Levi's picture

 Little red caboose!

 The Cole family by a large coal pile.

 The oldest train in Colorado.  Pretty Cool.

Today Lincoln turns 18 months! Joule is due in three months! So many wonderful little boys in our lives.

We prayed and prayed and prayed all week to share the gospel with someone around us and invite them to join us with the missionaries. We knocked on our neighbors’ doors. No answer. I walked through stores, halls, parks, everywhere with an increased awareness that I am surrounded by God’s children and most of the time I ignore them. We stopped and talked to people in the parking lot. We took cookies to people. To no avail. Thursday I saw a woman who recently recommitted to coming to the gym. I haven’t seen her for a few days and asked if she’d come Friday. Friday morning at six we both huffed and puffed and talked about life. Hers is significantly different than mine and yet as she spoke I glimpsed a little of what Heavenly Father feels for her. It was kind of like He looked right at me and said, “Hey! This is my little girl. You be good to her.” I invited her to join us for dessert. She gave me her phone number, but eventually declined. Still. We prayed to invite someone, and we were given the opportunity. Our heightened focus on sharing the gospel has allowed me to realize and re-evaluate what we do in our home. Are we really sharing the gospel daily with our little boys? How? Do they feel the Spirit? Do we share our testimonies in word and action? Do people know we’re followers of Christ? Is that evident in our countenance? Do we love others enough to extend invitations? And that has been a big shifting point for us: more than “an experience,” we’ve prayed for love and the desire to love. What a difference this has made.

So the missionaries came to dinner without a guest, but we’re still on track. Missionaries are so cute (not the word I would have used a few years ago when I taught a class of RMs; we’ve all grown up a little). They are a testimony that the Lord works through the weak and simple regardless of our experience or perspective.

Aurora is about 20 miles away from us. It seems that the whole area continues in prayer. If not about fires or tornadoes or rain, we plead for peace and safety and comfort. The whole circumstance—the shooting mirroring so much of the violence in the Batman movies—creeps me out. It makes me wonder what I passively accept and how we need to improve. On a small scale, the boys and I took some friends to a kids’ magic-comedy show at the library the day of the shooting. The performer hit her head with a balloon and some of her plastic juggling pins for some laughs. Now, I know I have a limited sense of humor etc. etc., but I couldn’t help thinking, “But it’s not okay to hurt our bodies. It’s not okay or funny to hurt others. We laugh, but this is not how we want to act or who we want to be.” I realize I’m overanalyzing; or am I? I really want our kids to have a sense of compassion, responsibility, and the ability to step back and consider what the implications are. I’ll stop now. Stepping off the soap box.

Yesterday we ventured off to the train museum. Whoohoo! We climbed in old engines and cabooses and dining cars. We looked into passenger cars. We rang clangy bells. We walked around a round house that they actually use to repair trains. We rode an open air train around the acreage and heard a brief history. Some of the trains were built in the 1800s. Some still run. The boys (including Wes) most enjoyed the model trains. Outside they had a garden with robotic trains, towns, and bridges. Thomas the Tank Engine circled to Levi’s delight. Inside the museum building, most of the basement was dedicated to intricately painted trains and people and terrain. Levi’s evening comment: “How ‘bout we go back Monday?”

We’re keeping another sleep log for Levi. Although these are good and helpful, sometimes I prefer to not see what is really going on. This week was okay aside from each day he woke up earlier (today was 5 a.m. plus church and no nap. Plus he didn’t get to sleep until after ten and he night terrored and flung around in his sleep all night—but that was a less good night). I called and talked to our pediatrician’s office in Texas. Turns out our pediatrician has a connection to an Austin research center specializing in pediatric sleep studies. It sounds as if Levi will qualify but we have to wait until his well visit when we return. The possibility of improving his sleep comforts all of us, though. If there’s a solution, we’ll look for it and do our best to figure it out!

While Wesley works away and I try to cook and rewrite my class, the boys develop into crazy little darlings. Levi directed me very specifically to draw our family as missionaries. Baby Joule has reddish hair and green eyes. We talked about repentance and that we can change to be better, like learning to not spit. He’s trying so hard. And he helps Lincoln learn to not hit (although Lincoln loves to do it and cackles). Levi’s patience when Lincoln hits or when we struggle to wake up amazes us. He’s picked up a bunch of funny phrases that include, “How ‘bout..” and “At that point” (as in we told him the missionaries were coming for dinner and he responded “Dad will be home from work at that point…”). Levi’s questions are more sophisticated now. I love that he asks what certain things are and how they work. This week he asked if I’d ever be a boy. “Gender is an essential characteristic of premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose”—phew! He also wants to know what day of the week it is and what time it is—primarily because he’s sooo excited to see Dad who comes home around dinner and stays home on Saturday and Sunday. Aren’t we spoiled here? Lincoln now asserts his desires with more gusto. He likes to eat from a fully loaded spoon so that the bite is “BIG BIG!” and if he doesn’t want a certain food, or toy, or whatever he absolutely refuses to even acknowledge it—except to throw it. When he finds scratch paper or lint on the floor, he quickly takes it to the garbage can and proudly waits for praise. A family in the ward invited us to dinner; Lincoln learned to jump off their couch. Yet he lives on. He loved the magic show and sat transfixed until the dove and the rabbit appeared—out of fire, no less. Then Lincoln stood straight up and said, “TOUCH! TOUCH!” To his delight, he petted the soft white rabbit at the end of the show, but continued reaching for it as we left. Rabbits, hamsters, mice, and rats will not be members of our future household: remind me of this if I ever start to waver. We’ve read a zillion stories about waiting for the new baby. This morning, when I pointed to the picture of the pregnant mommy with a baby in her tummy, Lincoln (on my right leg) turned to Levi (on my left leg), rubbed Levi’s tummy and said, “Baby, baby” very gently. Levi redirected his hand to Joule (in the middle of my lap). Then we all laughed as Joule rolled over.

Some additions from Wes:  Another of Levi’s new phrases is “it kind of stinks in here.”  He especially likes to say that when he wants to turn on the bathroom fan.  And today when we were on a walk, Lincoln was helping me push the stroller.  He would grab the stroller with both hands, put his head down, and run as fast as his little legs could go yelling “Fast! Fast!”  Both boys loved it.

Burro Races: it's hard to look at a camera at a time like this. 

 

 Kissing the youngest brother. 

Yay, Royal! We don’t really care if you’re called to serve in the Idaho Boise mission or the Ukraine Dnepropetrovsk; we’re totally buzzed for your mission! What a lot of blessings and opportunities you’ll have and provide by being able to speak Russian for the rest of your life. Wow! Aside from the anticipation of the Great Envelope Opening, we’ve been discussing missionary work a lot lately: primarily, how much we need to act on our covenants and step it up. We realized that this summer is kind of like a transfer on a mission. We don’t have a ton of time, but we have much to do and many people surrounding us waiting for us to open our mouths. Wesley taught Elders’ Quorum today (George Albert Smith, lesson 13 on sharing the gospel). He invited the group to talk in small groups about what they can do this week to be missionaries. Good stuff. We’ve concluded that the best way to support missionaries, prepare ourselves, and prepare our boys is to do missionary work now. President Monson says our experiences sharing the gospel need to be current. President Smith states that they should be daily. So! That’s our goal. The missionaries eat with us on Friday. I have full faith that by this time next week some miracle will happen and someone else will join us as well that day. Truth is just too exciting to keep to ourselves. And if we really want to run a mini-MTC, I need to make some adjustments to my perspective and actions.

And, Royal, I promise that I’ll control myself better when I write letters to you on your mission. They really will be more contained and less…lengthy! Alas, that promise does not apply to these letters. I assume you all skim and I can indulge in our immediate “family history.”

Wesley has been sick. He worked on improving his health. We’re all almost there. Levi’s nightmares and night terrors continue, though. He might have a sleep study before me (since I have to wait until after Joule arrives).

Another highlight of the week occurred when the mail carrier delivered Wesley’s new “Axis and Allies” game. The boys helped him arrange the pieces and I even began a turn or two with him. Perhaps we will be one of those families with a game out constantly because it takes 20 minutes to make one move and we only have so much gaming time in a day…The excitement drifts through our house and sticks to everything like the scent of morning bacon.

We are making friends. A girl in the ward and her 10 month old visited us on Wednesday afternoon. Levi very carefully shared his toys and Peter’s blanket with the baby. He tried to make sure everyone was comfortable and happy (not a surprise, but always amazing). Lincoln liked the baby, but wanted to “Hit!” and “Throw!” Again I wished I could interest him in all the Waiting for Baby books that Levi loves. We walked our friends home. This included going up and down steep hills, pausing at playgrounds, bathroom breaks, and sweat. We walked it again the next morning. Between those hikes and the immense amount of playground time this week, their little muscles are just worn out. Yet they keep going! We make Energizer batteries look weak.

Friday night, Wes expressed a deep, inner need to take our boys somewhere with “water so we can throw rocks.” Oh, I’m learning so much about boys. Saturday morning we drove through the gorgeous, pine covered, golden Rockies to Idaho Springs. We watched rafters, we played in a park, and most importantly they all threw rocks of all sizes and shapes into the river. Strangely enough, people and their donkeys swarmed the place. We finally asked about it. Burro racing: they load up the donkey with packs of water, food, panning for gold stuff, etc., and run next to their animal. No kidding. Who knew? There seems to be a following for it if you’re interested in joining the fun.

Some hilarious and wonderful moments:

Before church today we asked Levi if he needed to go to the potty. He very seriously responded, “I have no pee inside of Levi.” Well. Okay then.

We(s) set up an obstacle course through the house for Levi to release some energy. Is it bad to fear some types of male bonding and joy?

Breakfast prepares us for the teenage years: Levi eats a bite or two, then states he’s all done and must be going. Lincoln eats at least an entire bowl of oatmeal, finishes Levi’s, two servings of fruit, and then dips into mine and Wesley’s. He’s starving for a snack an hour later, which is when Levi considers eating something while moving. We try to snack outside.

Levi shocks me with his compassion and great ability to feel for others. Sure, Lincoln bugs him occasionally, but he is deeply concerned about his brother’s safety: from not climbing on tables, to locking doors, to teaching him how to use playgrounds—I’m so impressed and proud. I love watching his confidence increase. Figuring out his independence on slides and ladders, etc., carries over into other (less physical) aspects of life. He trusts himself and he trusts us to care for him. He doesn’t trust us to care for Lincoln, yet, though. He often scolds us, “Go get him!” or “Hold his hand!” Or the usual, “Save Mr. Linc!”

Joule took a (significantly) longer-than-usual nap on Wednesday morning. He didn’t move for hours; this has never happened with him. He naps, but even then he shifts and flutters and rolls. They all have moved in the womb so differently. I anticipate that this monkey will join the brother business without difficulty, though. I told Levi I hadn’t felt Joule move, so Levi kissed my bulging belly and said, “Wake up, Baby Joule!” A few minutes later, Levi asked if we needed to go to the doctor. Thankfully all is well.

Lincoln loves Wesley’s deodorant. Usually I can keep him away from it, but on Monday I turned to the garbage can for two seconds. In that time he covered his entire face and arms. We smelled one well deodorized boy all day! “More! More!”

Lincoln may play professional athlete someday. When he runs his right arm sticks out straight and his little left arm crooks up and propels him forward. If he’s not panting, he chants, “Gogogogogogogo!” He throws. And throws. And “THROW!”s. Last week, he grabbed the van keys in the midst of self-checking out our 20 library books. All seemed innocent and well until the last three books, then clangclankthunk/”THROW” and the keys collapsed somewhere under the triangle of tables and computer cords. A kind passerby helped me move the tables and waited while I scrambled under and searched. This week, Lincoln found my glasses case (without the glasses, thankfully!), ran to the door and chucked them off the balcony! After he throws anything, he looks at us so proudly and triumphantly. Particularly when he finds something “bigbig!” The distance covered doesn’t matter so much as the force he exerts.

I went to the doctor this week. Perfect heartbeat. Good growth. I found out that the smallness was within the margin of error for the ultrasound (now I know!) and he only looks about a week smaller than expected. So we all grow and develop. Our little scare earlier in the week increases my gratitude for every little movement.

I walked out of a store with Lincoln balancing on the side of Joule in one hand, Levi carefully clutching the other hand, and a lady asked, “Are those boys both yours?” I nodded. “God bless you!” At this point she noticed my totally cool belly button sticking out of my shirt. “And you’re expecting another one!” I told her that we’re just doing what we feel we’re supposed to do and we’re happy to do what is right for our family. “Oh, honey. God bless you!” Oh, He does.

I can’t believe the miracle of our children. What blessings.

Love you.

The Whole Cole Crew

 Chutes and Ladders. Perhaps this will lead to Tide of Iron? (Wes hopes)

                           Watching thunderstorms.                                           Climbing rocks.

                            Chillin' in the amphitheater.

 Another classic park picture to match Gram Stace. 

Check out Joule's expansion! 

Life is very, very good.

This year we celebrated our second Independence Day under a burn ban. We enjoyed our freedoms without fireworks, colors, and loud explosions to remind us of the many sacrifices people have made and continue to make to create our country. The silence that night still reminded me of what we do to protect each other, care for each other, and the sense of community we can share even when we do not know each other and when we live very different lives. Instead of loud hurrahs, the stars sparkled over us in Colorado and the people prayed for each other. While fires and smoke raged on more people made sacrifices to continue supporting our country—even in small ways. I am proud to be an American. I know there has been (and will be) a lot of political hubbub (ha! understatement), particularly around the presidential election. Someone has to be partially crazy to even desire a position where others will automatically slander you for doing your best to serve to your greatest abilities. I don’t want to be the leader of a country, but I am grateful for those individuals and families who believe in our nation, believe in its improvement, and believe that we can work together. In the end, isn’t that what we’re made of? A bunch of slightly nutty people, deserting comforts and familiarity with great hopes and dreams that somehow—despite our opinions, traditions, cultures, and approaches—somehow we can and will work together? The fires have reminded me that even when I disagree with the political hash, they need my prayers; they need God’s guidance just as much as me, my family, and all of us.

Last week, our area leaders called for a special fast—including additional offerings and prayers—for rain and safety from the fires. We live at a distance from the flames, but the skies smear gray. It’s not even cloudy. Everyone coughs. What a wonder sunlight is. What a miracle glistening is. Temperatures dropped. On Thursday the true clouds rolled over us and thunderstorms began dancing. Since then, the days are cool and puddle; the afternoons wet. The boys plaster their faces up to the glass door and watch the drops crash, leap, jump. They shiver in delight at the thunder, stepping back at the lightening that feels so close (because it is!). Forecasts presume the storms will continue through next week. Again, we witness the blessings and miracles of faith, prayer, and endurance. We join our voices with the generations praising the gift of rain.

This month in FHE, we’re addressing some things to do during natural disasters. Last week we practiced stopping, dropping, and rolling for fire. The boys loved it—particularly when Wes rolled across the living room. Now when we’ve talked about the fire Levi repeats, “Drop and roll!” Tomorrow he’ll teach us about hurricanes and tornadoes.

We are finally recovering from sickness. Lincoln still glazes over. One night he didn’t sleep longer than 15 minutes at a time, poor guy. Another night he woke up crying. I walked in his room, he held up his water cup, waited patiently for me to fill it and return it, then he collapsed into his blankets clutching it as if it could bring him peace. Because he’s slowed down a bit, he discovered a few things, such as holding Levi’s hand. Joy of joys! When we prepare to leave our apartment, Lincoln reaches for his brother saying, “Hand! Hand!” which Levi responsibly gives. They then escort each other to the stairs or elevator. This darling, simple action alleviates a lot of screaming and panic. In the past we heard a lot of “NOOOOO LINC! Save Linc! No run Linc! Stay close Linc!”

This week, in order to share a treat with Daddy, Levi cannot spit or lick things. He tried so hard, finally succeeding on the third day after a ton of effort and prayer. I’m so impressed. It’s difficult to break a habit—especially one that kind of subdues destructive tendencies and when your throat hurts!

Despite not feeling 100%, they continue to Hokey Pokey in full energy. Even Joule gets into it and stretches all the way across me before spinning. Thankfully, Joule has decided he likes his indoor swimming pool for a while longer. No contractions and all growth this week.

Since Wesley stayed home for the 4^th, we took a teeny tiny family hike near the Red Rocks Amphitheater. Gorgeous. Our boys trooped right up the steep path. After Lincoln’s nap, we dashed off to a park to feed the ducks and geese. Who enjoyed this more, the domesticated fowl or our wild animals? We watched a petite brown mother duck chase off anyone who came too close to her 4 little chicks (Lincoln started singing, “Quack, quack, quack!”). One of the babies attacked a goose. “That one Linc!” Levi then went on to compare us all to the birds.

On Friday, Wesley went to University of Colorado in Boulder (a little less than an hour away) to meet with a professor who does research in his area. They met up, compared what they have been doing, and the professor offered to be on Wesley’s Ph.D. committee as well as giving him some good direction. We don’t fully understand the professor’s motivation, but we’re glad for his willingness and kindness. Wes is still figuring out what he wants to proceed. It’s nice to have so many intelligent people who share their expertise.

As a funny side note on males and females: Wes told me he still hadn’t thought about his conversation with the professor. I hesitated and had to process for a while. He had had a 45 minute drive in complete silence directly following the conversation. How had he not thought about it? Then I realized what had been running through his mind: Double line so I can’t pass. Oh, the speed limit just dropped to 60. There’s a white truck next to me…Perhaps I am surrounded by boys to teach me to do one thing at a time without distraction rather than trying to do five or six and thinking about something else!

The boys crack us up. Last night we couldn’t go to sleep because we were still laughing. When Levi wants some space, and especially when he wants to do something he shouldn’t like tip the vacuum over and sit on it or yank on the blinds, he tells me to “Go save Mr. Linc.” I call Wes Mr. Cole. I call the boys Mr. Levi and Mr. Lincoln. Levi picked up on this, so Mr. Peter needs to rest because he’s so tired and Mr. Lincoln has all sorts of needs and desires (whether he knows or desires it or not!). Levi’s new filler phrase responses are “Oh!” and “Okay!” This was particularly thrilling when we taught him to take pictures on the phone and push the OK. He said, “Oh! Okay!”

Lincoln lives his life disregarding Levi’s instructions—or anyone else’s. When we went to a park he yelled into the little echo-maker, then threw a rock in it. Of course it bounced right back into his head. This ticked him off.  So he did it again. He kicked it, as if to say, “Stupid rock!” This boy still loves rocks, though, I find them all over his clothes and cramped in his hands. If he had sandals I’m sure he’d try to grab one with each toe.

Lincoln mimics sounds constantly and has also tried the “Mr.” prefix. When we help Levi with prayers, Lincoln will pause and then sing along some words, ending with a great flourishing, “a-MEN!” Yesterday Levi wanted to say the prayer for lunch. It all started normally. Then Levi’s voice dipped a few octaves and became gravelly. So we heard, “Bless THE FOOD!” with all the gusto of a chain-smoking rock star. Lincoln then starts growling to sound the same. Finally, Wesley couldn’t hold in his chuckles and we both lost it. Levi finished his prayer and informed us that he was using an “angry voice.” We now use our varied emotion voices for things other than prayer. But, my, that food was blessed.

This letter will probably be subpar. I’m foggy.

As you already know, we drove up to Utah a week ago Friday and enjoyed the weekend with the Coles. Levi and Lincoln love their grandparents and aunts and uncles! You’ve already heard the rundown of the weekend, but I must note how grateful I am for the chance to go to the temple with Wes (always a special experience) and for your help with the boys. Levi is usually so scared of the initial whoosh down the slide; I don’t know what happened, but he’s “a big, brave boy!” now. Thank you.

Sunday night we played at my older sister’s house and put the boys to bed. Wes helped my little sister and her husband move a few big furniture pieces into their new house since Drew was scheduled to be in Hawaii with Air Force stuff all week. Then we drove through the beautiful mountains to Great-aunt Jeannine’s house and conked out in their hospitality. I took Wes to the airport (15 minutes away!) at 6:30 the next morning and he made his first international flight. To Canada. I returned to Jeannine’s and we powwowed about Grandma Wright’s journals. We’re making progress. After I finish all four years, we’ll insert all the pictures and send them off. Hurrah!

The whole reason for this trip was Wesley’s trip to Montreal for ACC (American Control Conference). He presented some of his building research that he did at UT, went to workshops, listened to presentations, and made a lot of connections. The people who listened to him present awarded him the best presentation of the session. Go Wes! Somehow he’s even part of preparing next year’s conference! He seemed to run into the right people every day! He roomed with another UT guy who is from Venezuela so they spoke Spanish for a few days.  He saw the temple. He went to a jazz festival. And he called every night no matter how late it was. I can keep myself distracted, but it’s always better to be together. I think I could pretty much do anything if he’s with me. He thought he booked his return flight to Denver for Friday night, but realized Thursday that he booked it for Saturday. I chuckled over this. The poor man needs some sleep! The delayed flight gave him a little rest time.

Wes’s story of getting to Montreal:  Before I flew my first leg to Dallas, my bag was checked because there wouldn’t be enough room on board.  I got to Dallas and found my next flight to Laguardia (New York) was delayed by several hours, so they immediately put me on a different flight to Laguardia.  Laguardia is an interesting airport.  Each terminal has its own security line, so when you leave one terminal to go to another you have to go back through security.  I went to the gate where the Montreal flights were to leave and they announced that all the Montreal flights were being canceled due to bad weather.  I waited in line for some time to get a rebooking and when it was my turn, the guy told me I was in the wrong place.  I was switching airlines, so my flight was actually leaving from another terminal (Brilliant! And I’m supposedly a Ph.D. student…).  Unfortunately, by this time my flight was already to have left.  I ran to the other terminal and passed through security for the third time all the while praying that my flight was delayed because of the bad weather and that my stupidity wouldn’t cost several hundreds of dollars.  Fortunately I showed up just as my flight was boarding.  Boy was that a relief!  I got to Montreal somewhat late, but I got there.  As a consequence of all the changes, however, my bag ended up in airport land somewhere and they told me I probably wouldn’t get it until the next evening.  I was blessed again—when I woke up there was a message for me letting me know my baggage had arrived.  It was nice to go to my meetings in clean, dress clothes as opposed to jeans and a t-shirt.  End of Wesley’s section.

While Wes participated in professional development, the boys and I partied with family. We spent most of Monday with Bodie and Grandma Stacy then zipped up to Preston. Tuesday we drove to Pocatello with Tressia (they love “aunt Tress”) to see Geran, Kathy, and Seth. Kathy spoiled us with a yummy lunch and lots of fun blocks. Seth is one determined little boy. He’s grown up so much! Lincoln loved the “BABY.” We stopped in to see my brother and his family. Jared came home from lunch to say hi; I admit this was one of the major highlights of the trip for me. I love watching him with his wife and kids. You can just tell they adore each other. Both of these homes have a nice feeling about them. Good to be there.

That night my mom threw a mini party for Levi’s birthday. My aunt and cousin came over. Lincoln generously bestowed kisses much to everyone’s delight.

Wednesday we went back to Logan, played with Bodie, swam in the pool, and adventured in general. Lincoln loves Bodie’s dog, Annie. He says, “Aaaa-eeee!,” shakes with excitement to pet her, and then revels in her fur. The only problem with this was when he decided to “SMASH” her toes. Levi started feeling sick that afternoon. I thought he was just travel worn (understandable). He cuddled, lost his appetite, and slept. That night he woke up, “My feet hurt!” So I rubbed his little feeties and told him Book of Mormon stories. He helped make up tales of two cowboys (Levi and Lincoln) who wanted to fly and figured it out. He loved it.

The next day, he perked up a little. We went to the tire shop when my uncle Dax basically robbed himself in putting super nice tires on our van. Next to ink on the page, tires have got to be the most comforting smell. Later in the day we visited great-Grandma and Grandpa Keller. The hay truck arrived. We watched the fork lift load the bales in the barn. We threw rocks in the stream, loved the cows, the heron, the horses. Grandpa filled them with yummy treats and Grandma played with them (I’ve got to learn to play).

Friday morning we played at the Knapp farm. Tressia and Hiram gave us the grand tour complete with fresh picked strawberries, swathers, combines, and baby cows. Lincoln heard a rooster and ran toward the sound until Hiram’s sister opened the coop. Hiram took Levi on an extremely short motorcycle ride which he loved and feared simultaneously. I understand the wonder of Cub River, especially when people like Hiram and Tressia are involved!

I knocked out during Lincoln’s nap. Lincoln caught whatever Levi had and whimpered for a few days straight. They both have coughs and congestion now. Levi didn’t want to wake me, so he went to the potty all by himself. He still needs a little assistance wiping, but he decided I needed sleep. He did very well! He only woke me when absolutely necessary: washing hands without a stool. Such a sweetheart.

We saw Grandpa Corrie and Grandma Stacy’s new house. Levi loved the construction stuff going on in the basement, as well as Irv the builder. Tools and wood and cement—does it get much cooler than that? Grandma took us to ice cream at Casper’s: a kiddie cone can feed multiple people! Try it. Love it.

In the midst of this, Grandma Buttars welcomed us into her home, endured the mess and noise, and received a lot of slobbery Lincoln kisses.

Yesterday, Grandpa Corrie drove all the way from Preston to Denver with us. As in, he drove, without even cringing at the “Little Red Caboose” song on the zillionth time. He told us a little about growing up, working in the tire shop, his job (now he’s been there a year!), and life. I love being with my dad. Poor man! He drove nine hours just to go straight on an airplane, fly to SLC, then drive two hours home! We bought some milk, put boys to bed, and 45 minutes later, loaded boys back in the van to return to the airport, and finally grab Wes at 11:30 p.m.

So we made it! What a week! Two more months before our next big trip! We’re glad we could see so many of you.

We love you.

Cole Crew

P.S. Joule has grown a ton. He’s stretching me in entirely new ways—creative fellow. I did start having contractions yesterday. This isn’t totally new since I start that pretty early anyway, but we’re hoping he gives us a while more before starting in earnest. Dilating a month early is fine. Four months early is not! 

 Bodie's house and life really make Levi happy. They're good buds.

 Gram Stace. I just want to make posters of this and give it to people. You should have seen her spin in it!

 Great-grandma Buttars and Lincoln reading. Lincoln loves Grandma.

 Feeding the ducks outside of Willow Park.

 This is mostly for Wesley and Megan. They wanted a prega picture. Ta-da!

 We love our aunts!

 Motorcycles=joy. I'm still learning what a chassis is...