Fishing with Daddy!

Brad took Allen to a pond at Logan College to do some fishing. Apparently you don't have to have a license if you're under the age of twelve. Good times for Allen!

Allen caught 5 fish!

And he wasn't afraid to touch any of them.

My little Brigham smiles all the time now! I love it. You pretty much just have to say his name and his face brakes into a grin.

And sometimes he opens his mouth really wide to finish off the grin. Did I mention I love this kid!?

He's getting good at holding his head up!

Allen's new dump truck has many purposes...one them is pushing Brigham around. Of course Daddy pushes him while Allen runs behind. It's fun to watch all three play together!

Washington State
As most of you know, we spent a few weeks in the Seattle area after John's funeral. Although the circumstances were tragic, it was really nice to see so many family members. It was also a treat to visit Washington in the Summer. We're usually only there at Christmas...which is dreary, rainy.

This is the Silverdale waterfront. Brad actually proposed to me on the beach you can see off in the distance on the left. So beautiful!

And this is lake Sammamish, an area we're considering settling in. Even on a cloudy day, it is breathtaking! I always forget how green it is back home. Evergreen is a different kind of green too. It's difficult to describe and the pictures hardly do it justice!

This is at my Dad's house in Grapeview. The temperature was in the 90's this day. Not usually a big deal, unless no one has AC! Really! They rarely need it in WA.

Basically the NW is gorgeous! If you like year round green and water everywhere...this is the place. Yes, it does rain too...but I think it's pretty even in the rain.

Brigham's Blessing

We took the opportunity to bless Brigham in Washington. His blessing was only a few days after the funeral and so most of the family was still in town and able to participate. It was also Uncle Jeremy's farewell. He is going to serve a 2-year mission for our church in the Italy, Milan Mission.

This blessing outfit is the same one that Allen and Bradley wore as babies! I love having that bit of history associated with such a special day.

The family...all Franklin side except for my Mom on the far left.

The two proud Grandmothers.

Here is the new Elder with his brothers and father.

Bradley is certainly going to miss him...

...and so will Allen. He got to spend some quality time with Uncle Jeremy before and after Daddy had to go home to Missouri.

Here are the five Franklin kids. Brad, Jenny, Chris, Heidi, and Jeremy. We had professional photos taken of these five and the six grandchildren. I haven't received mine yet but look for them to be posted soon!

This is Brigham Christopher's name sake...Uncle Christopher!

Here is the oldest grandchild, Elijah, with the youngest. He did such a great job holding Brigham during the photo session. Thanks Elijah!

Allen got to spend some fun time with his cousins Marcus (left) and Hayden (right). He always refers to them as, "my friends!" although we constantly tell him they are his cousins. Cute. :)

And here are the three attacking grandpa Franklin. They did this wrestling game for a good half hour! Way to entertain them Grandpa!

And here is Grandpa getting some smiles out of Brigham. He stared at Grandpa for a long time!

While Brad was still in town my Dad and step-Mom took us to Famous Dave's. If you like barbecue...look one up and go. It was wonderful! Thanks guys!

Grandpa Simkins and Allen staying cool in the sprinkler...so much fun!

My little sister, Wendy, and her newest nephew. We got to spend a whole day with Wendy and she helped me with the kids while I visited a few NW chiropractors.

We watched grandpa Roger's softball game! Allen loved cheering for him and throwing his own ball while he watched.

My favorite! This is what I get when I tell him to smile! It never gets old for me!

This was Brigham's first experience in a swing. He wasn't so sure about it at first but considering it was a thousand degrees outside, and he's a little heater, we all needed a place to set him down!

Luckily I got to visit my best friend in the whole world, Neva!

Our beautiful first born children! Allen had so much fun chasing Emma around.

My Marian! It's been way too long. Marian is like a mother to me. One of the hardest parts about living in Missouri is being so far from her!

We had all the grandkids together for the first time...so we decided to have their pictures taken. These are my sister's kids, Thomas, Jasmine, and Kelby with my two. It was a long, and very fun, day! ...and I thought getting two kids to cooperate for photographs was difficult! Ha!

Grandma Bonnie and the kids.

Grandpa Allen and the kids.

Nauvoo!
Before we left town we were up in Nauvoo for a weekend to experience the famous Nauvoo Pageant! It was awesome! We even got to see, and stay with, our old friends the Welcherts.

Notice Allen under the pageant sign. He actually scares me with how oblivious he is. He would probably walk for a mile or two before he turned to look and see where Brad and I are. Scary!

Of course he walked straight over to the dance floor and started dancing and clapping right along with everyone else. It was precious! He has pretty good rhythm too.

This is the pageant at night. The actual Nauvoo Temple, up on the hill behind this scene, was lit up at the end. It was magnificent!

Our little dancer met the cast after the show!

This is on our long car ride back to St. Louis. Brad always comes up with genius ways of keeping Allen's head straight while he sleeps. This time he used his tie!

I just had to throw in this precious little picture of Brigham. He was just starting to hold his head up for a few moments at a time. I love his expression! "My head is so heavy!" And those cheeks! I have to go squeeze them right now!