Sleepovers

We don’t allow our kids to have sleepovers but we’re watching my friends kids so my kids were pretty excited to have an actual sleepover with their friends. I hope they actually sleep! We had dinner and a yummy dessert together and they played a lot outside. It was a good night. Although Tenley did throw up on our way home from school. Ugh. She is quarantining in her room.

Luke and I had a good day together. Our river walk was pretty even though the smoke has returned. 

Piano Lessons

Ryder had his very first piano lesson today. He was so excited! He’s already learning the Star Wars theme and I think he’s played it a dozen times tonight since we’ve been home. Miss Jody is such a great teacher and Ryder is so excited to learn. 

Luke still loves his gymnastics class! We got to meet up with a friend at the park before his class and then had his class right after. It is so entertaining to watch the two and three year olds do their exercises. It’s the cutest thing ever. 

Brothers

Ryder stayed home from school today because he still didn’t feel back to normal yet today. He and Luke actually had a great time playing together. We tried to all take a nap this afternoon but Luke was the only one that fell asleep. Ryder definitely seemed back to normal tonight though so hopefully it will be a normal day tomorrow!

Labor Day

It was so nice to have everyone home today! Kade and Ryder both woke up feeling so much better which was great. Kade and I spent the morning working on his talk for sacrament meeting next week. It will be his first talk! He’ll do a great job.

Tonight Kade had his first soccer practice with his travel league. He really loves soccer and he’s excited to play. His first game is this Saturday in Missoula.

When we made it home Kade made us all shakes for dessert. They were delicious!

Super Heroes

My little boys may have been dressed up in super hero costumes, but Brad was my super hero today. His counselors weren’t able to make it today but Brad did all he could anyway. He was gone from 9:30 to 4:30 but wasn’t really done until dinner at 6. He’s really trying hard to do his best with this new calling and organize it well and love the members of our church the best he can. In my eyes, he’s doing a great job.

Lunch with Friends

We got out for another walk this morning with the whole family. It was pretty warm! But we had fun. Luke fell asleep on the walk. 

This afternoon I got to go out with a friend from my ward, Susan. She also plays the organ so we went to the church so she could teach me a few things. And then we went out to linner at a yummy fire grilled pizza restaurant. It was fun and it was good to get to know her better. And it was good to have girl talk. She’s an amazing person!

Ryder and Kade aren’t feeling so well today. I guess it’s good we have a long weekend for them to try and recover. Hopefully they wake up in the morning feeling more like themselves!

High School Football Games

Fridays with Brad and Luke are a lot of fun. Brad joined Luke and I on our morning walk. We got to see a train pretty close and it gave a big shoutout just for Luke. He loved it.

The other kids had a good day at school and seem to be doing well. Ryder keeps making more friends so he’s enjoying it more.

Brad and I went on a date to the high school football game tonight. Since I know Coach Morris a little bit it’s fun to cheer on him and his team. It was a fun game to watch even though they did end up losing. And it was the perfect weather night for a football game.

Little Kids

I’ve been potty training Luke all week. It hasn’t been easy and it may be my least favorite part of being a mommy. But he did really well today! He did so well that we got to take him to the store so he could pick out a new toy.

And then Ryder pulled out one of his two front teeth tonight. It was pretty loose so he spent ten minutes wiggling it and then it came right out! It’s fun to watch these little kids grow up. 

Gymnastics

Luke had his first gymnastics class today, or ninja class as he likes to call it. He actually did really well listening to this instructor and following along. And he’s a strong little boy!

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.