We are . . .

We have had a crazy life this summer. Chad was keeping very busy with his two classes, and working full time. We didn't see him until Friday morning, but were so glad that he didn't have anything to do on the weekends. The last 2 weeks of school, were very stressful, and Chad decided that he really didn't like his job. I honestly couldn't blame him because it was a job I could never do. We decided that he should quit his job, and try to find something else once school was over. Well, it turned out that my dad needed some help at his house since he is gone all the time and never has time to get anything done. My mom has a very long to-do list. So the day after Chad took his last final we packed up the car and went on a very long vacation. We are now spending 5 weeks at my parents. Chad is keeping very busy and is going to be putting in my parents sprinkler system in the next few weeks. It has been so great for the kids. They spend most of their day outside and come inside sooo dirty. They are having fun playing with their cousins, and helping their dad work. We have spent some time at the beach on the Salmon River, and have exhausted our children. They are loving their freedom as much as I am. I have been busy helping my sister-in-law paint their new addition to their house. Last week I finished painting Brittany's room only to find out that later in the day Parker and Orrin decided that they wanted to paint it themselves. Yes they took the paint can opener, and opened two cans of paint, mixed them together and painted a new color on the wall. I had already mixed paint to help tone down the accent wall, so it was not an easy thing to fix. I don't think they will be painint anymore. Next week we will finish the bathrooms, family room and the last bedroom. We have all been keeping very busy, but are loving our time here with Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Amber.

Miniature Golfing

Chad and I have never taken the kids miniature golfing because basically I knew it would be crazy!! Our ward had a ward party at the local miniature golfing place. We can actually walk there from our house. They had a little dinner, and then we got to go golfing. It was so funny!! The kids tried their hardest, but it was quite difficult for them. Regardless they had a blast! Grant loves balls, so spent most of the time picking up or balls, and putting them in the hole himself. It was fine when it was our balls, but when he started wandering and taking care of everyone's balls, we had a problem. They gave him a little plastic club, but he just thought it was a much better use of his time to use his hands. Claire and Owen loved it, and I love that we can take them places and they are enjoying themselves. It is so fun now that they can do more things. Chad and I both took our turns holding Ava, and helping the kids. We all had a great time, and the kids can't wait to go back again.

4th of July

This year we spent the 4th of July with Chad's family. Unfortunately I forgot my camera, so I will have to post pictures from my sister-in-law later. We started our reunion on Friday night when we all got together and slept in tents outside. I opted to sleep inside with Ava in a bed. I was super tired, so I went to bed while they were all watching Up outside on the big screen. The kids stayed up super late, but were having so much fun with their cousins.
The next morning I woke up late - I slept good. Apparently everyone outside did not sleep so well. There was a serious wind storm that lasted almost 2 hours keeping all the adults up, but the kids slept right through it. Chad also realized that he wasn't so young anymore when he woke up and could barely move. I think we are getting old. I was just very grateful for Ava and allowing me to get a good nights sleep.
The next day we had activities for the kids, and the guys went golfing. The kids had a lot of fun playing in the water (once it was warm enough), and being outside. We had a hot dog roast in the evening and then we went home before the fireworks show since we wanted to get the kids in bed early for church the next day. Plus we were able to watch the fireworks the next night. We had a fun day, and always look forward to spending time with family and especially our cousins.

4th of July Part 2

We spent the actual 4th of July with Chad's family enjoying Ava's blessing. After they left, we went to our friends house the Wood's for a little get together. The kids got to roast marshmallows, and their all time favorite light sparklers. Grant was in love with those things. It was a sad moment when they were all gone. I seriously think that the only fireworks we ever have to buy are sparklers, I still love them!! The kids did great, and we had a fun time waiting for the fireworks to start. It seemed to take forever, but they were quite good, and we really enjoyed them. Everyone was very tired when we finally went home, and very cold. We were sitting with sweatshirts and blankets to watch the fireworks. Grant really enjoyed them, he had never seen fireworks, so he was amazed. Claire is still a little scared of everything, but I think she enjoyed herself.

Ava's Blessing Day

Today Ava was blessed by her father. It is always such a special day for me. I also forgot how much fun it was to get a little girl all dressed up in her blessing dress. It brings back so many memories of when Claire was blessed over 6 years ago. We actually decided to change the date from the first of August to the first of July on Monday. We have had some changes in our schedule, so we were so grateful to have Chad's family come and my sister. My parents couldn't make it but they will get to see Ava a lot in the coming months. As always it makes me feel blessed to have such a wonderful husband who is worthy of the priesthood, and makes me so grateful for an eternal family. We love you Ava, and are so happy that you joined our family.

Roommates

I had the greatest roommates while I was at Ricks College forever ago. (We were trying to figure out how long ago, and I think we weren't quite right because we didn't want to admit how old we are.) Tania has 4 kids and lives in Kentucky, but her husband's family lives in Ashton, so she comes to visit each summer. Kim lives in Idaho Falls (why we don't see each other more is a mystery), and she has 5 kids. (They both have a set of twins.) We decided to meet this year in Rexburg at the Spray Park. My kids loved it. Owen was a little timid at first, but once he started, there was no stopping him. Claire ran up and down the stairs a ton, and they were both exhausted by the time we left. Grant didn't want to have anything to do with the water, but could hardly wait for his chance to go on the carousal. We saved that for the end, and Grant did not want to get off when it was over. It was so nice to talk to Tania and Kim, but it is just like we see each other every day. It is nice to have friends like that. Sorry that the group picture isn't that great if you have a better one Tania, I would love it!

Swim Lessons

For the past two weeks Claire and Owen have had swimming lessons at 10:00 each morning. I didn't think this would be hard for me to make, but it was hard!! I got up each morning early to get myself ready so I knew we could make it on time. How come kids don't understand that we have a schedule to keep. Owen was able to be in a class with his friend Isaac. On the first day he did not want to get into the water. I'm sure his teacher thought I was a crazy mother, but I just took his hands, and handed him to her in the water. He stopped crying, and when it was over, he told me that swimming lessons were fun, so I guess I didn't scar him for life. Claire on the other hand loved swimming from the beginning. She got to take it with her friends Cosette and Cassidy. She loved jumping into the pool, and was very brave. She loves going under, and can't wait to get in the water each day. It was a fun two weeks for the kids, but I am not going to miss getting everyone ready out some place by 10:00 each morning.