a rival school to use their lab.  While he was there he bought yet another shirt for a child.  Jacob was thrilled!  Jonny was also glad Dad made a stop by a 2nd student bookstore in order to get a shirt for him too.  These were also on sale.  What are the odds?

Cute Shirts, Cute Girls

Layne just couldn't stand that Megan was wearing her long sleeve princess shirts during the summer.  So, he bought her a short sleeved princess shirt.  He's learned that if you give one child something - you have to have a plan for the other child/ren.  Princess shirts for Daddy's princesses.  I was surprised he came home with these - it might be one of the handful of times he's actually purchased clothing for the kids.  He did good - they were on a huge sale and just happened to have the sizes the girls needed.

That sure was nice...

We were getting out of the truck yesterday and Megan said, "That sure was nice of grandpa to share is truck with us.".  I agreed with her.  Thanks for the use of the truck while we figure out other options!