June

Usually Brad's home in time to leave the other kids when I take Jake to Tang So Do, but I ended up taking Lucas a couple time, and it was fun to watch him try getting the correct footwork and doing punches, kicks, and jumping jacks in the back of the room. I'm sure he'll have his turn at it soon enough.

 Craft time! Emma did an art project at school that she had fun with, so she taught us all how to do it. We drew on coffee filters with marker, and then painted over them with water. They turned out pretty good! Probably one we will do again, especially since the smallest pack of coffee filters I could find was a pack of 200... 

 Our small little garden is starting to produce! The raspberries disappear almost as instantly as the strawberries! Surprisingly, so do the beans! The kids are much more willing to eat "garden beans" -- they taste SO much better than store. We've discovered we don't really care for the snap peas that we grew, but they love to run pick a few lettuce leaves to put on their turkey sandwiches. It's been another fun experience growing our garden -- next year, I'll make sure to manage the weeds better...

We took a little family outing to Barber Park -- where people get in the Boise River to float it. It was so cold! We walked around a few paths, and found a couple fun spots along the river to throw rocks and explore.

 June 2018

Drowning out the Heat

 Eagle Island!

 Great sand so we can finally use our sand toys, and cold water to cool us down. Lucas insisted I take multiple posed pictures with the shovel.

A group of kids got together a made a "hot tub". They had a lot of fun, and rinsed off well before being allowed in the car.

 We decided to buy the season passes to Roaring Springs, and have been going A LOT. A few times every week. Emma's turned into my slide buddy, and we try to sneak away once a week so we can do all the big slides. I even braved one of the dropping slides that starts with you standing up above the tube, and then the floor drops, and you fall down the slide. What a rush! The rest of the time we hang out at the kiddie pool with the new slides there, the wave pool, and lazy river. Between that and a few trips to our old neighborhood pool with old friends, we've been sufficiently watered down this summer.

 June 2018

Brayge Soccer and Supers

 We signed Lucas up for his first season of soccer. The first few games had quite a few tears, and Brad or I had to walk around with him on the field so he'd stay there. He slowly adjusted, and finally got out there on his own with no tears. We may have bribed him with a trip to Roaring Springs after the soccer game...He had a few good kicks, lot of running, and hopefully some fun in there. In the last game, the ball popped out in front of him right by the goal, and he kicked it in! We're hoping for a smoother season in the fall.

He seems to be following in Emma's footsteps... he's the boy on the far left -- smallest one on the team.

  

 Emma had another fantastic season -- super speed, a few goals, and increased aggressiveness! She got knocked down quite a few times, popped back up, and ran right after the ball again!

Lucas found the little boy dress-ups, and I've had a little super-hero companion ever since.

We took all the kids to Incredibles 2 -- another good movie. Also re-discovered why I don't take Lucas to the movies. We might let him try again in another year.

June 2018

Mayhem that is May

Jacob was awarded the Character Counts achievement in his class for the character trait of integrity. He has been working to earn one all year, and was so excited! Proud of this young man, his hard work, and the good decisions he continues to make at school!

 Brad has started doing Jujitsu again, and worked really hard to earn his green belt -- and did it! He's really struggled with back issues that have held him back from a lot of activities, so this is a major accomplishment! Well done my Love! 

I was a bit spoiled on Mother's day with flowers, chocolates, ham and eggs breakfast, and all other meals provided. A family game of Skip-Bo, dance parties, and movies with popcorn made for a great day. It started pouring rain outside, and I dared the kids to run in it with me. After being bribed with granola bars, they  conceded, and ended up doing it a few more times because it was so fun. I love being a wife and mom to this beautiful family, and love the memories I get to make with them!

 Lizzy and Lucas usually have a battle over who gets to sit in my lap -- here's a rare occasion when they decided they could be friends and share. 

Jake went on a school field trip to Babby Farms. I wasn't able to make it, but they sent a couple pictures. Here's Jake with a camel and petting a kangaroo!

 Emma also was awarded the Integrity Character Counts award for her class -- along with 3 Aviator awards this year!! This young lady always does her best in school, works hard, and the teachers just adore her. We're proud of you Emma!

Oh, Lucas. He gets really upset with all the cheers and clapping in the award ceremonies... He sure knows how to pull a face!

The kids always love when Angela comes up for military bearing fruit snacks, donuts, jelly beans, or whatever sugary treat she finds. I also don't let them play with my phone, so it's a treat for them when Angela lets them play around a bit with hers.

Another soccer season down -- and the Timbers came out UNDEFEATED!! Great group of boys, great coach, and lots of improvement each season! Go Timbers!

May may be making us a bit crazy...

Our strawberry plants have been doing much better this year, and as you can see, Lucas is loving it. He doesn't share much when given the choice, but we've all enjoyed a few fruits and I love my little picking buddy by my side out there!

 May 2018

Foothills

We enjoy walking around the Camel's back foothills, and came back for another visit. Brad told them to give a picture with attitude...

 Jake climbed up this sand hill probably 5 or six times. I've never seen so much sand come out of shoes in my life!

 The little pond is always a must stop.

 So the kids can throw rocks, sticks, and anything they can find in the water. And they love when other walkers come with their dogs and play fetch in the water. 

 We found a couple snakes on our way this trip. The kids were a little surprised and hesitant to continue. Luke informed me he was okay with the snakes out there, but that he was scared of bears. I'm with ya buddy.

April 2018