Party, Haircut, Plans, Amazon

We had a great time at Alex's birthday party on Saturday. There was a water slide, 3 piñatas, lots of delicious food, and good company. The kids brought home tons of candy and party favors. James and I left the older 3 till past 7 even though the party ended at 5 (after 3 hours!) Ana always throws amazing parties, and this is one we go to every year.

This week has been a lot less busy, thank goodness. We've been doing some small projects around the house. I've read a few books and worked on some sewing. I got my hair chopped off yesterday! It's a little above my shoulders, nothing fancy. After a week of temps in the low 100's, it was time.

We have all of our lodging planned out for the NC trip. That gives me peace of mind. I'm starting to get excited for the trip, even though I'm also quite nervous. I know for sure that it'll be grueling, but fun.

We got Amazon Prime recently and have been ordering lots of things. I needed some new clothes since mine have gotten worn out or don't fit. So far, my success rate with online clothes shopping is 100%. I can't believe that I have better luck online than in person. It makes no sense, but I'll take it.

Too Early, Camp, Closing Time

I like summertime. It's frustrating that I can't sleep in, though. I've woken up around 5 or 5:30 all week, and I blame sunrise. I then start falling asleep around 9:30. James, on the other hand, can't sleep when it's too hot and has no problem sleeping in. I guess I should be grateful that I have some time alone in the morning when it's completely silent. It's also not over 100 degrees yet like it's been in the afternoons.

The kids have been going to summer camp all week. It's a pretty long drive to Davis Elem., but James and I have been switching off. I took them Monday and did some errands, then hung out at the library until it was time to pick them up. James did Tuesday and Wednesday while I got stuff done at home with the little kids. I think the older 3 been having fun, but I'm not sure how much I want to do all this driving next year.

We finally closed on our refinance!!! It was a long 2 months waiting for everything to get processed. I feel like a huge weight has been taken off my chest, though.

We also got our car back from the shop. It wasn't cheap to do all the maintenance stuff, but it should have no problem going all the way to NC. Anything that could potentially fail has been replaced.

I thought this week would be a bit less busy, but that hasn't been the case. I missed yoga again because I had to get my temple recommend renewed. I also have to take Katie to the dentist today to get her cavity filled. James and I are going to go out to eat to celebrate our closing, so that'll be fun. It's really nice to have an official babysitter!

Hopefully, next week can be more relaxing. So far, there is nothing on the calendar, and I want it to stay that way!

Family Reunion, Lots of Appointments

It was really great to be back in Albion this year. There was a pretty good turnout, too. We had lots of fun eating meals together, hanging out and talking, swimming, sharing family stories, playing games, and doing an auction. Aunt Ruth (who was in charge) made it really good experience. In times past, we had activities away from Albion, but we stayed put this time, and I liked that. The kids mostly got enough sleep, but they were pretty grouchy by the end.

On the way home, we had to get a flat tired fixed. It held enough air to make it to Heber without damaging the tire. Thank goodness for air at gas stations. We made it home without further incident around 5 and got to work putting things away.

Why this week's been so crazy:

-6 loads of laundry (so far)

-5 dental appointments

-temple recommend interviews

-2 doctor's appointments

-2 other appointments

-at least 4 trips to Walmart for groceries, prescriptions, an oil change, etc.

-library activity

-2 department meetings for James at school

-cleaning the church

-putting up blinds

-aerating the yard

That's not to mention all the extra stuff I need to do since I have everyone home now. We haven't had time to go to the park, go on a date, or even have a day where we do NOTHING. We did play DnD last night, and that was fun. We also watched a movie together as a family, but we had to schedule it in.

I really want things to slow down, but I kind of doubt that will happen after such a low-key summer last year.

Rexburg

We left last Saturday morning to come to Rexburg. It's been a very eventful trip so far! Thankfully, the drive went very smoothly, and we had a fun stop at Del Taco and Smith and Edwards. That night, we unpacked everything. I briefly went to a wedding reception just to get out of the house for a bit.

Sunday, we made it to church with clean children. We had biscuits and gravy, plus chocolate PB cheesecake to celebrate Joseph's 11th birthday. He was really excited to get Mario Kart, the main present he asked for.

Monday, we went to Charlotte's baptism. There was a luncheon afterward at the Kugaths' house. We then went over to Sam and Jesse's to help with the chicken coop and hang out. We then had s'mores at the Lees' house.

Tuesday, I had a rough morning. I just wanted some scrambled eggs, but they stuck really badly to the pan. I also burned 6 pieces of toast. I blame the equipment. Crappy old cast iron pans and broken toasters don't make for a delicious breakfast. I also hate cooking in someone else's kitchen. I ran a few errands with James, including D.I., and we stopped for lunch at the Red Rabbit Grill. (We had a gift card from before the pandemic that we used up.) Meanwhile, Grandma and Anna and Joseph took our kids to Bear World. I think they had a great time. After dinner, we relaxed and watched Jurassic Park.

Wednesday, we went to Victor to plant trees, eat lunch with Grandma and Grandpa, and go kayaking. On the way back, we stopped by to see Anna's school in St. Anthony. We had pizza for dinner and then went to Millhollow and the Spori art gallery with Sam and Jesse.

Today, I've been packing up our stuff to go to the Head reunion. I made some peanut butter cookies to take to Grandpa since they're his favorite.

It's really hot today, and it's been so busy that I'm completely drained and just want to go home. Sure, I like people, but it's been almost nonstop the past few days already. Getting to read for 30 minutes here and there isn't enough, especially when my sleep schedule has been messed up. I'm sure the reunion will be fun, but I can't wait to go home on Sunday!

Great news about our refi: we just locked in our rate at 2.375%! The rate has dropped .375% since we filled out the application. It doesn't sound like much, but it makes a difference of over $100 on the mortgage payment. Our payment will go up by maybe $30. I think we'll get to sign everything next week. I'm so excited!