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...

 Happy Birthday! You're mom is not Betty Crocker!

 Check out this stance of manliness.

Happy Father’s Day! I hope you all had the equivalent of waffles, sausage, and lots of hugs. Yesterday I went to a sealing session and thought about all the blessings we have as families and how it all starts with one couple dedicating their lives to the Lord. As I watched and listened, looking in the mirrors, I felt overwhelmed by all the people who have made it possible for us to have the life that we do. I begin to appreciate how much you do and have done now that Wesley is a father. I see the sacrifices of time and body and energy—and I just didn’t realize it all then. Thank you for loving our moms, working for our protection physically and spiritually, teaching us the gospel, and believing in our potential. I’ve never had a difficult time believing that Heavenly Father loves me because I always knew that my dad loved me—no matter how stupid I was. So often, personal revelation has come to me because of the tender counsel of our parents. Thank you!

As a side note, I learned that in a live sealing the kiss is part of the ordinance. Cool!

Speaking of fathers, we’re training a bunch of fathers-to-be and turning our house into a mini MTC. On Wednesday the boys went to a park (with three slides!)  while I went to the ultrasound for Joule. When the ultrasound began, his little spine curled against the screen image. Then he flipped right over: I didn’t need a technician to tell me he is a boy! I admit some relief. I’m just not emotionally prepared for our girl. Lincoln repeated, “BABYBABYBABY!” and both he and Levi loved the alien pictures. Levi told us all along that Joule is a boy. Levi wants him to “come out soon. In Tex” and can’t wait to feel him move more. I fell asleep reading Levi a story this week; Levi cuddled up and rubbed my tummy and talked to the baby. After about 15 minutes, he kissed my cheek and said, “Wake up, Mama! Baby Joule asleep!”

The doctor says that Joule looks practically perfect, but he measures small. To ensure that he’s growing at a consistent rate, we’ll have another ultrasound in August. During the last few weeks he’s grown, but not enough (probably due, in part, to my issues with food). I’ve been praying to be able to stop being whiny and selfish and just eat more. The pain I’ve had for the last few weeks increased after I began these prayers. It finally hit me yesterday that my prayers are being answered! My body stretches out to make room for his weight. So, every time I groan now I think about how blessed I am and how God listens to our petitions.

Levi turned three on Monday! WOW! Our oldest little dude, so “big, big, BIG!” When he woke up, he stretched, “I three now!” (which changed throughout the week to “I still three!”). He ran to the table. Disappointed. He looked for the cake and candles so we could “make fire” rather than presents. Yes, we have boys. We blew up balloons, opened gifts, and he chose corn dogs for dinner (to Wesley’s delight). We celebrated by going to a new park and eating lunch there. Kids crowded the playground; Levi and Lincoln mostly stared in awe as they ran around and yelled. Levi helped me build his fire truck birthday cake. The frosting failed in color and texture, the cake fell apart—but it tasted okay! We wrote his name and the number three on it. Levi spells his name very well. He loves seeing it. He loves labeling with it. “L-E-V-I! Mister Joe Levi!” Levi loved it. He brought his toy fire truck to it, “Match!” then told me how a fire truck came to our house last week and matched his cake. He opened the fridge door then danced out his joy in front of the cake. So, I guess we’ll call my ugly attempt a success. We sang happy birthday all day (week). Levi sings along proudly. I love that. Thank you for calls, texts, and gifts. He’s been elated about it all.

The next evening we celebrated at the community center swimming pool. They have a kiddie pool section that ranges from one to three feet deep, a slide shaped like a frog (you slip down his tongue), spraying pipes, bubbling pipes, splashy stuff. They loved it. We stayed until Lincoln’s lips turned blue. He takes after my thermometer. Neither wanted to leave.

We gave Levi “Rory’s Story Cubes” for his birthday. Basically, it’s a game of 9 dice with different images on each. You can take a variety of rules. In essence, roll the dice, tell a story. So far, a big hit.

The boys keep us chuckling. They discovered the eye drops next to the saline solution. Both love the saline solution and apply it to themselves. Levi’s eyes have reacted to the smoke in the area, so he stared at the ceiling and experienced the wonder. After he moved, Lincoln sidled up to his place and stared at the ceiling. I put the lid on and pretended to give drops. This has become a daily tradition. Despite differences and squabbles, they’re friends. When Lincoln woke up today, Levi ran in to say, “Hey, Buddy!” to which Lincoln snorted and grinned. I call the boys, “mister” and “sir” (who knows where or why…) Levi now beckons to “Mister Linc” and “Mister Peter”—he even slurred a “Mister Dad” the other day.

We traced Levi on easel paper (in hopes of making Father’s Day cards…). When we finished, Lincoln plopped on the paper and lay completely still until we finished tracing him. Levi trained Lincoln to put the clean utensils away. Lincoln takes this chore very seriously—to the point that I can’t load the dishwasher because he starts putting everything away! On Tuesday, Lincoln ran to the bathroom, “Poop!” Levi squealed his encouragement. I held Lincoln on the seat for his first really big victory. I don’t know which boy was prouder. Levi will make potty training (whenever it happens) a lot easier.

Lincoln teases. He played with Levi’s dice. At clean up time, he held four. He gave me three, one by one. He reached out to give me the fourth, then pulled back. He unraveled over the hilarity of this. Every time Levi lines toys or piles books, Lincoln is sure to slip in and take one. We often hear screaming: “He touched my pile!” followed by Lincoln’s response: “Touch! Touch!”

While still bashful, Levi asserts himself strongly now. I had to work during Lincoln’s nap since I’m rewriting my class from square one. Levi ran to the balcony. The next thing I know he’s yelling, “HEY! HEY! HEY!” into the void. Pause, then someone below, “Hey, what?” Levi loved it. I entertained flashing images of my father warning us to be silent in hotels because there were people above, below, and around us and we needed to respect them and their privacy. Still, I laughed.

Wes and I have been chugging away in between. Each of our evenings has a specific work task to be done. I’m taking Grandma Wright’s advice and believing that when you can’t do something on your own, give it to the Lord and He’ll show you the way. In the meantime, we love life. We “hiked” one of the nearby mountains yesterday—“What are men compared to rocks, and trees, and mountains?”—the boys climbed rocks, stirred dirt, picked grass, and ran. Later we found sunglasses for them at the thrift store. We’re pretty cool riders.

Okay! Enough of this. We love you!

One girl and a whole lot of cute guys

 Lincoln will only use the computer if placed at the table.

 So many reasons to be happy!

Crazy week. We just used up the last drop of our adrenaline. So I’ll just blurt it out from the beginning.

On Monday, Wes rode his new bike to work for the first time. After he left, Lincoln leapt off the bed into the desk (thankfully, the air mattress is really close to the ground). He bawled; this is unusual for him. Within a few minutes a huge, black goose egg grew out of his forehead. During the week we’ve watched it shade into purple and yellow and now it’s still a prominent bump and black. While we recovered from that adventure, Wes called because he ran over a screw that totally punctured his tire. We continued the healing process with Lincoln until we heard sirens in the hall. I opened the door to see smoke sifting all over and flashing lights. Levi threw on his shoes (and grabbed his socks for later), Lincoln held me tighter, we rushed down three flights of stairs with our scared neighbors and their pets. The fire truck zoomed up. The boys quivering dampened the excitement a bit, but the firemen waved and smiled. Turns out that we have new maintenance guys; something happened with the painting job…who knows? The firemen left within minutes. Potential fires really are a great way to meet your neighbors. I guess this isn’t the first time. Last time, the elevator almost exploded. Due to paint and smoke fumes, the boys and I adventured out to run errands—returning home with a memory foam, which has significantly improved our sleeping arrangement. Hurrah! Even Levi crashed in the afternoon.

That night we went to a specialty bike store because they’re the only ones who carried the tire for Wesley’s bike. We really got a deal on his bike. The tire cost half as much as we paid for the bike! Then we walked around the temple for FHE. Lincoln now says a semblance of “Moroni.”

We also learned on Monday that our close family friend has lymphoma. As always, I’m inspired by their courage and faith and ability to just keep plugging along with life even as they face decisions about chemo and radiation. I’ve spent a lot of time on my knees; I don’t know why I thought this friend was invincible—probably because their family has seemed that way when my family needed help—and thinking about them has made me more grateful for the Plan of Salvation and our ability to endure and grow together (especially in the horrific unknown). I’ve also been thinking about the many, many people who bless our lives and what a gift they are. There have been multiple times in my life when I’ve concluded that friends and making them are just not my strong point, yet people keep squeezing into my heart anyway. I’m so glad that they persevere through my hard heart.

Around midnight on Wednesday, Wes woke me up by saying, “Don’t you hear the sirens?” (No—that’s part of normal night life noise. Now if it had been Levi or Lincoln crying, sleep wouldn’t have been an option). Once I shook myself, I really can’t believe the wailing through the city didn’t rouse the boys and me. We had had thunderstorms that evening which kept Wes up. He looked up the reason for the sirens: tornado warning. Yes! In the mountains. According to the map, it appeared that the funnel cloud aimed right for our segment of town. So, we grabbed the little sleepers and headed into the hall. (My stupidity: “Do we stand in a doorway or something?” Wes: “No. That’s an earthquake.”) In a tornado, you seek interior, close to the ground, windowless, space. We’re on the fourth floor, surrounded by windows. The best we could do was one of the stair hallways. Lincoln awoke blissfully to see “Dad-DY!” and Levi excitedly narrated our “walk in pa-jams! At night! Dark outside! Noisy!” We sang songs and waited for the warnings to pass. Eventually, we returned to bed. Miraculously, the Levi and Lincoln slept. Joule had a lot to say and do. The next morning, we learned that the funnel never touched ground and that it never reached our county. What a blessing. We’re grateful for our safety; we grateful that we didn’t struggle grabbing what matters most.

Yesterday we went to the temple. It’s so close! Wow! We love it there. Then we test-drove a van. Long story abridged: we contacted people weeks ago when they were pre-selling their elderly mother’s 2004 Grand Caravan. She bought it brand new; its title was switched with an identical van on the lot. It has 37K miles, runs smoothly, and the only issue with it is a few dings in the bumper. When we prayed about vans, we expressed that we’d like one but that we felt we needed to invest our time in other things—but if it was right to guide us. This van fell into our laps. We have a written agreement to buy it, pending the arrival of the title. So—perhaps we’ll be proud owners soon! The boys adored the whole experience. As an interesting side note, the man also works at NREL. He and Wes started talking, glowing, and exchanging information. Wes will be paying an office visit to him in the future.  

In the midst of all of this, we prepared our talks for today. We prayed all week that we’d be able to communicate with the Spirit and feel charity for our ward members and prepare what they needed. I spoke on Mosiah 2:6 and “that thereby they might remain in their tents” wouldn’t leave me. So I did my best. Hopefully someone got something out of it. Wesley doesn’t write his talks out. He has about an index card amount of notes and goes from there remembering all he’s prepared and adjusting as needed. His topic was Mosiah 2:41. He spoke about keeping the commandments and how God prepares a way for us to fulfill all He commands (see 1 Nephi 3:7), primarily through Christ who is the Way. He speaks slowly, articulately, and with the Spirit. He impresses me because he does things as they should be done without hoopla.

This summer I devote my evenings and early mornings to rewriting my class. I’m under contract to do it—plus, if these lessons aren’t complete by October, I know they won’t happen. Poor Wes with his distracted wife blabbing off about writing prompts when we really do have other things on our minds! The balm of this has been editing Grandma Wright’s journal. Her sensitivity to others, on both sides of the Veil, her generosity, her broadmindedness inspire and strengthen us. And we’re not even that far into her 1978 journal!

Wesley loves NREL. Currently, he’s developing software that integrates optimization algorithms into energy simulation software for buildings. He knows already that he doesn’t want to spend his life developing software, but he’s learning cool stuff and will potentially take it to a level that is more interesting to him personally. He found out that they have an NREL Frisbee group that meets three times a week during lunch. Add in his feeling every morning, “Ah, those birds make me feel like I’m in the mountains—wait! I am in the mountains!” and he’s a very happy man.

 The stake put on a fiesta last night, complete with professional traditional Mexican dancers. Can you say “entranced”? Perhaps our boys have found their new professions.

While eating lunch after church, Levi paused dramatically and said, “I want a kick in the pants!” Well happy birthday tomorrow—maybe he’ll get his desires. Silly boy. He’s been learning to count down to his birthday. “I be three in three months! No days! Three days!” And now it’s tomorrow. I showed him his newborn pictures and Lincoln’s and a few pregnant pictures. He responded. “Baby Joule come out soon. In Tex.” Tuesday, Levi blessed us by saying his very own evening prayer. He’s grateful for Nina, Peter, and his “hap birthday.” I think we’ll end up with a fire truck cake, but he’s not sure because the dump truck and garbage truck options tempt also.

For some reason, Levi stresses about staying very close together when outside of the house. He screams. He squeals. “No! Wait! Come on, Linc! Come on, Linc! Stay back, Linc! No touch! No touch! Wait for Mom!” We all try to ease anxiety. Except Lincoln, who turns back and giggles then dashes faster. It’s hilarious: the problem is Lincoln knows that! Lincoln saw a small-ish jungle gym at the park, then ran to it shouting, “WHOA! WHOA!” At the park, he climbs to the highest slides and just goes for it; Levi climbs up, then climbs down—except when Lincoln will sit on his lap. After bath time, we diaper Lincoln as fast as possible. He came wandering back into the bathroom, pulling his diaper down, saying, “Poop! Poop! Pot!” We held him up there and he tried his best—succeeding with two drops. We’ll probably see how interested he is really while Wes is in Canada. We may just invest in potty training stuff and jump on the opportunity. We took Lincoln to nursery today. The nursery leaders told us to drop him off, but I feel bad doing that to them when he’s not technically old enough. He’s going to adjust quickly. Trucks! This boy can find a truck and grumble it around for large amounts of time.  

The boys and I attended a library story time for the first time this week. They loved it—so it’ll probably become part of the general routine of walks, parks, songs, and books. They made little friends (funny since Lincoln’s favorite word of the week is “HelLO” and we met a little boy who loves “GoodBYE!” so they greeted and parted for about 5 minutes). We came home with 21 books—Levi can tell you about all of them, even the one on the Grand Canyon’s creation!

Joule spends a lot of time cramming my hip. The two of us grow bigger daily. Ultrasound this week!

From last week

After a week, we’re beginning to figure out a schedule. Wesley started orientation and work on Tuesday; he loves it. He is anxious to dive into the actual research issues (rather than figuring out the programs, places, etc.) yet has already enjoyed it more than anticipated. The people he works with are alive with ideas and excitement. His building is only two years old and the primary goal in its building was energy use—even before the people who would work there. The pillars are made from old pipes, the counters are ground sunflower seeds, everyone works in cubicles (including managers) with lower walls because they use almost all-natural light. Pretty cool. They offer yoga classes. Amazingly enough, Wesley doesn’t plan on utilizing these. As we settle more into the professional aspect of our summer, we’ll keep you posted.  The current report: awesome! Wesley entertains ideas of moving here permanently. I point to insanely high housing prices; he points to the mountains, weather, and fun mix of arts/science. Regardless, we’ll revel in our experience.

We originally planned (as in, for the last eight months or so) to purchase a van while in Colorado. This week we realized that we really don’t need one yet and it is wiser for us to wait until we return to Texas. This came as a bit of a surprise to us. We’re grateful for the knowledge we’ve gained and our opportunity to learn as we go. So—we were blessed to find a deal on a super nice bike for Wesley. To bike to work takes the same amount of time as driving. He now multitasks with his time—no extra workout needed! What a life!

                   

I’ve learned that electric ovens and I do not mix and that I have much to learn in terms of high altitude food prep. I’ve never ruined so much in my life. Thankfully, I’m not a big fan of food anyway. The food isn’t much different and the boys don’t care: depending on their moods they either eat or they don’t, no matter what or how it is. We did succeed in making banana bread in the waffle iron (no bread pans). Phew! A bit of hope!

Monday we attended the ward Memorial Day breakfast that the high priests and elders put on. We sang patriotic songs, ate, played horseshoes, and introduced ourselves to more people. Nice people. We love that the gospel remains the same everywhere and that people are changed and better as a result of living by it. We’re happy to be here. We just returned from dinner at one of their homes—she had a bird and a cat which the boys loved. Lucky us.

The boys continue adjusting. Due to lack of sleep, new routines, and new places they have been a bit more explorative and destructive. We fear they may pull out all of the blinds that cover the balcony door.

One of the benefits of living in a complex is the amount of motorcycles. Wearing helmets is not a law. Levi informs us that they’re all going home to find their helmets. Ha! Levi also protects us all. He’s concerned about staying close together, no one being left behind, and making sure Lincoln doesn’t wander anywhere with anything.

Levi is full of interesting and hilarious things to say. Usually he comments that he loves Dad and “no like Mom.” I’m okay with this (though today with melt downs and screaming and both of them refusing to let me hold them or help them into car seats and yelling, “DAD! DAD! DAD!” during Relief Society, I kind of wondered if the boys and I should put our friendship on hold until tomorrow…). They have a fully engaged and wonderful father—lucky me! But Tuesday while preparing dinner, Levi stood on a stool, wrapped his arms around me, leaned his head on my waist and said, “I love Mom soosoosoosooooooooo much.” Later, when Wes worked on his bike a little he commented, “Dad is strong like Mom!” That’s my boy!   

Lincoln loves jeeps, cars, dogs, climbing, and testing the skills of legions and legions of angels. I must shower before 6:45 a.m. if they are to survive. While I rushed through my shower Lincoln saunters in wielding a paring knife casually. No one lost a limb—I don’t know how aside from our angels. We introduced the boys to the pool (Levi was a bit wary at first). They love it. We stay until Lincoln shivers too much. We carry them back and forth in the water and they giggle. Lincoln dunks his head. We saw a pond later, dashed off running and yelling “POOL POOL POOL!”

Baby Joule dances. Almost nonstop. I brought the boys to my first appointment with the Colorado doctor. They listened intently to Joule’s heartbeat and talked about it all the way home. The entire staff swooned over the boys. Most people look at me like, “You’re having another one?” But once they look at our kids and how darling they generally act, they understand. Some days we’re grumpy (which is true for anyone) but wow we are blessed.