Sleep!

To say that Chad worked hard would be an understatement, but I had no idea that it would have such an effect on Ava. Lets just say that Chad would catch a nap whenever he could.

Ava and Grandpa

Grandpa had so much fun spending time with Ava. They became great friends although at her age she is so happy to be with anyone who just holds her and talks to her. She started talking and smiling like crazy while we were in White Bird. The last picture I snapped because before I got my camera both Ava and Grandpa were asleep on the bed. it was sure nice to have so much help with the kids.

Swimming

We did a lot of swimming on our trip this summer. It was very hot and the Salmon River is only 6 miles away, so a few afternoons when Grant was taking his nap, my mom would watch Ava and Grant and we would take Claire and Owen to the river. It was soooooo COLD!! Seriously COLD! I couldn't get in, and Chad braved it but it took his breath away. Somehow Claire and Owen quite enjoyed it. We also had the chance for their stake 24th of July celebration to go to a fun swimming complex in Clarkston, WA. Claire actually went down her first water slide all by herself. I didn't even know she was going until she came out. She loved it!! Owen loved the little wave pool they had, and Grant really didn't care for anything. Grandpa was very persistent, so he eventually had to enjoy himself. My parents also took us to Zim's Hot Springs one day, where we had so much fun. The water was so nice and warm, but not to hot, and the kids swam and swam. We even put Ava in the water and she loved it. Grant enjoyed himself as long as he was with me or Chad. Unfortunately I forgot my camera every place but one day at the beach.

Fishing

The kids were so excited when we packed the fishing polls in the car. Luckily Grandpa had plans to take us fishing on our first weekend. The kids were so happy. We went to a little spot close to my parents house with Roy, Cody and kids, and Grandpa and Aunt Amber. The kids had fun fishing for awhile, and then they got to swim. Grant was so funny to watch because he loved being outside, but he wouldn't get to close to any action. He would just sit and watch. The kids got to roast hot dogs, and went home ready for bed, which a mom always loves.

White Bird

We had a great time on our trip to White Bird. The kids got to do things that we would have never been able to do had we been home all summer. Chad was working around the house so he was always around, and the kids spent a ton of time outside with their cousins. They discovered how much fun it was to put the sprinkler under the trampoline, how to cross cattle guards, how to chop and stack wood, how to chase chickens, walk sheep, pick berries, and just enjoy being outside. They were never clean, which I loved because that showed me how much fun they were having. Usually if the water in the bathtub wasn't brown, that means they didn't spend enough time outside. We were very grateful for the chance we had to go and enjoy family this summer. We appreciate all that everyone did for us, and for the great time we had. I will try to give you a good idea of what we did this summer in the next few posts. I'm sure I will forget something, but just know that we had a blast! I mean who wouldn't living in the mountains for 5 weeks!

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.