Projects, A Failed Adventure, Engagement

With some help from Devin, we moved the pirate ship steps into the sandbox. They weren't quite as heavy as we thought. While James was gone helping Devin fix his deck, I mowed around the bare rectangle and had Katie help me pick up all the trash. It would've been nice to plant everything on Friday, but it was super windy outside.

The girls went on a shopping trip with James Saturday morning. It was fun to visit D.I., Neighbors Thrift, and Dollar Tree with a quick snack at Wendy's. I found out that Dollar Tree has cheaper pretzels than Walmart, so I might be back. I've never really thought of the dollar store as a good place to buy food.

James played airsoft for a while, and I don't remember what we did at home. Honestly, I think it got kind of boring since we had to wait on the planting and I finished my stash of books. I was also waiting for a book on hold that wasn't ready yet.

Monday, Ashley and her kids came over. We had to reschedule a couple times because of travel and visitors, but I'm glad we finally got to hang out. James planted a globe willow and grass in the bare spot in the backyard.

Tuesday, we attempted to find a ghost town called Bullionville off of Red Cloud Loop. and it did not go well. First, I made the mistake of taking some anti-nausea medication. The side effects later on weren't worth it. Second, we couldn't find the place and spent a lot of time driving around. Third, we accidentally took a wrong turn as we were heading home (with no cell service, of course), so we didn't get there till 2:30. It was terrible. Everyone was hungry, tired, and grouchy. I threw together a quick lunch, and we did nothing for the rest of the day.

Today did not start off so well either. I got a poor night of sleep and had nightmares. I feel bad that I didn't go to help our friend Samantha move, but I've got a long list of things to do before I'll feel able to relax since we leave for Rexburg tomorrow. James took Joseph and Katie, so hopefully they will be enough help. I've done some cleaning and still have laundry, packing, and cooking to do.

To end on a happy note, Carmel and Matthew got engaged! I have no idea when the wedding is supposed to be. They said the end of the year or early next year. I'm so excited for them.

This will be a good trip. I'll feel more optimistic once I get things done and get some rest.

Upper Stillwater Dam, Projects, Teeth

It's been another busy week. We did an adventure to the Upper Stillwater Dam on Friday. The drive there and back was pretty interesting since we got to travel though a bunch of little communities in Duchesne County. The dam itself was beautiful. It was like a giant, manmade waterfall. We ate some lunch in picnic area and hiked up to the top of the dam. The views were stunning all around, and the I think the kids enjoyed themselves too. It was definitely worth the drive.

Saturday, we went to Paddlefest at Steinaker. We went out on some canoes and kayaks. We mostly had a good time, except for Katie, who was having a grumpy day for some reason.

Father's Day was mostly peaceful. I'd bought James some steak, so we had that with smashed potatoes and corn on the cob.

Monday, I cleaned out and painted the girls' room a purplish blue. It cost me almost nothing since I bought a quart of red to mix with the blue I used for the boy's room. I ended with about a cup of paint. I didn't finish the room till late at night since I had to wait for the carpet to dry, but it was worth it to displace the girls for one night, even though no one got a good night of sleep. In the afternoon, we went to see Elemental, which was adorable, and then got pizza in the park since I was too tired and busy to cook.

We had dental appointments and 1 orthodontist appointment on Tuesday. Joseph has a tooth that's growing in at a 45 degree angle with a cyst around it, so he needs braces and oral surgery. Lewis and Samantha both have some cavities. We're going to get dental insurance since it'll actually be worth it this time and take care of those things starting in September. Joseph will have braces for 18 months total and the oral surgery to expose the adult tooth a few months in. Fun times.

Yesterday, I went out with James for lunch and then spent the afternoon catching up on sewing projects. It was nice to clear out my stash of fabric. I also finished a book, and we finished the last game of Pandemic: Legacy Season 1. We already have Season 2, and I can't wait to play it.

Despite my kids' expensive teeth, it's been a really good week. We hit the right mix of hard work, fun, downtime. I hope we can keep this up for the rest of the summer.

Balance, Summer Days

It's been both busy and kind of boring over the past week. Friday was our first "real" day of summer with all of us home, but I spent the whole day confused because it felt like Saturday. On actual Saturday, I went to a Relief Society salad and service social. It was pretty fun, even though not many people went.

Monday, James left to take pictures all day. For family home evening, we talked about making goals with the kids. So far, I've been having them help with the cooking when I remember. James wants to make sure everyone knows how to swim too.

Tuesday, James and I did a lunch date since it was the best day for one with our schedule this week. Joseph and I went to the dentist, which was mostly fine. Joseph has a tooth growing in weird with a cyst around it, so we're going to the orthodontist next week to see what to do next. It could be nothing, or it could be oral surgery in Salt Lake. I got my temple recommend renewed and then did a presidency meeting in the cabin.

Wednesday, we went to the library activity in the morning. I honestly think we're done with those. Our kids are older and already read on their own. The activities themselves are okay, but I end up bringing home random crafts that just get thrown away later. It's also the worst time to check out books since the library is full of kids and really chaotic. Maybe we will go to 1 or 2, but definitely not all of them. We went to the rec center in the afternoon, and it was mostly fun. I still had to keep a close eye on Samantha and Lewis to make sure they didn't wander off and drown. It's much easier with the older 3. We have a 3-month membership, so I think we'll go about once a week.

Joseph has a well check today, and then it's grocery shopping. This week has felt both too much and not enough. I've been trying to read a couple of books but can't seem to get into any of them. Hopefully, my focus will return. I also need to do more exercise, but I can't seem to find the motivation even though it's not been that hot outside yet. I would love it if this weather stayed forever, actually.

Head Reunion, Triple Bunk

It's been a really busy week.

Thursday, we headed to the Head family reunion in Albion, ID. I think it was our 10th year there. Over the 3 days, we ate together, hung out, swam in the pool/hot tub, dipped chocolates, had an auction, did a candy toss, and probably a few things I forgot. Our main outing was the Minidoka, which used to be Japanese prison camp during WWII. I can't believe that actually happened in the U.S. The visitor's center was really nice, and we watched a heartbreaking video. A couple of older folks remarked that it was necessary because the government ended up finding a few spies, but I disagree. There was absolutely no justification for these camps. And, we believe in innocent until proven guilty during a fair trial.

Since we got home on Sunday, I've done 9 loads of laundry, grocery shopped, and mostly finished the boys' room. We completely cleaned it out on Monday, which took forever. Tuesday, I prepped and painted the accent wall and then cleaned the carpet that night after the paint had dried. Wednesday, we put the bunk bed together and sorted and put everything back. The assembly was easy, even though it took 3 1/2 hours to complete. We spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning since the kitchen and living room had also descended into chaos. James wasn't around because he had to work Monday - Thursday this week, so it was the boys who helped. I was so tired and achy by last night, but I still managed to catch up on all my regular household chores.

We're still waiting on a towel rack, a couple of storage bins, and 2 more mattresses for the bunk bed. The boys have enjoyed sleeping in the cabin for a few days during the process. Today, I plan on doing nothing with the room while I wait for things to arrive. I hope tomorrow feels like the first "real" day of summer where I can be kind of lazy!

Last Days of School, Rexburg, Joseph's 13th Birthday

Hurray! School is over for the year! Lewis had his last day on Thursday and everyone else on Friday. We relaxed on Saturday and did a playdate with some friends. Saturday night, I replaced the pump in my washing machine since it was leaking. It cost me 13 bucks and 1 1/2 hours of my life. I'm glad I did it since I'll have a ton of laundry when we get home from the reunion.

We packed Monday morning, and it worked surprisingly well. We left by 9. The only real problem came when we tried to take a scenic route and the mountain pass was still closed. It was beautiful, but it cost us an hour of time. We made it to the Lees' for dinner about 20 minutes late, so it wasn't the end of the world.

Tuesday morning, James and I did baptisms with Joseph and Joseph. It was really nice and peaceful. We got Millhollow afterward and visited Sam in his office. Grandma took the kids to Bear World while I made 2 buckeye pies for Joseph's birthday. I also made grits casserole for dinner and the Lees came over. Everything turned out delicious, and Joseph loved his presents, especially the phone. I can't believe he's a teenager now.

Wednesday, we divided and conquered. Some went to Victor to work and kayak. The rest of us went to D.I. and got some ice cream after lunch. I made a cake for Charlotte's birthday, and we had pizza, cake, and ice cream once her parents, Sam and Jesse, got back from rehearsal.

It's been a busy Thursday so far. Everyone is running around trying to get ready for the family reunion. I've escaped up here to write since the clutter and dog hair are driving me crazy. They're hoping to leave at 1 (probably 2), and I'll go with Anna when she gets home from school.