Huckleberries

We drove out toward Lincoln today to pick huckleberries. We found a great patch and picked a lot! Luke was eating them out of the bag in handfuls. He loves them! We also got to play in a lake for a little bit. It was a fun day in the mountains and we even made it back in time for dinner at home.

The Missouri River

For a few years now I’ve had kayaking the Missiouri River on my bucket list. There’s a beautiful section of the river between Craig and Cascade that I thought Brad and I might have to do on our own because it’s about nine miles, but we decided to try it out today with the kids and it was amazing. The little boys were with me in my kayak, and everyone else had their own. Keena had a life jacket and actually did a great job swimming along. We saw a lot of wildlife; otters, bald eagles, deer, and mountain goats. The kids jumped off some cliffs. Kade even found one that was 45 feet. He was frozen with fear at the top for several minutes but he finally jumped! And then he had so much fun that he did it again.

Brad did a great job planning the trip and making it the perfect bucket list day. Luke fell asleep for a bit on my lap, it wasn’t too smoky, the water was refreshing, and the kids were happy. It was the perfect day.

Parks, Snow Cones, Soccer

The kid’s last day of tennis camp was today. They loved it! When Ryder was at camp the rest of us went to a park and when Kade and Tenley were at camp, the rest of us went to another park. And then after camp we found a snow cone truck and played at yet another park! It was a lot of fun. We sure have a lot of great parks in this city. 

Tonight was Tenley’s last soccer game. It was such a fun season and I’m honestly really glad that I said yes to coaching. I loved getting to know our team and getting to know a lot about soccer. The kids had a great last game! They all played so well. It was a blast.

Water Fun

While Kade and Tenley were at tennis camp this morning, the little boys and I went and played tennis together at the park. Sometimes I’m amazed by how active Ryder is. He is always wanting to play something! Even after we got home from the park and   tennis camps, Ryder was still begging Kade to go for a bike ride with him or play soccer in the backyard. He has more energy than the rest of the family combined!

Tonight Brad and Kade got to go rafting on the Missouri River with the youth from church. They still aren’t home so Tenley is staying up late to keep me company while we wait for them. The rest of us had a fun night with other people from church at the pool. The kids loved playing with their friends. 

Sports

Ryder loved being able to have tennis camp himself this morning. He played well! Kade and Tenley played with Luke outside while they waited for their turn. 

The little boys and I went to the park while Kade and Tenley had tennis camp.

Kade and Ryder had their last soccer games tonight. They both played so well! Ryder actually had some great competition and it made him play even harder. Kade played goalie the whole game and had some pretty incredible stops. 

Luke got to help Brad pick some vegetables from the garden and he loved it. He also loves eating them!

Mornings at the Park

Kade and Tenley had tennis lessons this morning so while we waited for them to be done, my little boys and I went to the park. It was fun to play outside with them! And less kids seems to equal less fighting. Although there still was a bit because Ryder wanted Luke to ride down the slide with him and Luke didn’t want to. Haha. Oh well.

Kade and Tenley loved tennis camp and Ryder gets to join tomorrow!

Kade’s Lessons

Kade was scheduled to teach second quorum today. We talked about his lesson topic on the way home from the lake yesterday and then this morning Brad helped him prepare. After church I had him give us all the lesson for family night. It was about commandments and the blessings we get when we obey them. He did a great job and it really is amazing the amount of blessings we’re promised to receive when we keep the commandments.

It was a good Sunday. My little boys helped me make cookies after church and then we spent most of the day watching the Olympics.

Lake Days

We spent the day at Holter Lake today. It was smoky but it was hot and we still had a great time. It’s sad to have all the beauty of Montana covered up by such thick smoke, but at least we’re still able to get out and have adventures. We kayaked all of our things over to a more private beach because it was pretty crowded there today. Keena probably swam a quarter of a mile to get there and he was pretty tired! But he did a great job. The kids did some cliff jumping which they always enjoy. Then we came home, picked up Cafe Rio and enjoyed watching the Olympics.

Learning

I’ve been able to take some composition classes all week. It’s been so enlightening and I definitely didn’t realize how much I didn’t know. I’m excited to keep learning! The classes cut into our day though so we weren't able to go on a big adventure. We just went on a bike ride to Black Eagle Island and then the kids played in the sprinklers. Brad and I were able to go on a date tonight as well which is always nice!