Baseball, Botanicals, and Berries

We took the kids to their first National's baseball game.  The older boys were much more interested than the girls, but good times were had by all.  Unfortunately the Nationals only scored one point - but it was an exciting home run in the bottom of the ninth.  Afterwards we stopped by the botanical garden downtown.

One Year as Mrs. Butikofer

I've gotten a lot of use out of my polka dot dress.  I'm so glad that Jenna enjoyed it so much.  I didn't even use my veil on my wedding day, so I'm glad that we were able to use it and get in some dancing to celebrate our one year anniversary!

 
 

Happy Father's Day

So grateful for James this Father's Day.  I'm glad that we were able to celebrate with the kids... and a video... and a play... and things we love about James.

 

 



James' new calling

June 16 is a pretty special day for us this year.  In addition to being Father's Day, it is also our one year anniversary.  I have an amazing husband, and am often caught off guard with the recognition of how fortunate I am.  A week ago  I was sitting in church and had one of those amazing moments of joy.  James had been late to sacrament meeting because he was meeting with the Stake President.  I was thinking about how very happy I was to be married to this man, particularly that he is worthy and willing to serve in callings as asked.  He will be a great Elder's Quorum President.  To top it off, as we sang the closing song, he made me smile even more, adding the word "a" before the last word in the first verse.

1. Today, while the sun shines, work with a will;

Today all your duties with patience fulfill.

Today, while the birds sing, harbor no care;

Call life a good gift; call the world fair.

(Chorus)

Today, today, work with a will;

Today, today, your duties fulfill.

Today, today, work while you may;

Prepare for tomorrow by working today.

2. Today seek the treasure better than gold,

The peace and the joy that are found in the fold.

Today seek the gems that shine in the heart;

While here we labor, choose the better part.

3. Today seek for goodness, virtue, and truth,

As crown of your life and the grace of your youth.

Today, while the heart beats, live to be true,

Constant and faithful all the way through.

June Birthday

For Jenna's birthday James made a wooden knife, per her request.  Another request was that we hide presents for her to search for.  Her favorite fruit is watermelon, so I made a pink cake with green frosting, that looked a little like watermelon.   Jenna is such a joy, and often seems much more mature than her now 7 years.

Mourning

 

 

We were quite excited for almost two months with prospects of a new addition to our family, but received sad news at our first ultrasound.  Instead of a heartbeat, it became clear that something was wrong and our baby had stopped growing.  Through the disappointing news, we have felt a lot of love and comfort.  I specifically felt that it was important to be grateful for the blessings that we do have.  My sister sent me roses, and in transport, one of the flowers was separated from the stem.  Although it was sad that one didn't quite make it, I still felt an overwhelming gratitude for the beautiful flowers and what I do have.  We have five beautiful children.  I have an awesome husband, and we can try again.



Pinewood Derby

It was fun to help Hyrum with his pinewood derby car.  There were some very close races, including ties, so Hyrum got to race more than most of the other boys.  Congratulations on 3rd place.

Soccer - fun in the backyard

Virginia Beach



The Chesapeake Lighthouse Society organized a trip to the Chesapeake Lighthouse.  I'm so glad it was on a weekend that we could make it.  There were about 80 lighthouse enthusiasts on the boat.  I have to admit that there were many who have been to more lighthouses than I have.  (Although I am now over 400!)  The Chesapeake Lighthouse is 12 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach, so quite difficult to get to.  The last trip was over a decade ago.

 

Friday traffic south on I-95 is terrible.  Our return trip took the standard 3.5 hours.  The trip down took about twice as long.  Not fun.  We did stop at Fort Monroe for a nice walk, and view of the Thimble Shoal Lighthouse and Old Point Comfort Light.

 

On the boat trip Saturday we got views of the Old Cape Henry and New Cape Henry lighthouses, Cape Charles, and the elusive Chesapeake Light tower.  The Chesapeake Lighthouse has a helicopter pad on top, and is the marker to the entrance of the Chesapeake Bay.  The water was pretty choppy, but the crew was prepared with blue buckets JUST IN CASE anyone got seasick.

 

One of the highlights was meeting Kraig Anderson, who runs the website lighthousefriends.com.  It's a fabulous resource for maps, history, pictures, and directions to US and Canadian lighthouses.

 

 

Mother's Day

 

 

I'm really grateful for my husband, and the opportunity he has provided for me to have experiences as a Mother.  We enjoyed the day with a picnic by the Potomac, and some time with Martha Washington at Mount Vernon.  I of course got flowers and chocolate as well.