June 2019

Between young men camps and cousins visiting a few other things happened.

Henry continued to plow through the Book of Mormon.

Our neighbors, the Ritchie's, brought us some poop emoji cupcakes that the kids got a kick out of.

Lydia started--and then quit--swimming lessons.  Maybe one day she'll put her face in the water!

One night she was really grumpy and cried herself to sleep... she's so peaceful looking once she's asleep though.

Jacob left on his mission!  It was fun to talk to him right before he headed into the MTC.  He's going to be a great missionary!

We celebrated Rich for Father's Day.  He is the very best guy I could ever imagine raising 5 kids with.

Henry got interviewed for baptism.

Lydia went to Kora's birthday and had a blast with all the little girls.

We had our annual water balloon fight.  It was so much fun!

Since we were going to be in Alaska on Henry's birthday we decided to open presents a few days early.  He felt so loved.

The most exciting thing was that Henry finished the Book of Mormon!  He was so proud!  Such a big accomplishment for such a little guy.

Thanksgiving Week

We have the entire week off for Thanksgiving and I just love it!  Our house was full of family and we had so much fun!  Elise and Austin got there on Tuesday.  We weren't expecting Jacob to get there until Wednesday night but he found an earlier ride and got there on Tuesday as well!  

The day before Thanksgiving Elise helped the kids to have a Charlie Brown Thanksgiving feast.  

That night we kept it easy by having a pizza dinner.

Elise and I made the pies and a few sides on Wednesday night.  Thursday was a busy, crazy day trying to get dinner ready.

I wish I had been able to take a nap like Jacob!

As is tradition, we decorated the kid's table with things we're grateful for.

The most memorable/scariest time of the whole day happened in the afternoon while I finished dinner.  Everyone in the house (except for me, William and James) walked over to the park in our neighborhood.  They played for a while and came home.  I kept thinking I should join them but decided to finish up a few things first.  By then they had returned.  Everyone went in different directions... the kids were upstairs and outside while the adults were chatting in the kitchen. We heard a knock on the door and there was a police officer there with Lydia.  Apparently she was left at the park but showed the police officers the way home.  It was so scary!  She seemed pretty unphased by the whole thing though.  Poor little girl!  We didn't even realize she was gone and just assumed she was playing with cousins and brothers somewhere around the house.  We are so glad that she made it home safely.  After that excitement we ate some dinner.

Elise and I made some pretty delicious pies if I do say so myself... and we even got Jacob to try pecan pie!

The rest of the week was spent hanging out together.

Elise and I were matching... so Jacob decided to match us as well!

Friday evening we walked around the Ethel M cactus garden and enjoyed our free chocolate.

On our way back home we stopped at Sam's Town for the mystic wonderland show.  We got there just in time.  It was a fun little show and worth the small detour.

It even "snowed"!

Elise and Austin left on Saturday afternoon.  That evening we went to play a little tennis with Jacob.

Jacob also helped us decorate our house for Christmas.

Lydia really wanted to put the star up so we let her try...

It was actually Henry's year to do the star though so Jacob helped him out!

After church on Sunday Jacob left to head back to Provo.  We loved having him here!

Fun with Grandma and Jacob

The boys had way too much fun while Grandma and Uncle Jacob were here!  While Rich and I were in the hospital Jacob had the boys earn "money" by helping around the house, trying new foods, etc.  With their money they could then "buy" things from Jacob's store.  In those few days they learned some great habits--like trying new food.  James is an awesome food taster now--and most of the time he likes what he tries!

They also had a blast dressing up in costumes.  My mom told me that one day they all played Star Wars for 4 hours together!

Alex suddenly decided he doesn't like clothes.  He's doing a little better now... but some days he went around in just a diaper.

Since we've had record breaking temperatures (112!) here we had to find a lot of things to do indoors.  My mom always brings lots of fun crafts for the boys to do.

One of the days when I was feeling up for an outing we took everyone bowling (since kids bowl free all summer!)  Even Alex had a fun time (once we could get a shirt on him and get him inside!)

Every week my mom took the boys to the library for a craft and some books. 

Alex was extra tired this week and fell asleep on the floor.

Jacob enjoyed catching up on reading in the best seat in the library

On one of the last days that they were here I got a package in the mail... It was my pirate playhouse that I won!  The boys had a great time in the new hideout.  Jacob even sent the boys on an awesome treasure hunt with a special prize at the end (donuts, superhero popsicles, and a movie to watch--thanks Rachelle!)

On occasion they ventured out into the sweltering heat.  They went to the park and the sprayground.

And one day they even went to the zoo.

Note: Alex wouldn't get dressed this day and instead wore his jammies to the zoo... at least he was clothed.

Several days the boys headed out into the back yard to play in the water.  My mom gave them some little frogs that squirted water and they had a blast trying to get Uncle Jacob.

We were so blessed to have my mom and Jacob come out.  Jacob was so patient with his nephews and it was fun to see them all get along so well. Not only did they keep my (often whiney) boys entertained but Mom cleaned, cooked, shopped, and stocked the freezer with numerous meals for after she was gone.  Plus, it was nice to have some adult conversation during the day!  And in the evening we always enjoyed a game and dessert after the boys were in bed. I don't think I could survive without her help!