Rose is in Kindergarten!

also some slippers I made for Rose (they do not wear 'outside' shoes in the school)

MiniVacation

Last weekend we took a minivacation. We took the boys up to mom and dads and then we headed out with the baby. It turned out to be not as relaxing as I had originally planned. I knew mom and dad had other obligations so we shortened the time they had with the boys all by themselves, and then a dear friend from our ward passed away and we wanted to attend the funereal so we headed back to Salt Lake instead of staying near Manila, but we had time to visit on the road and the boys loved every minute with the grandparents. They got to sleep in the tent with grandpa, stay up late, take rides in his truck and then they went on some adventures (mom might have pictures of some of those). But all in all it was a good little weekend.

Rose's Talk: Making Choices

Reclaimed

My most recent project has just been posted on the youth website of LDS.org this morning.

From the Woods

The weather has made an abrupt about-face and after more than a month of 100+ temperatures, we're finally able to turn the AC off, open the windows, and put the covers back on our beds.  And I for one am relieved to be in long sleeves and to take my hair out of its constant summer-time ponytail.

We celebrated Madelan's 2nd birthday last week. Isn't that amazing!? She is our dancer and artist, so mostly her presents revolved around markers, drawing and--the highlight for me--a tutu.

Here she is at her own little desk+chair (and wearing the tutu) with the magic color wonder markers that Carrie introduced us to. Mads colors on everything--our walls still have some scribbles that I haven't taken care of yet, so having markers that only work on the special paper is, in my opinion, a great breakthrough.

Getting ready for church in their handsome clothes,

and a better shot of Mads in the tutu. I can't believe how much those things cost in a store! I went to Target intending to buy her one but when I saw the pricetag I marched right home and created one out of some leftover tulle (some of you may recognize it from the walls in our Columbus apartment) and an old pair of shorts. And I think it is even cuter than the storebought ones. Also, you can see in this photo the progress we've made in our bedroom. The Nettleships were kind enough to haul out some shelves from Ikea for us when they visited and we made our own alcove for the bed complete with reading lamps. I'm pretty proud of it, but it does look better in real life.

And last of all, some of you may have already seen my update about the Early Music Festival on Stuff'n'Stuff. If not, I'll direct you there. Feel free to visit my website too if you want to hear recordings or whatever. It's at lvwoodmusic.wordpress.com

All three (3)

I finally got a decent picture with all three cuties next time I will try for smiles and looking at the camera

Hooper Living Room

Leslee (or Alyce) said she wanted to see what our house looked like now.  I've really only taken one picture specifically of our house, so far.  We still need to put artwork and curtains up.  And this photo's a bit out of focus.  But, at least you can see the change.  Ladies and gentlemen, I give you:
The Hooper Living Room!

Aurora's baptism

Aurora's baptism was yesterday.  It was a wonderful program with a great spirit.  Aurora is a fantastic little girl.
 
Unfortunately, we didn't get to stay very long.  But I was able to snap a few pictures.

These girls sang a trio (with the exception of Veora)

A few other pictures from our adventures

We visited Grandma and Grandpa Johnson on our way back from California.

We were just standing there and all of a sudden this huge whale came leaping out of the sidewalk.  It was incredible.  We just happened to be posing for a picture at the time.  Talk about luck!

Pioneer Day

Talk about fun!

Nothing like a relaxing afternoon in the dirt.

Cleanliness is...

Chow.

Hose down.

Natters

Twin Hearts

Twin Cousins

Pictures of cute children

In California, I took a few pictures of my kids.  With my camera.  And my pointer finger.  We were visiting the beautiful San Diego Temple at the time.

Watch out Beach Boys!

As you may know, our family took a week-long vacation to California this summer.  We stayed with Holly's sister Heidi's family.  Here are some pictures from our adventure!