Lazy Days of July

This around here have been busy as usual. We are not enjoying the warm weather as much - it is too hot, so we get our outside time in early in the morning, and then try to keep busy doing other things all day. I did take the kids swimming at Lava, and they loved it. Claire got in her floatie, and just took off. She didn't want any help. Owen just wanted to go down the slides - what a daredevil.

Both kids did get pink eye. YUCK! I'm not even sure where they got it because we don't know anyone else with it. Poor Claire couldn't even open her eyes after naps or in the morning. We finally got it under control, and caught Owen's quite early so he didn't have to suffer as much as Claire.

The preschool is almost licensed. The fire marshal came, and he said it all looks good, and I have a few more things to finish for Heath and Welfare, but otherwise we are open for business. I have been trying to get the word around, but it isn't as easy as I thought. In the past week I've got 5 new students, so I'm hoping for some more soon. So if anyone knows anyone in Pocatello looking for a preschool, I'd be happy to help.

We took the kids to their first parade, and they loved it. They have a huge pioneer day celebration here, and the parade is awesome! The kids got tons of candy, Popsicles, and even some balloons. They loved it. It took Owen awhile to get it all figured out, but he had it by the end. At the beginning he would pick up some candy, and then he would try to hand it back to the people. What a cutie. We also went to the fairgrounds afterwards, and they had a bunch of fun activities for the kids. Claire won a cupcake in the cakewalk, and they got to pet the animals. It was so hot that we didn't stay that long, but long enough to get them ready for a long afternoon nap.

I have to say that I loved the new Harry Potter book. I was so happy to finish it, and I thought it ended great - any other thoughts on that? I think now I have to go back and read them all in order so I don't miss anything because 2 years is a long time to wait in between.

Sorry I don't have any new pictures, but I'll try to get some posted soon!

Friends

We have been enjoying lots of friends this summer. McKinely has been coming over to visit, and we have had so much fun in the pool. The best thing for me to see is that Claire and Owen are becoming friends. I finally don't have to worry about them being in the same room together - it is nice. Although Owen is learning how to defend himself and maybe Claire is a little scared. McKinley, Owen and Claire
This is how they help me make cookies.

Fun in the bath.

Happy 4th of July

Yes, I know I am a little late, but we hope you all had a wonderful 4th. We had a great day - but it was sure hot!! We spent the night at Chad's parents house and then helped them with their 4th of July breakfast. We actually put up our tent for the first time, and Claire thought it was so great. She kept telling me it was "so pretty." I'm not sure it was pretty, but it was fun. Needless to say she didn't get to bed until late, and up early. Chad was busy cooking pancakes all morning, and I was chasing the kids. After the breakfast we all rested, even the kids. At one point, all 4 kids (cousins too) were asleep at once. The parents were very happy. After lunch with Chad's family, we headed back to Pocatello to go to the Ross Park swimming pool. We had so much fun, and it was a nice way to beat the heat. We found out that Owen isn't afraid of anything! He loved the water, and had so much fun. It took Claire a little longer, but she also had a fun time. After swimming we headed to Heather and Aaron's house for a BBQ and then back to our house to watch the fireworks. We couldn't see them that great, but we didn't have to go anywhere, and we could see most of them. It was much better sitting on my back porch, then fighting the crowds. Plus the kids were so exhausted they were already in bed. We had a great day, but needed another vacation to recoup from our vacation!

I love the picture! She finally got brave enough to go down the slide (after Owen had done it a ton), and it looks like she was having fun.

Claire's first sparkler. She really did like them.

Lillie's Blessing Day

My good friend Stephanie, and her husband blessed their new baby Lillie on Sunday, July 1st in Nampa. On our way back for memaw and papa's house, we stayed with them so we could go to the blessing. We had a great time, and always enjoying seeing friends. This is Grandma Lavora, (Stephanie's mom), she watched Claire for me when I worked in Nampa. We miss having her around. Claire still loves to visit her house and talk to her on the phone.
Claire got to hold Lillie, and kept asking if she could pet her. I think she finally likes babies.

Happy Birthday Grandpa Farmer

We had a surprise birthday party for my dad while we were at their house. There was just, Great Grandma and Grandpa Farmer there, Aaron and Anna his wife (they were visiting from Las Vegas), mom, and the kids and I. He was surprised, and we had fun.

Aaron and Anna with Claire decorating.

Great Grandpa and Grandma Farmer

Claire just loves to help everyone open their gifts.

Memaw and Papa Farmer's House

Claire, Owen and I had the chance to go to Grandma and Grandpa Farmer's house for a week. We had so much fun. We missed spending time with Aunt Amber because she had girl's camp all week, except Monday when she got her driving permit - stay off the roads! Owen loved that he could just go outside, and I loved it because I didn't have to worry about him that much. They had new kittens, and Owen would hand me his shoes and say "kitty" over and over again, until I would let him outside. He also loved mom and dad's dog, Tiny. Claire loved playing with her cousins, and jumping on Grandma's trampoline. I helped mom clean up after she got her new counter tops and sink in. We didn't have water in the kitchen all week - until the plumber could come. But, her kitchen is beautiful - I'm jealous! We spent a few mornings picking raspberries and discovered that Owen loves raspberries. I couldn't pick them fast enough to keep him satisfied. Claire would pick them and put them in her special bucket - she was a big help. We had a great time, and can't wait to see them all again.

Owen with Tiny
Claire and Grandpa roasting hot dogs.

Owen eating his first marshmallow. He put the whole thing in his mouth. He also discovered root beer that night (notice the big wet spot on his shirt), he would hand anyone with root beer his cup and get some of his own.

Dad, Amber, Mom and Roy

Owen and Parker (Roy's youngest)

Claire and Brittany (Roy's second youngest)

Grandma and Grandpa just got new chicks. They kids loved them. Claire would chase them around until she got one she could hold. We had to watch and make sure she wouldn't squeeze them to hard.

Owen and grandma on her new toy - her riding lawnmower.

Grandpa took Owen on a 4-wheeler ride and he was asleep by the time they got back.

Thanks for the fun Grandma and Grandpa!

Black Canyon Reservior

On Saturday, June 23rd, we headed to Emmett (by Boise) for Chad's work party. They were celebrating 20 years in business, so they had a big party to celebrate it. The kids thought it was the greatest place on earth. It was pretty cold in the morning, so we didn't have our swim suits on, but as soon as Owen saw the water, we had to put his suit on as fast as possible. I could barely get any sunscreen on him before he headed in the water. The kids played until about 1:00 and then they were so tired. It was a good thing that Chad's brother and sister-in-law live in Emmett. They just came and picked up the kids and took them to their house for a nap. Claire thought it was so much fun to be with Aunt Shanna that she didn't take a nap. (Thanks Trevor and Shanna - we appreciate it). Chad loved water skiing but Claire didn't like watching that so much. She kept yelling at him to get back into the boat. It's so funny how much she likes to take care of everyone else. After the party we went to Trevor and Shanna's house for a little BBQ, and then the kids and I loaded up and headed to my parents house. I figured I was already halfway there, so I might as well make the trip.

Top Left: Owen with his cousin Katelyn (sorry if I spelled that wrong). Her dad works for American too, so they were at the part with us. Top Right: Owen loved the water, but he just wouldn't stop eating the sand. I don't think he enjoyed it that much. Left: Claire thinks that sticks are the greatest toys. I was so proud of her because she actually got in the water. That is a major feat for her!

Chad and Claire in the boat.




April and Owen in the boat. Owen will definitely be a water skier one day, he loved it!

Girl's Camp

There is a reason I haven't posted anything for awhile. I have had a crazy two weeks. The first week started off with 's camp, then a trip to Boise for a company party, followed by a week at my parents house. I promise I haven't been slacking. We have just been having a ton of fun. I had the wonderful opportunity of going to 's camp. I have to say that I wasn't that excited, but it was tons of fun. I only went for 2 days, and 1 night. It was a good thing I was only there one night. Another leader and I stayed up till 1:30 talking - longer than the s were awake. It made me feel young again. We have a great bunch of s. Camp was at a place called Chesterfield which was an old Mormon community that they are restoring. It was very interesting. I was a little worried when they told us there were mosquitoes, ticks and leeches, but it was much better than anticipated. You should all visit Chesterfield if you get the chance, it is really neat place full of history.

We did a service project while we were there. We helped clean off bricks from their old school house so they could rebuild it. It was messy work, but we had a lot of fun.Hanging around the campfire.




Some s showing off their muscles.

Father's Day

We spent Father's Day with Chad's parents in Firth. All of the family came (who lived close by), and we had a great time. Along with Father's Day we celebrated birthdays. Chad's dad, his sister Jeanna and I all have birthdays within a week of each other. Jeanna and I turned the big 30! It doesn't feel any different does it Jeanna? Here are a few pictures to highlight our day.

Claire decorated these brownies for her dad, and also made one for papa. I think she ate more M&M's than she put on the brownies, but she had a lot of fun.

Chad's dad

Owen discovered that grandma has all kinds on fun bowls to put on his head. That was his favorite part about the day. Don't worry grandma, he just had his bath so they are still clean!