Trip West-Part 6

We concluded our fabulous trip by heading to Utah. We stayed at my sister, Carissa's house. Her girls, Lauren and ShaeLyn, were so great to play with my kids. They had a GIGANTIC screen hanging from their deck, so the kids got to watch a movie outside, which was awesome.
Bart flew in Sunday night and before flying out Monday, we had lunch with our fantastic friend, Jodi. Then, we stop quickly at Temple Square. It was a wonderful way to end our stay in the West.
Since we can't travel anywhere without having something happen, we should've anticipated the stomach flu that came at the end of the journey and the complications we had getting home... we pulled into our driveway at 4am.. Super fun! We are still recovering, but happy to be back!

Trip West-Part 5

Next, we took a short drive to Meridian to stay with my brother, Luke. His family came to join us for the Pioneer Party, then we headed to his house. Cole was happy to be around more boys (we went from staying with a family of 4 girls and one boy to a family of 3 boys and 1 girl). :)
We went to a fun spray park/playground. In their town, every Friday night in the summer, they put up a HUGE screen in the park and show a free movie. We made caramel popcorn, my niece JaNessa joined us and we headed to the park to watch Despicable Me. That was the first time we had seen it and thought it was pretty hilarious. We had a great time.

Trip West-Part 4

Heading back to Idaho, we traveled to Mountain Home to stay with my sister, Suzanne. Another sister, Rebekah, came to join the party! Fabulous time! Jeremiah and Suz have lots of animals and Cole, especially, loved feeding them. The kids had a great time together. For July 24th, we celebrated Pioneer Day by continuing the traditions that we grew up with.... shaking cream into butter, sewing buttons onto fabric, making Brigham Young's Buttermilk Donuts, hammering nails... and since we were at Suzanne's... this year we added catching chickens! What a delight for the kids... not so much for the chickens. haha
On the way to Mountain Home, we were able to stop in Dietrich to visit Heather, an former roommate of mine. Her husband, Mike, was kind enough to take the kids out on the 4-wheeler... Cole even got to drive it. It was a nice break for the kids to get out of the car and run around.

Trip West-Part 3

The next part of our trip was heading to Montana. We got to do some of what have become traditions... playing on the train at the mall, going fishing, riding on the carousel, going to a park, swinging on the porch swing and holding bunnies. The picture of the twin baby deer has a story.. for the last 3 years, the same Mommy deer has come to the neighbor's house across the street from Bart's parents to have her babies. This year she had twins. They were darling and a hoot to watch as they jumped around the yard. We had a great time visiting Montana!

Trip West-Part 2

Next, we headed to Twin Falls for the family reunion. Super fun time! Nine of the ten kids were there (we missed you Jesse and Ashley), along with my parents who have since left to head to the MTC before leaving on another mission (out here!!) We went to the temple, went canoeing, played games, went to parks, enjoyed the scenery, played with cousins, swam, chatted, relaxed and enjoyed our time with everyone. You'll have to notice the huge s'mores with the GINORMOUS marshmallows!! Awesome!!

Trip West-Part 1

We just got back from our trip home. It was an awesome! We had the best time and got to do lots of different things. We started in Southeast Idaho... getting there just in time for fireworks! Grandpa R flooded the lawn and turned on the sprinklers for the kids.... a super fun tradition that the kids will always remember. Sadie, especially, loved riding horses. Grandpa said she had a natural talent for it. Wish we could own one.... There is just something about the sunsets in Idaho. Love them! The kids had lots of fun playing with all the cousins, they each have some their very own ages and that makes it even better!

Josh Groban Concert

Bart surprised me a few months ago when he told me he had gotten us tickets to see Josh Groban. Of course, I was totally thrilled! I love Josh's music and his concert last night was absolutely fabulous. We had super seats, he put on a great show and the people that played the instruments were extremely talented, especially the guy that did the percussions.... Bart counted him playing at least 20 instruments during the show. I loved watching the percussions guy while listening to Josh sing. :) Thanks for a completely incredible evening, sweetie!

Sisters

These girls are SO cute! I hope they can be super close always and have each other for best friends. I love my sisters and can't imagine life without them. These girlies are lucky to have each other.
This morning, Sadie and Jayda decided the three of them needed to match all day today. So, before and after church, they wore their twinner shirts and they got out their matching Easter dresses to wear to church. Too cute!

Swimming

We went to the pool for the first time this summer. Kelsey loved playing in the little fountains. Cole was tall enough this year to go down the water slides... he was SUPER excited about that! Good times to be had by all!