4th of July Weekend Extravaganza

When Independence Day is on or near a weekend it makes for lots of extra days for fun and celebrating.  First off, I made a lovely craft to ring in the 4th of July.  My sister did all the work of organizing, cutting, sanding, etc..  All I had to do was show up and paint a little.  {Thanks, Janice!}

We went to the annual 4th of July sleep-out and outside movie at Grandpa and Nana Bishop's house.  The kids had a blast swimming, running around with their cousins, sleeping outside, and making s'mores.  {Thanks Grandpa and Nana.}

After we got all unpacked from sleeping over at the grandparent's we packed right back up and headed to Rexburg to visit my sister and her family for a few days.  Nate had an understage door job he needed to install in that area so we made a family trip out of it.  As always, the kids had a great time.  Who am I kidding?  We all had a great time!  {Thanks, Marci and Tony for having us.}

Sunday walk to the temple...

Ahh.... so sweet, huh?  (It looks like Nate's wearing knickers... heeheehee.) 

Can't be the 4th without a barbecue....

We also played a fun round of mini-golf.  Tony had a putting green put in his backyard and it gets enjoyed by all.

We swam a couple times at Marci and Tony's friend's pool.  We appreciate them being willing to share and inviting us to their pool.  The kids never want to leave!

 Looks like someone needed a video game break..... and why he has Rachel's sandals on I know not!

What's the 4th of July without some fireworks, also?!  There may have been a little mishap....

When a not completely sober person is lighting off fireworks it's pretty much a recipe for disaster.  We had two aerial fireworks land on our blankets, but only one did any damage.  No one was hurt, but it made for a high anxiety rest of the show.  Some of the problem was the wind.... I won't blame it all on the drunk guy.  Now, I know you're thinking why is she hanging out with drunk people?  We were in Rexburg and my brother-in-law, Tony, is friends with the guy who runs the golf course.  We went to be cordial, but knowing he isn't the most responsible person.  We being the sane ones should have moved our blankets to a different spot after the first scare anyway, so I blame myself really.  But between this year's fireworks and last year's Pleasant Grove firework fiasco Nate and I are thinking we should just buy some snaps and call it good next year.

Swimming Lessons

The kids did great this year in swimming lessons.  Rachel and Kaden can finally really swim.  It's a miracle!  Tye and Haley made improvements, too. And Eliza was my little buddy on the sidelines.  Now if I would ever actually get us to the pool.  I swear this summer is going way faster than I can keep up with.

Machine Pitch

Kaden played machine pitch baseball this summer.  At first he wasn't so sure he'd like it, but it grew on him and he improved a lot throughout the weeks.  He hasn't been shy about trying new things which makes me happy (as long as they are good, wholesome things to try, of course).

Go Giants!

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Nate and I went on a date to an Owlz game last Friday.  Thanks to our friends, Sara and Jim, for inviting us to go with them.  We had front row seats which made it nice to not be distracted by other people, to just chat and watch the game.  It was great.  There was a storm brewing in the distance, but luckily, it never rained on us.  We enjoyed viewing the rainbow in the outfield as it was raining on other people in a different town instead.  And the Owlz even won.  Woot, woot!  Or should I say hoot, hoot!? ;)

I'm pretty sure Nate is talking in this picture.  Probably grumbling about how he hates pictures, etc....  I still love him though.

Crane Reunion

Each year we try to make an effort to go to the Crane reunion (my mom's side).  This year Kaden woke up the morning we were going to leave with a cough then later in the day had a fever.  I was so sad we weren't going to be able to go.  Rachel's cousin called to see if she could still go with them and then Nate told me I should just go too.  So Rachel and I drove up to Bennington, Idaho with my sister, Laura, and her two girls.  It was seriously a total of 24 hours, but this place is worth the 3 1/2 hour drive each way.  I just love it.  I know I've mentioned it before, but I have so many fond memories from my childhood of visiting my grandparents and spending countless hours exploring with my cousins.  I just love it!

Sunset in the Bear Lake Valley

Early morning hike

My mom (in the middle) with 7 of her 9 siblings.

"Horse ride" with Aunt Wilma telling fun family history stories

  

Time to head home.  It was so green this year.  I could hardly believe it.  So beautiful.  Peaceful.  Heavenly.  I wish all my family could have come.  I love being able to share just a glimpse of this wonderful place with my kids.  I guess now I'll just have to plan another trip up there this summer.  I'll have to bug one of my cousins to give my kids a real taste of farm life.  And Nate, being the great dad that he is, had a campout in our backyard with the rest of the kids since they were disappointed they couldn't come.

Summertime

This post is mostly misc. things from the past month.  The little things that I snapped pictures of that have made up our summertime so far....

Swimming at Nana's house.  The big pool was too cold so the kids spent most of their time in the wading pool.  Thanks to grandpa for hooking them up with warm water.

I was missing my traveling husband a lot one evening.  I had all the kids in bed and sat on the porch to have some time to myself.  I was lucky enough to witness this gorgeous sunset.  I only had my cell phone handy, but it did the job and so did the sunset.... I felt better.  Although I felt lonely, it reminded me that I'm never truly alone.  What a beautiful world.

What do washing machines have to do with summer, you say?  A lot.  I don't know about you, but I think my piles have been getting bigger faster since summer began.  I guess that's what I get for not allowing my kids to run around in their swim suits all day.... maybe I should look into that.  Anyway, what is one supposed to do when their washer decides it's kaput?  Get a new one!  And since you can't get a new washer and keep the old, unmatching dryer, you get a new dryer too!  Yay!  I was actually fine with my old ones, but since I have these pretty, new ones I'm thinking it's all good.  I'm waiting for the pedestals to go on sale so I don't have to break my back everytime I switch the laundry, but for now it all works.  It's fun putting the laundry in, but it still doesn't fold itself.  Maybe someday. :)


Sunday evenings....

When it's too hot outside....

Play with Play-doh

OR

Slip-n-slide

OR

Squirt strawberry syrup all over the carpet.  You know, because it's just too hot and boring to NOT do that!  Ugh.  It doesn't scrub out either.  I can totally see into the future.... it's coming to me now.... I see a truck parked outside my house.  It's loud, but my carpets are clean.  I guess sleeping-in with the kids and not showering until they're all awake isn't worth it afterall.

Happy Summer!