Hard Work

 Kade has this week off from working which he needs! His asthma still gets irritated every time he’s out at the farm. We’ve been able to enjoy more time with him and he’s been able to enjoy some sleep! 

I know we’re already about a whole month into summer, but the kids finally updated their chore charts today with summer chores. They all had such a productive morning! Kade went for a run outside and shampooed the carpets in his car, Ryder and Luke exercised on the treadmills downstairs, cleaned their room and improved their fort. Tenley got her chores done and helped me make some cookies for a family we minister to. When I tucked my little boys in bed tonight they both told me how good it felt to work and do chores. I’m glad they’re learning to appreciate hard work! 

Sunbeams

 I got to help out in primary today with the sweet little 4 and 5 year olds. They were adorable! I love being in primary and singing the primary songs with them. Kids are just the sweetest! I loved being with Ryder and Luke as well. They even sang one of my favorite new songs, “Anytime, Anywhere.” 

Brad was in Choteau today to reorganize the bishopric there but he didn’t get home too much later than us which was nice. It was a good Sunday.

The Temple, Soccer as a Family

 Brad and I made it to the temple today for a session. We barely made it. We definitely need to leave earlier next time. But I’m so glad we went. It was so nice and we had fun in Helena afterwards going to Costco and Maverick.

The kids had a party without us at home. They love that. The played games, watched a movie, and played soccer. Brad and I joined them for a soccer game tonight. It was fun trying to score on Kade!

Oh and yes, my lip. I had to have a sketchy lesion removed that could be cancerous. I had it cut out on Tuesday and my lip was swelling like a balloon! It’s a lot better now but still painful and obviously gruesome!

Time on the Boat

 We decided to take the boat out this afternoon and Kade brought a friend along. It was a beautiful day and there weren’t too many people in the lake. Kade did just about everything behind the boat, Tenley skied and wakeboarded, and Kade’s friend and Ryder knee boarded. And then all the kids spent some time in the tube. I love our long afternoon and evenings on the boat!

Boy Parties

 The boys set up the soccer net in the yard today. I loved seeing them all play together. Kade was giving Ryder some tips on being a keeper. Tenley was at her young women activity so it was just a boy party. They even had boy party treats (pretzels and Nutella) for dessert! 

Kiwi Co Day

 The boys’ kiwi co boxes arrived this morning and they got to work on their projects right after their chores. I’ve been impressed with how well they can do it all themselves now. Kiwi co day is the best because they are quietly working on something good for their brains and they’re having fun doing it! Ryder made a light disco and Luke made a kaleidoscope.

Ryder had a game tonight and played keeper for a quarter. I thought he did well but he says he’d rather play in the field. 

I got some basal cell carcinoma cut off my upper lip today. I was grateful that one of my favorite specialists was willing to do that for me. I’ll be happy when it’s healed! I’m not supposed to smile or laugh for two days. That may be the hardest restriction I’ve ever been given! 

Browning

 The kids and I joined Brad at a branch conference today in Browning. It was a two hour drive but it was worth it. The kids sang Gethsemane and it was the most adorable thing! I love them and their sweet singing voices! It was a neat experience to have sacrament meeting with the branch. I’m grateful for these opportunities that we have with Brad!

Birthday Parties

 Ryder got to go to a fun birthday party this morning. It was supposed to be a swimming party but a cold front had moved in so they played fun games inside.

Tenley got to play some volleyball today and then she, Kade, and Brad went to the movies. It’s been a fun weekend even with the weather!

Temple Trips and Date Nights

 We were at the pool yesterday and today it was cold and rainy! The weather here never ceases to surprise me. The cold weather made it easy to get the house cleaned and Ryder and Luke spent time building a Lego set that Tenley has had forever and never built. They love building Lego sets together.

Kade and Tenley joined the youth group for a trip to the temple tonight. When they came out there was a beautiful rainbow! 

Brad and I took Ryder and Luke out on a date with us. I’m not sure how much they appreciated it. I think they would have preferred Littlw Ceasars pizza and a movie at home! But I had fun with them!

Pool Days

 A storm is headed our way and temperatures will lower for the next several days so I decided to take the kids swimming to enjoy the hot weather. The kids actually got cold a little bit so Luke spent a lot of time laying out with me on the warm cement to warm up. I loved it! 

Kade was bailing hay all day today at work. He’s a hard worker! His allergies are going crazy though and for his sake maybe the cooler temperatures will be nice.

Plans

 After Ryder and Luke woke up and had breakfast they were just hanging out on the couch and that led to fighting because someone hit someone and then they had to do it back, or however fights start. So I told the boys to get ready for the day and do something productive. Apparently they took my advice because later today I found a list they had made with their plan for the day. They had a pretty fun day it looks like! They also rode bikes with me which was my favorite part!

Soccer

 Ryder and Luke had their first soccer games of the season tonight. They both scored a goal and had a lot of fun! Brad was at church meetings and my phone dies after Luke’s game. I felt bad I didn’t get more pictures and videos! Next time!

Tenley's Photos

 My dad gave Tenley a nice camera of his that he doesn't use anymore and Tenley has been having a lot of fun learning how to take pictures with it. Ryder and Luke love being her models. She got some fun action shots of them today!

My Dad, Brad

 My family had to head back home today but it was nice to be able to wish my dad a happy Father’s Day in person this morning! We were sad to see them go! We had such a great time with them.

Our church service was so nice today. Ryder and Luke sang a few songs with the other primary kids. It was the sweetest thing ever. They sang so well!

Kade gave a little talk about fathers which was really nice as well. And then Brad was released as a bishop after almost four years! It was definitely a bittersweet feeling but I’m also so relieved. It was getting hard having him trying to fulfill both callings. This was necessary. But the blessings we received as a family while he served as a Bishop were so worth it. I’m grateful for him and his willingness to serve.

And I’m so grateful for my dad. 

Boating with my Parents

 We got to take my parents and Dan out on the boat today at Holter! I haven’t been boating with my parents since I was in High School and it was so much fun. My dad had a lot of great tips for Kade to help him with slalom skiing and Kade got up and did great! Tenley skied as well and the little boys had a blast in the tube. It was a beautiful day at the lake. And it’s been the best week with my family here! I’m so grateful they made the trip up and that we had such great weather and made so many great memories.

3D Movies

 Grandma and Grandpa spoiled us today! They took us to lunch and then out to the movies. They even bought the kids drinks and popcorn. They were in heaven. We saw the new Lilo and Stitch movie and it was really cute!

When we got home we enjoyed the beautiful weather and watching Luke ride his bike around the block. Kade even made his delicious chocolate peanut butter shakes for us. It was a great day.

A Tesla Light Show

 Luke is a true bike rider now! He can get him self going, turn, and stop! Yay!! He did a great job getting out there again today and trying even harder. I got to ride around the block with him as well. I love riding bikes with my kids!

We didn't do much today. It was nice just to hang out together today. My dad did put on a cool light show tonight with his Tesla. We were able to connect his car lights with our house lights and they played with the music. We had a fun little dance party in the street. 

Rubber Duckies

 We had a nice relaxing morning with my family. We got to sleep in and then enjoyed the nice weather in the backyard while they played corn hole together. 

After lunch we went out for ice cream and to the mall because Luke really wanted to get a rubber duckie in the claw machine. He was really disappointed when he didn’t get the one he wanted so I told him that when he can ride his bike I would buy him the rubber duckie he wants. Right when he got home he went out to ride his bike! He spent about an hour trying and he definitely improved but he was also frustrated that he still couldn’t get it. After dinner he went back out to try again and he is doing SO much better! He can’t fully start on his own or turn yet but he can ride straight and stop. He was so happy! I can’t believe how motivating a rubber duckie can be! My dad was also a huge help. He’s so patient and he had some great tips for him that helped a lot. 

My Parents

 My parents and my brother Danny arrived today! We’re excited to have them visiting for the week. Grandpa let Kade drive his Tesla and Kade loved it!

Grandpa also brought up an old camera of his that he’s gifting to Tenley. He spent the evening teaching her all about it. She’s excited to learn more about photography! She made Kade be her model for her and he wasn’t very excited about it. But it was entertaining!

New Jobs and The Waterpark

 Kade started his job today working at our friend’s ranch. He did a lot of welding today out in the heat! But I’m grateful he’s a hard worker.

I took the rest of the kids to the waterpark. I definitely missed having Kade with us! The kids had some friends there and they loved it. It felt so nice to enjoy the sunshine and the cool pool.