If the crown fits...: Maris

First of all, I didn't do a post on Father's Day, but I feel blessed to be married to Maris, who is the best, most patient husband and the funnest dad in the world. He loves us so much, we couldn't ask for more. He works hard, he plays hard. And nothing brings him more joy than his children.

Happy Father's Day to my brothers, 2 of whom are new dads this year. All 4 of them are fantastic dads and I admire each of them. And to Morgan, who stepped in and took over. We all love you and are grateful you are our dad! (and papa!)

Well, it's been 1 year and 3 days since we drove into Dodge City, er, I mean McKinney. I sat at church on Sunday and thought about how blessed we have been this last year, and Heavenly Father knew just what we needed when he led us to this home, in this community, in this ward and in this school district. I'll never forget how kind it was of Haley to introduce herself and welcome us. Thanks, Haley...you have turned out to be an awesome friend. Noelle was so excited to have one more cub scout to go to Twilight camp and went to work right away getting our paperwork together so that Parker could go the next day. And I was surprised to find out that I lived "in the middle of no where" about 5 minutes from the camp. Here is Parker and William last year at TC:

I remember how hot and humid it felt and how grateful I was that I was too late to be a parent volunteer. I told Noelle that I would help if they needed, and she said that they were taken care of, they would get me next year. And boy, did they! It is no secret that I am an indoor girl, but for this kid, I'll spend 5 nights this week from 4-9 pm out in the great outdoors, wearing sunscreen and bug spray, and hoping that I don't step on a fire ant pile or get attacked by chiggers. The 102 degree weather with the heat index of 110 wasn't even toobad. The next 4 days are supposed to be cooler! I'm praying it's not my kid who finds a snake or a tarantula, though it probably will be.

So we'll hang out and make flags and make up names for our den (we are the Squaw Valley Space Hamsters.) The name was Parker's idea. I know. I am so proud.