Marble Creek

One of the traditions of our family is to go into the mountains at the beginning of the school year where I can give the kids and Karen blessings. It is a wonderful way to bond as a family and to ask the Lord's blessings to be upon our family for the upcoming year. I always love this time of year because, for us, it really is the beginning of the new year. With Sam preparing to leave for college, we went up to Marble Creek and had fun goofing around and taking pictures. Jake was an especially good sport as we had him pose quite often in silly poses. Jake is a freshman cross-country runner, but obviously he could have been a standout quarterback!!

Twenty-six years ago tomorrow, after several rejections because she already had dates scheduled, Karen finally went out on a date with me. I have never wanted to let her go since.

Jake wasn't looking so comfy when Sam gave the gate a good shake!

This shot is really for Zack so that he can see what a muscle man Jake is . . .or might someday be . . . after using a few more weights.

It always helps the photo shot when your brother is tossing the football at you while you are trying to smile for mom's camera.

Courtney and Sam are responsible for this silly shot. I think the three kids had more fun with this picture than any others. We loved the leg action even more than the flower Sam so kindly placed behind Jake's ear.

Sam in his mountain man, "I can rip your head off" pose. Notice the snarl! After returning home, Sam took off his boots which had been outside on a shelf during the summer. He hadn't noticed it when he put the boots on, but as he took them off, a huge spider crawled out of one of the boots. Now that was exciting!!

Courtney is quite the girl. She put me through a few minutes of her aerobics exercise a couple of days ago. I'll stay with my aerobic machines. Her stuff hurt way too much!!!

Sam with Grandpa and Grandma Baxter the evening before returning to college.