WHY WHY WHY?

We've entered the fun world of "WHY"? In the last few months we've covered everything from "Why does our nose make goobers?" to "Why doesn't Allison like bottles?" to "Why do doggies have four legs?" to my personal favorite "Why do mommy and daddy have different plumbing?" (okay, I'm paraphrasing that one but we'll leave it at that:). Yesterday we were watching a TV show and they were talking about a person who had died. Kaitlin asks "Why do people die?" So, we talk about how our bodies get old or sick and how our spirits go back to live with Heavenly Father. There were of course about 15 whys in this conversation, but at last she seemed somewhat satisfied. She looks at me and says "OH, HOW WEIRD!" It's so funny what three year olds come up with!

Tiny Town

Waiting for the train, a rare occasion to get a picture with all four of us

Kaitlin in the train.

Wishing for something special, most likely a new carebear of some variety.

Involuntary, Indefinite Vacation

Heading off to the baseball to go watch daddy. "Go Daddy Go" Kaitlin screamed the whole time.
Smiley baby.

Well, we've joined the club. After months of watching his firm become more and more well, not honest, Mike decided that it was probably time to part way before his own integrity became compromised. He was going to put in his two weeks sometime in July, but true to junior high (I'm going to break up with you before you break up with me form) his bosses decided to let him go this week. You know it's not a good sign when the boss calls you into a conference room and then you see the HR person in there with him. They didn't even give him a reason, although his boss called a week later to ask a favor (can you believe it, I'm going to fire you and then say "can you contact the IRS for us?") and in this phone call he told me that they fired him because they got the vibe he didn't want to be there. I politely told him to take a hike and not call us again. It came as a pretty big surprise, but he's been handling it really well. Between working on his own law practice, job hunting, and being an amazing dad to the girls, he's been staying really busy. He's even helping me tape and caulk the living room as I write this so we can paint tomorrow.

There is some good news in all of this. Kaitlin and Allison obviously don't understand the whole unemployed thing, but they are so happy to suddenly have their daddy around all the time. We've had fun playing at parks, going on lots of walks, hanging out at the library (lots of free activities of course:), and just enjoying being a family.

Also, Mike's been officiating basketball and baseball for years, and we always laugh that it comes just in time every year when we need extra money. Well, the assigners have kept him busy pretty much every day since he got fired. He loves it, and while it's not attorney money, it's something and every little big counts.

So, that's our week. I'm so proud of him for being willing to do the right thing, and for keeping such a positive attitude despite a really upsetting event. He's a trooper.

Hi guys

Girls in Overalls

The tulips at the Denver temple

Fun with girls

My mom and I went crazy sewing matching hats and skirts for the girls when I was at her house "recovering" from surgery.

They now have matching hats in several varieties, and about six skirts a piece. It was fun and a great use of scraps.