Time with Luke

Luke has been my little buddy these past few days with the older kids away at school. He’s so fun amd such a sweetheart. I’ve been enjoying this time with him. We went for a walk along the river and even stopped to play at a park which he loves. He also sat with me on the bench while I played the piano and ended up taking a lot of pictures of his feet. He’s a funny little man.

Flowers

I got a knock on the door today and opened it up to see a beautiful flower delivery. They were from my sister in law Hailey thanking me for helping her last week. It was so kind. And I love the smell of fresh flowers!

Callings

Brad was called as the new Bishop of our ward today. We know this will be a huge responsibility but at the same time we feel like we don’t really have any idea what this will mean for our family. All we do know is that we love the Gospel and we love our Savior and our Heavenly Father so we’re ready and willing to move forward with whatever is asked of us. Many people texted their support or brought over kind notes and treats today and we really appreciated that. We also appreciated the fact that Brad’s Dad drove to be here along with his sister Lesa and her family. Lesa’s family woke up at 5:30 am to be here by noon for church. They had a quick lunch with us and then headed back down to Idaho for another 5 hour drive. Brad’s Dad had a quick turnaround as well. But Brad really appreciated their physical presence more than they realize. He’s going to be working with some amazing men as his counselors. I think it will be a good experience for all of us.

River Walks

We spent most of the day cleaning the house. I organize all the toys that somehow end up in Luke’s room that should actually be in the toy room. He leaves toys everywhere! 

This evening we took the kids out to dinner and went for a fun walk along the river. It was a beautiful evening and there was hardly any wind. A perfect date night even with our four kids!

School

The kids decided to go to school today! They were so excited. Luke and I dropped them off and everything went well. I was anxious all day wanting to know how it went. Brad and I stayed busy by cleaning a bit and going for a long walk by the river. 

When we finally were able to pick up the kids they were so happy! They all had a great day. It was so good to hear. Luke and Ryder played together so well the rest of the day. We all needed some space I think and going to school helped.

Brad

We made it home safe and sound today and we’re all so happy to be back with Brad! Luke was actually really ready to come home. He’d been asking to come home for the past few days so he was really excited. The three oldest even want to go to school tomorrow! They’re excited to get going.

Renovating with Friends

Lesa and I went for another fun bike ride this morning. We’ve also been going for walks at night which has been fun as well. 

After our ride we joined Hailey at Chad’s office to help with renovations again. It was a lot of fun. She taught me how to use a skil saw. The room is looking amazing! And we got to go out for lunch together and gelato tonight. The gelato was really good. 

The kids had fun playing. The boys went golfing this afternoon and the girls opted to stay home to draw. They also got to stay up late and play night games with their cousins. They are all so exhausted but they don’t want to leave!

Gravity Factory

Lesa and I got to go for a really fun bike ride this morning. We road out into the country and up and down rolling hills. It’s one of the best outdoor rides I’ve been on. It was a lot of fun. The kids played at home a lot today while we helped Hailey. My niece Haley and I got to go out for lunch and do a little bit of shopping as well which was also fun!

We got the kids out this evening and took them to the Gravity Factory in Rexburg. They loved it and played well together. After the jump place Max lost a tooth and shortly after Tenley pulled out a tooth as well! It was crazy. We picked up pizza and cookies for the kids for dinner. 

The kids are loving all this cousin time! It’s been a great week.

The Zoo

Hailey is here to renovate Chad’s office so Lesa and I went over to help her out for a few hours this morning. It’s going to look great when she’s done!

Then this afternoon we got to take the kids to the zoo. It may have been Ryder and Luke’s first time ever at a zoo and they loved seeing all of the animals! All this cousin time has been amazing.

Walking to Church

The Murdock’s live right next to their church building so they just get to walk to church each Sunday. Luke loves it and asked me last week if we could walk to our church. It is definitely too far to walk to our church, but we got to walk to the Murdock’s church building today! 

The kids have had a blast playing with cousins all day. They played outside a lot, had a ping pong tournament, and Kade and Ryder learned how to do a back flip. 

Brad made it home safely this evening. We are sad to be apart. Luke and Tenley especially miss him. But we are excited to enjoy some extra cousin time.

Kade

Kade turned 12 years old today! He has grown into such an amazing and mature young man. We love him so much! 

We got to go four wheeling on a really beautiful trail. Kade drove most of the way and loved it. We got rained on a few times but it was a blast.

We had a bbq tonight at the Murdock’s with cake for dessert. JT and Tenley also made Kade some really delicious sugar cookies bars. It was a fun day.