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.

Jensen's Grove

Since Chad has been gone so much, we decided that on Saturdays we need to do something fun with the whole family. Claire has been begging me to go to the beach. She loves to swim, and apparently loves going to the beach, so off we went to Jensen's Grove in Blackfoot. By the time we got the car packed it looked like we would be gone for months, but we were only gone an afternoon! I had called some family that lives in Blackfoot, and was hoping that they would come and join us for some fun. They all came! The kids were so excited. Grandma and Grandpa Clayson even joined us for a little while. Claire had a great time swimming. Owen is still a little timid, but he got in most of the way. Kate had brought goggles, and the kids thought they were great!! Owen told me he had to wear them so he could "breath" under the water. Grant didn't like the water but he loved sitting in the little floatie on the grass. He was quite happy doing that most of the afternoon.
After we left the beach we ended up heading over to Uncle Trevor and Aunt Shanna's house for pizza and a late night movie outside. The kids had a blast, but were very tired by the end of the day.

What do we do at night?

I have been a single mom for the past month - it is not fun. We all miss Chad a lot, so in the evenings right before bedtime (pretty much when I have had enough!), the kids all climb onto my bed and we watch something together (I love the Wii streaming of Netflix!!). This is pretty much what it looks like, and I am just waiting for the moment that it is just Ava and I and a little peace and quiet!

Ava's 1 Month Pictures

I just got Ava's one month pictures back, and I am sooo happy. Let me know what you think. All photos were taken by Heather Neeley at New Start Photography.

Park Time

We are happy to report that we finally have some warm weather!! It has been a long time coming, it is only almost July. We have been spending this week at the park with friends. Grant loves to swing and go down the slide. Claire and Owen enjoy digging in the sand, swinging, and playing with their friends. Hopefully the kids will continue to love going to the park this summer because it gets us out of the house, and keeps me from going to the store to get out of the house.

What have we been up to??

We have been busy - I'm not sure why. I feel like there is not much time to get anything done. Last week we spent a week at my parents house. I braved the 8 hour drive with 4 kids all by myself. Luckily Grant is getting better at riding in the car and Ava slept the whole time. As always we stopped at our friends the Turgooses for a little break in Boise. It is always a welcome sight to see their house, and always fun to visit with them. I spent the week helping my mom paint. She just got new flooring in her kitchen/entry way, so I painted the entry way/laundry room a really pretty brown, I painted her craft room yellow, and I painted her front door blue (I hope my dad doesn't read this!). She has wanted to paint it for a long time, but my dad didn't want it done. He didn't even notice the two days he was home when I was there, so I'm wondering if he ever will. Claire and Owen started swim lessons this week, and they are loving it. The first day Owen wouldn't get in, so I just took his arms, and handed him to the teacher. I'm sure she thought I was a terrible mother, but when he came out he told me he loved swimming lessons. So, I guess my theory worked out. We have spent lots of time at the park, and are finally getting to enjoy some warm weather. However I think my kids are wimps because today they complained about how hot it was. I think it might be in the 80's; maybe! Chad has been busy with work and school. We don't see him much. He has 2 more weeks of these two summer classes, and then hopefully the kids will have a dad again. He is gone from 8:30 in the morning until midnight. It makes for a long day for me. Owen is missing his dad the most, and has started to invite other male figures to do things with him that his dad would normally do. Lets just say we are all ready to see him a little bit more. I will try to catch up on all my blogging. Just keep checking in, and hopefully soon I will be all caught up.
Icouldn't resist. I think this is when she is 3 weeks old.
Owen and Grant love to help me make anything. Don't you love Owen's outfit - ahh independence!
Grant loves to get his picture taken. Whenever the camera comes out, he gives me a big smile, and takes the best pictures!