Belt Creek

We met up with friends at Belt Creek today. We had never been there before but it was beautiful and so much fun. The kids loved playing in the water and the other moms and I found a great spot in the shade with our feet in the creek to sit and chat. Luke even fell asleep in my arms. It was a good day.

I took Kade to practice tonight and we got to have a little picnic dinner together before his practice started. It’s fun to have some one on one time!

Kade

It was over 90 degrees today. The sun was hot! Kade mowed the lawn at 9:30 and was really sweaty by the end. I’m glad I have a strong and willing son to mow the lawn for me!

Tenley’s team played soccer tonight but there was a breeze which helped a lot. It was a pretty good day! We’re working on things for the reunion and staying cool.

Swimming

The kids and I went to the pool this afternoon! It was such a hot day that it seemed like a good idea. But there was a lot of fighting this morning and Luke literally spilled milk by pushing a brand new gallon of milk off the counter. It was a mess! But I decided to take them swimming anyway. We had a fun couple of hours but then Ryder threw up in the pool because he and Kade were goofing off too much and he swallowed some water. It was disgusting and we then had to leave. I don’t think they had to shut down the pool but it was sure embarrassing. Maybe swimming wasn’t the best idea after all.  🤷‍♀️

Family Lessons

Ever since we’ve been going back to church we haven’t been having family lessons. Brad is busy with meetings before and after church so we weren’t taking the time anymore. But we got back into it today and had a great family lesson together. It was nice and I’m looking forward to making it a habit again.

We finally remembered to measure Luke today for his birthday almost six weeks ago! He is growing well!

Helena

We went on adventure in Helena today. We took some fishing poles, hiked along the river, and fished most of the afternoon. Kade got a few nibbles amd Tenley caught one! So it was a pretty successful trip. We stopped at the kids’ favorite pizza restaurant on the way home. It was delicious after a long hot day in the sun.

Girls Night Out

We went on a fun bike ride this morning and then Brad and the kids dig up a dead tree from our yard. I think the older two were very helpful! They’re wanting to build a clubhouse where the tree used to be.

I got to go out with some girlfriends tonight. It was a lot of fun to get to know some of the women better. The restaurant was busy! It’s always so busy in Montana during the summer time. But it was a night.

Coaching

We went to the library this afternoon. The kids always love going to pick out new books. And Luke loves playing with the toys. We sat and all ready books for several minutes until it was time to go home and have lunch. It was nice and peaceful!

Tenley and I had a game tonight. I thought my co-coach would be there with me but he didn’t make it so it was all me. There are things we all still need to work on but the kids have improved so much! They won the game and played so well! They were spreading out better and passing the ball better. They had four goals! I was so impressed. Practice has definitely helped. One of my kids told me that his mom said he could get $20 if he scored a goal. I had him as forward most the game and he made two goals! I love seeing the kids improve and progress and listen to instruction. It was a fun night for me.

Hikes

It doesn’t seem right to be grateful for a hike that I didn’t even get to go on, but it does make me happy that Brad and Kade were able to enjoy a fun hike today to Tower Rock. It was a beautiful night and they had a lot of fun. Kade is lucky to have his dad in young men’s with him.

After I put the little boys to bed, Tenley and I enjoyed hanging out and watching HGTV. 

Our Backyard

It was a beautiful summer day. The kids played in the sprinklers this afternoon and then they played soccer after dinner and I just felt so grateful to have a yard big enough to do all of those things. We spent many years in apartments or town homes or rental houses with such tiny or unusable yards. It’s so nice to have the space to play here. The kids definitely get a lot of good use out of it!

After we put the kids to bed, Brad and I took Keena on a walk. It was a beautiful night with a beautiful sunset!

Luke and Tenley

Kade and Ryder were with friends all day so it was a Luke and Tenley day. We did some shopping at the store. I normally always use grocery pick up because it is so convenient but we all actually enjoyed shopping inside the store today. 

Tenley’s soccer practice was this afternoon and Luke tagged along with us. I let him have control of the whistle and surprisingly he would only blow it when I asked him too which was really nice. I have cute kids and I’m glad they’re my little buddies.

Fathers

We had a great Father’s Day today celebrating Brad, my dad and Brad’s dad. We’re definitely lucky when it comes to the men in our life. 

We made waffles for breakfast for Brad and yummy Thai lettuce wraps for dinner and then shakes for dessert! It was a lot of good food. The kids made Brad cards and I got him a few new hats. We enjoyed the cooler weather as well!

Family Soccer Games

Brad had a baptism to preside over this morning so the kids and I spent the morning cleaning the house. When Brad got home he said that the font hadn’t been properly drained and he needed on of our kids to get in their swimsuit to go and drain it. Tenley was willing! But this led to a lot of questions from the kids as to whether or not this would mean she’d be getting baptized again. We had a good discussion about it.

I stayed at the church to practice the organ and Brad took the kids to a school across the street to play soccer with them. They had a blast. Brad and Ryder played against Kade and Tenley. My kids are so competitive and there were some tears but I think in the end they all had a lot of fun. It was definitely nice to enjoy some cooler weather.

Giant Springs

The weather was beautiful this morning. No wind and it wasn’t too hot yet. We decided to go for a walk at Giant Springs. I always fall in love with Montana all over again when Summertime comes. It is gorgeous. 

Brad’s Staff

Yesterday Brad’s hygienest sent me the best picture of Brad. It looks like he’s totally lounging out at work but really he put his feet up like this to help ease the pain in his back. I feel bad he has so much pain especially at the end of a long week. But he’s still smiling!

I had fun with Tenley at soccer practice tonight. Coach Morris is amazing and he makes me want to play soccer! I’m learning a lot! Soccer is a really fun sport. And the kids are so much fun to be with. In a way I’m really glad that I got roped into this coaching gig. 

While I was making dinner tonight, Kade and Ryder were playing catch in the backyard and Kade told Ryder that if he could catch a high and far ball then he would give him $5. It took 15 minutes but Ryder eventually caught the ball! It was pretty lucky but Ryder was so excited. And Kade regretted the bet. 😂