A neighborhood up in smoke...

The fourth of July was sunny, warm and smokey. Well, not the whole time, but by the end of the night we're fairly sure several thousand dollars worth of fireworks were all over our yard and floating in the air. We attended a block party and had a blast, literally. We painted faces (Brian had a batman, Liz and Mom a firework) and blew up things, and had good food with friends. And the day started with a delicious pancake breakfast at the church. It was a great way to celebrate our nation's birthday. Well, except that Rachael had a hot firework hit her. It kind of came out of nowhere and burned her arm a bit. Mostly shocked her. And Jeffrey was pretty miserable due to allergies but that gave him an opportunity to escape to the solitude and safety of the house. Rachael took way too many pictures of the fireworks, but some of them turned out pretty cool, don't you think?

The Amazing Race

We climbed to new heights at the end of June with a Youth Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The theme was The Amazing Race and it really was. We'd worked on it for months with a great team of youth and adults and having it all come together so wonderfully was terrific! Many of the youth, and even us adults felt inspired and uplifted and it was just so great to have fun together in a clean, safe environment. Well, mostly safe. Rachael didn't make it very far up the rock wall. No matter how many ropes she was tied to it just didn't feel right being that high up. Both sets of grandparents and Aunts Renae and Lisa took care of the kids while we were busy and then we joined them in Ocean Shores. That deserves it's own post, so check back for more later.

The Dukes have finally started blogging!

Don't you think it is about time for us to start a blog? Our syblings don't even call anymore when something exciting happens in thier lives. They just assume we'll hear whatever news they have to tell from thier blogs or a forwarded email. We keep in touch with our neighbors via facebook. Although we prefer face to face interactions and the "handwritten sentiments" (thank you, Paul Blart) delivered by snail mail, unfortunately texts, cell phone convos and yes, blogs are now the best way to communicate with an ever growing circle of friends and loved ones. Plus, people's lives sound so great in a blog.