June

Phil (front right) got to go whitewater rafting in Taos with a friend as a Father's Day gift this year. It was his first time and he said it was one of the most fun things he's ever done. It happened to be the windiest day the guide had ever exeperienced in 10 years leading trips so it took 3 hours longer than usual and they had to paddle constantly to keep from blowing up river. I'd love to give it a try next year when I'm not pregnant.

Sasha is 2 1/2 now and quite the little chatterbox. She gives a running commentary throughout the day about what she sees and what is on her mind. She is quite small and agile and loves climbing, jumping off of high things, and anything involving gymnastics and swinging. She is pretty obsessed with the Lion King movie and books and is not afraid of any of the scary parts--in fact she claims these are her FAVORITE parts. Is this cause for worry?! For awhile there she thought a good name for the baby would be Scar, the evil lion. Sounds like a Smucker to be reckoned with.

Sasha and her friend Imogen on the slide in our yard (above). We have enjoyed our newly landscaped side yard so much this summer. We now have grass, a swingset, slide, and Phil is in the process of building a fort on the high second terrace below with killer views of 3 mountain ranges. It's tempting to mount a hammock up there for the sunsets. We pretty much eat dinner out at the picnic table every evening and then play until bedtime. Life is simple but good.