Happy Father’s Day to all of the fathers! Especially happy to our dads. Your cards are in the mail, belatedly. We are so grateful for you, your example, and your diligence in providing for us spiritually and physically. I don’t think we comprehended the weight you carry (and we still probably don’t!) until we reached parenthood ourselves. We feel privileged that we can continue to turn to you for guidance, your opinions, and just get to know you as we progress along. Occasionally I look at our crazy, darling little boys and catch a glimpse of their great heritage—particularly their grandparents. I am honored to see a piece of Chad Cole or Corrie Keller coming through. No wonder they will be able to do anything. Thank you for being there. Thank you for being our dads. Thank you for loving us still.

And Wesley. I will never be able to say enough about Wesley. I don’t even have the words. He cares for all of us with such patience and understanding. When home he is fully home. When we started dating I thought he was about as near to perfection as you could get (and I was right) and now I’m amazed to see he continues to develop and grow steadily. I am constantly impressed with Wesley Cole and so grateful he’s my husband (!) and the tender father of our children. Who prayed these blessings upon me? What a wonderful, wonderful man. I am in awe of him.

The week just melted away. I had things written on my list…and they remain primarily on the list. A few times Wes and I have looked at each other (or collapsed too late into bed) saying, “What have we been doing?” Is it possible that some weeks just slip away? 

Main event of the week: Levi officially turned 5! WOW! Has it only been five years that we met him face to face in Provo, Utah? Simultaneously, has it really been five whole years? What a little man! He negotiates, he plans, he prepares, and sometimes I forget that he’s so grown up or I forget that he’s not yet an adult. He’s full of delightful surprises. We found an awesome Thomas the Train mountain/tower/loop thing at a thrift store for $6. It has entertained all week. Keller really loves Thomas’s wheels (oh the joy of battery power!) and Levi has sweetly shared the joy. We bought paper Ninja Turtle masks and party hats for the celebration. And balloons. The Ninja Turtles continue to be with us everywhere. Wes took him and the boys to Toys ‘R Us for the first time yesterday to give him a broader perspective of what he could buy with his birthday money (I was at the temple). He proudly came out with three tote bags: Buzz Lightyear, Lightning McQueen, and Ninja Turtles. The three loves in useful form. Levi can’t wait to get his own library card this week and fill up his own bag. He can’t wait for tomorrow’s swimming lesson to carry his own towel and extra clothes. He woke up with them this morning and probably would have carried them to church if allowed. Life just rocks. I was kind of a lump on his actual birthday, but we did pull through with a semi-decent airplane cake and we did spend two hours at the pool after swimming lessons. Thankfully, those things combined with presents and the general awesomeness of birthday made for a wonderful day. And! Wesley came home early. Can a birthday be better than that? Last Sunday Wesley gave him a birthday Father’s blessing in addition to the usual monthly interview. They discussed helping around the house. Levi has thoughtfully been helping more without complaint or even request. His ability to observe and act blesses our family.

We successfully finished level 1 of swimming lessons and begin level 2 tomorrow. All three boys would live in the pool if they could. It’s hard to get Keller’s face out of the water. Levi tries to figure out how to flip under the water in 3 feet. Lincoln grins, climbs, and attacks. It’s near swimming.

The hospital where Venice will be born just began a new “OB Navigator” program where they talk with each woman registered to deliver there, go over the paperwork and insurance, make sure that they have all the signatures necessary, etc. so that they don’t need to do that while the woman labors. Genius! They also provide a personal tour if desired and go over your birth plan to ensure everyone is on the same page. This is mostly for first-time moms, I think, but they asked me to come in and I asked if the boys could join me. The paperwork section went pretty quickly as a result of many helping hands. All of them loved the tour. They wanted to know more about how the bed works, the baby warmer, what Dad will do, etc. They charmed all of the nurses. Levi may actually pursue gynecology. When Keller saw the Jacuzzi he pointed excitedly, “TUB! Bubbles!” All of this, plus contractions, plus Venice dropping some, helps us all feel more and more excited for our little girl.

We hiked to “Lair O’the Bear” yesterday. The entire loop is close to 7 miles. We didn’t realize that. We only went the first mile and a half or so. It follows a creek/river that we happily splashed/threw rocks in on our way back. It also passes a private property castle complete with turrets, a water mill, landscaping, etc. I guess the owner rents part of it out for special events. It was a gorgeous, cool, breezy day and the trail wasn’t that crowded. Hurrah for mountainous living!

I hosted book group for the first time in Colorado on Tuesday. It went well. So many good people wherever you go. Wesley has finished his assigned tasks through August, so it looks like he’ll be doing some “housecleaning” work for his project. Hopefully they’ll be able to come together and balance that with more meaningful work.

Add in lots of other stuff and hilarious commentary from the boys and that was our week! We love you!