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.

Drone, Baptism, Phone

Katie went to a birthday party on Friday, so I ran some errands while she was there. Meanwhile, James had driven to Rangely, CO, to take a test for his commercial drone license. He passed!

Saturday, I took the girls out to breakfast while the boys went to the Priesthood Commemoration at Remember the Maine. A girl in our ward got baptized that afternoon. There were a few hiccups, like the font not being filled, but it worked out with a little bit of rearranging the program. The kids and I went to a cookout at the family's house that afternoon and stayed till 7.

Tuesday, we went shopping for Joseph's main birthday present: a phone (number). We decided to stay with prepaid plans for now. I'm giving him my old phone, so we had to get SIM card for it and set it up with an Apple account. I had a little trouble with the server, but I figured things out. We ordered a fun, new case for it too. I'm particularly proud of the Memoji I created for Joseph. It looks just like him.

Today, it's Lewis's last day of school and Kindergarten program. I can't believe it! That means it's my last time walking to the bus stop for a few months, and the last time I have to convince Samantha to get dressed for the weather to walk down the street. This fall, it's her turn.

Lewis learned how to ride a bike this week! It was one of my summer goals to teach him, but he was pretty motivated to do it himself. He absolutely loves it and wants to ride all the time. This is such a great time of year. The kids are so happy to be outside all the time. They're all tan already too.

Tabernacle, Mother's Day, Rash, Play, Social Media

On Friday night, we went to Roosevelt to see the Tabernacle replica. It was really cool, much bigger than I expected. Joseph was volunteering with other youth from our ward, so he didn't get home till 10.

Saturday, James and I went out for lunch and then James hung out with Devin. I installed a new bulletin board in the kitchen and stuffed animal net for Katie.

Mother's Day was all right. I got books and chocolate, plus delicious meals that I didn't have to cook. I wish there'd been less cleaning at the end of the day, but that's the way it goes.

Both Katie and James finished their antibiotics for strep throat. Katie ended up getting a beautiful amoxicillin rash that hasn't gone away yet. It looks a lot worse than it feels, and it's not contagious, so she's been going to school without complaint.

I went with Joseph and Kenny to a middle school play on Monday night. It was all right, kind of silly, but the boys liked it.

I'm tempted to quit social media. I've had several conversations this year where I remember that social media doesn't tell the whole story about a person, not even close. People often use it to express opinions that I don't agree with, and that's fine, but it has a way of dividing people that just wouldn't happen in real life if they'd just talk to each other. People in small, isolated areas like Vernal are definitely susceptible to thinking of "the others" as evil and terrible since Vernalites don't venture out of the rural bubble too often. When they do, it's to Salt Lake for a weekend. I've seen the division online over and over again, whether it's about politics, religious beliefs, or even sushi. There is an abundance of good news, but there's also a lot of bad news I wouldn't have to know about otherwise. I'm not sure what I'll do yet.

Remember the Maine, Strep Throat, Not My Problems

Friday, we hosted a game night, and that was fun.

We had a really good Saturday afternoon hanging out with the Boyles at Remember the Maine. We roasted some hotdogs and had s'mores. I feel like summer has officially begun once I've eaten a s'more. Another of James's coworkers came with his family (drawing a blank on their last name), so we spoke Spanish most of the time. I only blanked on words once or twice! We also got our yardwork done and sprinklers set up.

James got called to teach Gospel Doctrine, and Sunday was his first lesson. He had a bit of sore throat which started getting worse on Monday. A quick trip to urgent care later, he was diagnosed with strep throat. By some miracle, only Katie got it. Everyone else in the house is completely fine. He and Katie stayed home on Tuesday, which ended up being both fun and productive. James got all the bikes working again since we accidentally let them get buried in snow. We also played Pandemic: Legacy.

I've been struggling a little with things I can't solve. First, I want my parents to move, but the timing isn't quite right yet. I hate that I've had the idea because it makes me impatient for it to happen. Second, coming up with names of people to serve in Primary is a constant challenge. I wish everything could stay the same for 6 months! Heck, I'd even take 3. I've already gotten 9 new people, and it looks like I'll need 6 more by the end of summer. Third, I learned of 2 families who are going through some really hard stuff, and I can't do anything to solve their problems either. It's a good reminder that I'd rather have my own problems than theirs.