2021, August 2-8

Smoky skies dominated for most of the week. Landon got braces, and Eliza found a snake. 

Here is Eliza with Coach Alison's kids while Hallie babysat them. It has been fun for Hallie to watch these kids change every summer. More than likely this will be the last time Hallie does this, and it has caused some tender feelings.

Smith's has these decorations on display for sale. It is far, far too early for Halloween décor! 

Lily is such a cutie pie on the medals stand! Katie and Noah are pretty cute too! Speaking of medals, our family spent many hours this week watching the Olympics. The kids weren't quite fans of all of the action, but hopefully when they get older they will find the awesomeness in the Olympics.

Lily snuck Hallie's phone and took a selfie. Her mom says that this is Lily's new little pastime. Lily is going to make a great big sister come November.

Landon went to physical therapy for his shoulder. It tuckered him out. 

Fergus showed Lily how he could play fetch and got her to play along. Lily is not a huge fan of animals, but she has grown fond of Fergus over the last 4 years.

Landon got braces this week. He was just so thrilled at the prospect. Fortunately, after a couple of days, his mouth doesn't hurt quite so much. Landon was probably half asleep when he decided he wanted gold brackets and gold bands. The plus side is that Dr. Warren gives ice cream after each appointment.

All this week, haze has obscured our view of the mountains and irritated our eyes and throats. Apparently we're on the direct path that has funneled smoke from the recent Northern California fires. This picture is looking east, and you should see mountains. 

Every so often, the boy surprises one of his parents with a spontaneous display of affection. We had to make sure to capture this one. There is a great kid inside of this 13 year old exterior.

Hallie, Eliza, and her friend went to a outdoor fair with booths over in Eagle Mountain. Eliza got clip in hair color and Hallie went for the tied-in tinsel in her hair. So fun to do things to your hair that won't last forever!

Sunday morning as Eliza was playing outside, she found this little snake in the grass. Mike considered letting her keep it but ultimately had her let it go in the field near the school. All the best, little guy! 

Eliza got this little llama at the fair, and it became Fergus' bedmate (until the cat shifted his weight and sat on the llama). 

In the afternoon, friends came over to play Nerf war and fetch with this cute puppy. All told, Sunday was a great day for hanging out with animals. We love it when our buddy Lincoln babysits puppies. It gives Eliza some puppy time, and then we don't have to buy her a dog.