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.

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!