2010 Summer update

This summer was a very busy summer. Casey met a man a few years back and he was talking about how fast his kids grew and told Casey he realized in High School how he would only have them in the home for only a couple of more years. He said it was an eye opener to realize that since his kids were so busy with school and activities the summer was his time, and that he would only have one more summer or two more summers left with his kids. His conversation made a big impact on Casey and then on me when Casey came home and shared it with me. So we decided to try to make the most of our summer. Which we did do. I have always tried to make the most out of our evenings however I realized that even more this summer that you don't have to be on the go to have an incredible summer.That time spent at home can bring as much joy. We did so much at first we were all so exhausted. Our kids who LOVE camping actually asked us if we could be done camping for the summer at the end of June. Well we learned our little lesson FAST!

Well one of the reason I didn't updated my blog is we were so busy having fun and two our camera broke and the only thing we had left to take pictures with was our cell phone's. Which we found out in the middle of the summer that they do NOT take good pictures. None of them came out. You know how the saying goes, "a picture is worth a thousand words." I have felt lost without my pictures. So I am graciously borrowing pictures from those that we did things with this summer to be able to capture some of this summers memories for our family blog.

May 24th 2010
We started our summer off with an ADOPTION FUNDRAISER. We had the country band "DUE WEST", come and preform at the Burley King Fine Arts Center. Due West is an amazing new band that is breaking out in the country music industry. The band has a large LDS following due to each member being a member of the LDS of the Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I actually grew Brad Hull a member of the band. Because of their large LDS following they had other concerts scheduled in Utah and Idaho and we were able to treat them to an Mini Cassia experience. As far as the fundraiser went it quiet happen however the experience of having these amazing men hang out with our family for a few days was seriously priceless experience. Brad called us the night we were on our way to Rexburg. He told us that he held 2 tickets for us to see the Nashville Tribute Band in concert if we could get there in time for the show to start. We rushed to get the kids to Grandma's and got on the road. I had no idea what the Nashville Tribute Band was about so it was a real treat. The show was so amazing, inspiring and fun. Later than night we met with the whole band backstage and then went to dinner with the all. What a great group of people. The next day we picked up Due West and headed back to Declo. Sunday afternoon we challenged the guys to a redneck race car challenge. I am happy to say I won all the boys on that one, coming in with the fastest time.





Due West did a private serenade with some local friends and family. It was very cold, windy night and it looked like it was about to storm. Our neighbors the Osterhout's were so kind to offer their house to us as the weather became to much to bare.




Monday morning was an early morning radio show and then a meet and greet at the local Gonzo's and then on to the concert.






May 29-31st Memorial weekend-family trip to Elko, Nevada
Dave had to go home to Nevada for a couple of weeks, while Tamara and Addy stayed in Arizona. Which meant that Dave would be left in Elko over the long weekend without a car. We decided to drive up and hang out for the weekend. We discovered Lamoile Canyon, quite different from our canyons, but beautiful none the less.
We had a good visit with Dave. The kids really enjoyed having his one on one attention. We rented some movies, ordered some pizza and just relaxed.

June 5, 2010 Revelation of Sole 2 Soul
In the back of my mind it was always a dream to put together a some sort of a marathon race for adoption. The desire for the race was to accomplish a few things. I wanted a place for families that chose adoption to have a place to come together with other families to celebrate the love we have for adoption. I also wanted this race to be an event where my child who's adopted and my other children to see families just like ours. I wanted it to be a place where my son could see others like himself and making lasting friendships and connections as well as our whole family. I wanted this race to be able to reach out and touch those that have been touched by adoption, by those considering and those that may never consider it. I wanted this race to be more than a race, I wanted it to be an experience. It came together very fast, detail after detail. So fast that I know that as I long as Casey and I were willing and ready to run with in, like we were, that God was one step ahead of us making each step happen. We were in the middle of wanting to raise money for our own personal adoption since we had lost all our money in March. I was lying in bed thinking of ways to fundraise when I sat up and I asked Casey why in the world we couldn't pull off such a race to accomplish all that I hoped for the race in the past but for it to also be a fundraiser for own adoption this year and in the future years and grant for other families in the adoption process? He said, "there isn't" and from that very moment that was it, we were off and running. We came up with our game plan, name, logo, and website and route all within two weeks. Heavenly Father was leading us every step of the way. The race turned into a 5K, 10K and half marathon. We set a date for Labor day weekend, we had less than 3 months to plan it, prepare for it and accomplish it. This was a large undertaking this summer filling many many long days and late nights. We worked really hard, but it was NEVER hard work, I enjoyed every minute of it.


June 2010-New kid pictures
I had longed for new pictures for a while and finally just took one at a time out in our yard and just started shooting pics.





















June 12th, 1000 Hot springs
We met Casey's brother Shane and his wife Shauna and Casey's sister Jill and her boys Nathan and Peyton at 1000 Springs. We enjoyed an afternoon of swimming, eating and hanging out it. We had a picnic indoors and Shana and Shauna were so thoughtful and bought Casey and I one hour in the indoor hot tubs. Boy was it a relaxing and enjoyable visit.

June 13th Family Hike.
Since the Pomerelle Mountains are within 15 mins from our house we try to take every opportunity to enjoy them. We tried to drive up to the top but the road was closed still due to snow on the road. So we went back down to Benet Springs and hiked around.






June 18th-20th Rendevous.
Every year our kids look forward to Rendevous. Rendevous is a big part of Grandma and Grandpa's hobbie. They enjoy it very much and put a lot of time into and into making each year's Rendevous a success. They enjoy having their grandchildren take part in dressing up, shooting black powder guns, trail walks etc. It's fun for our kids to have this connection with their grandparents. This year was another great year. The kids had a great time running all over the place, getting dirty and having fun with their friends. The babies were older this year and were able to enjoy it even more than last year.

June 26, 2010 Family Hike up Pomerelle
We drove up to Pomerelle again hoping the road would finally be open so that we could go alway up to the top, but it wasn't. We drove to the gate that closes the road. We had nothing really planned. We ended up going on a 2.5 hour hike. We walked alway up milk over the top and back down the other side. It was a gorgeous summer day. The wild flowers were out and there was wild grass growing all over. It was cool with a breeze it was simply beautiful.





July 3rd-Livy's trip to the E.R.
Livy decided to push a bead up her nose. We tried for hours to get it out to no avail. Luckily Jill was at our house with the boys so she watched our kids as Casey and I took Livy into the E.R. It took then a couple hours to get the bead out and did it on the last try, right before they were getting ready to call in an E.N.T. Poor Livy was so exhausted with all that we had tried to do at home before going into the hospital. She was asleep when we went in and after working on her for a while she woke up devastated that I was holding her down and a doctor was shoving something up her noise. She would go into panic mode, we would give her a break and she would fall asleep in my arms. Then they would come up with another idea of what to try and we would start all over again. Livy would again wake up all frantic start screaming and crying and exert all her energy and then fall asleep. We all were so relieved when they finally got it out. They gave Livy a penguin doll to leave with. The next morning Livy woke up, she was clinging to her doll. I said you remember the doctors gave that to you last night when they were getting the bead out of your nose. She said no, she did really remember. It's a good thing because it was pretty traumatic.

July 4th Family 4th of July
We went up to Albion a small town about 8 min. from Declo. They have a really enjoyable small parade. They throw LOTS of candy, which is what the kids care about. Grandma and Grandpa and Aunt Jill and the boys came up. We spent the afternoon out there enjoying the fun and festivities. The kids enjoyed their kids games. Halli came and grabbed Zyan and threw him into a fenced in area where they were asking the kids to catch bunnies. Of course our little guy caught one and before I knew it they were annoucing that all bunnies caught would be KEPT. Wow what a surprise that was to leave our house not owning a bunny and returning home with one I NEVER wanted ;)
Dad had enrolled himself into a July 4th talent contest. He sung a song he wrote himself and won second place with it. I had to laugh because the moment they announced the prizes I knew he would win the Pomerelle pass(since we get them free) sure enough he did. Which was fine, I was just so proud of my hubby putting himself out there and going for it. Way to go babe! We later ran into Aunt Sylvia's house where we have our annual family get together. We visited with those still there, ate some good food and had fun catching up with everyone. That night we ran back out to Albion to watch their fireworks show. We went way to early. By the time they started we have Livy, Zyan and Elijah all asleep. Those of us awake enough a great show.

July 9th-13th Mower's and Hermansen Family reunion
Tamara, Dave and Addy moved to Elko, Nevada at the end of Feb. In March Dave found out that he would be attending a training in Arizona so Tamara and Addy were able to go with him. They spent from the Middle of March to the end of June in Arizona. So we planned a fun reunion together for when they got back. We first went to Lava Hot Springs. It's a very small but extremely cute town. We camped at the KOA and spent the first morning rafting down some REALLY fast rapids down the river. It was a short 6 min raft ride but HOLY COW was it fast, intense and COLD. I had no idea that poor Zyan would have a wave cover both of our heads. If you know our Livy she's NEVER quiet. The entire ride down we didn't hear a peep out of her, she was terrified, her eyes were huge and she was in shock. When we got to the spot that you get out at to go again both babies were exclaiming how done they were. We took turns going down a couple more times and having someone sits with the babies. We then went over to the water park and spent the rest of the afternoon there. It was a great day, weather gorgeous and the water nice. Dave, Casey and Tamara decided to go down the REALLY big slides while Tamara, Camry and I enjoyed the much SMALLER slides. Later that night we went to Lave Hot Springs infamous hot springs. There was so many different outdoor hot pools to choose from all different temperates. We all found a few we each enjoyed. The one funny thing about our trip to Lava is that everyone told us how AWESOME Lave was, how cool the river rafting is or how amazing the water park is. That way everyone goes. However I am not sure how everyone we spoke with forgot to tell us about the trains that comes right through town, all night long, that honk their horn constantly, right next to our camp ground. I have no idea how we got so blessed to have our babies sleep through all of them up until 4 am. that morning. It was the loudest thing I have ever heard of and had endure for so many hours. however it didn't affect our wonderful weekend.














On Monday we went to Dirkies Lake in Twin Falls. Dave, Casey, and Halli all jumped off the cliffs while Camry spent a lot of her time trying to talk herself into it and Tamara and I watched the Addy, Livy and Zyan and played in the water. Elijah was more than content just hanging by the diving boards or watching his sisters, daddy and Uncle Dave on the cliffs. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get any pics of the cliff jumping since I was busy with the little ones.




On Tuesday we went out to Steadman's. We made it a whole family and friend event since it was Camry's Birthday and Halli's was to come in a couple days. We had the Mathew's come out, Jill with the boys and Grandma and Grandpa. It was a great time. Grandma even went on the tubs with us a few times and was having a blast.








July 13th Happy Birthday Camry
Camry is growing into such a beautiful young lady right before my eyes. It's such a blast CELEBRATING CAMRY'S BIRTHDAY today. I can't believe she is 9. Things I LOVE about Camry. She's so giving(she bought her brother and sister a treat today with birthday money). Such SIMPLE things make her so happy. She is ALWAYS Giving me HUGS!!!! She has conquered her bedtime frustration of noise, choosing to taking care of LIVY by choice now when Livy wakes up crying or sad, Camry goes and takes of her.
What an amazing sister and daughter you are. Happy birthday sweetie.





July 16th, 17th, 18th CHI adoption Camp out at Bear lake Idaho.
We joined CHI adoption group to spread the word on our Sole 2 Soul 5K 10K and Half Marathon. We had no idea when we joined the group how influential this group would be to our family. Within 2 weeks of joining the group they announced a camp out and there was no way I could resist us going. I knew we all needed this opportunity especially Elijah. Since we've been in Idaho I try my darnest to find other adopted kids for Elijah to met and make friends with and it hasn't worked out.
This was a great weekend, for Elijah to see other children and families just like our. All the families had biochildren as well as adopted children. It was Elijah first time where children would walk up to us and declare they were adopted. I believe it was a good eye opening experience for all of us. It was great to met other families that love adoption and have it be such an important part in their family like our. We have made friends for life. This is an event our family will look forward to each year.


























July 20th Halli's Birthday Halli
We decided to celebrate Halli's birthday a day early since she didn't want to wait to leave for Arizona.
Celebrating Halli's birthday today. She's 11, it's so crazy how fast she's grown into a beautiful young woman. Things I love about you. You always put other first...especially your family.. Your a very thoughtful and loving friend. Your always willing to help me any chance you get. You love the gospel and live it daily.

July 21th-August 2nd- Our Family trip to Arizona
This trip all start because our wonderful, amazing, kind and ever so gracious friends, the HOWELL family. They called us and asked us we would be making a trip this summer to AZ? By response was no, we can't do it this summer. Lauren told me that they really wanted to see our family so they had a proposition for our family. If we would come they would pay for our trip. Wow talk about gracious, mind blowing and somewhat overwhelmed by kindness. We too love the Howell family and would love to see them but man it's hard to say yes to someone else sacrificing on your behalf. They gave us a few dates that would be best to come down. Casey and I talked about and we agreed the trip would be fantastic. We left our home July 21st and returned home August 2nd. Let me just say that Camron and Lauren really planned this trip out for our family. Our trip started out by driving to Show Low, Arizona were Lauren and Camron have a cabin. We spent the weekend with them hanging out and enjoying being in the mountains, playing at their game room, swimming in the pool and, watching movies and having the kids play. It was a relaxing weekend with some really great Arizona thunder storms, my favorite.
On Monday we left for Queen Creek. Tuesday,and Wednesday Casey and Camron met with Jay the boss of IBG for some game planning for their up and coming conference in Toronto. On Tuesday Lauren and I wake up to a letter on the frig from Camron telling us ladies that while our husbands are way we need to keep ourselves ourselves to some shopping. Wow more, I was STUNTED. They gave our family $200 to spend. I was grateful for the opportunity to be able to prepare for some school clothes.
Wednesday was a day of catching up with old friends, I went to the ward pool party and then let the kids play and hang out with some of their good friends.
Thursday we hung out at the Howell's home and then went to the Drive in Movie Theatre and watched Dispicable me and Shrek 4. Camron and Lauren were all prepared with drinks and treats for us to enjoy during the movie.
On Friday we spent the afternoon at Big Surf water park. They paid for the whole family to get it. We packed lunches and ate in the parking lot and the enjoyed at evening watching a quiet movie. The girls went over to the Oaks and had a late night playing, watching and movie and swimming.
Saturday we spent the day at the Howell's Home, swimming, bbqing and hanging out.
Sunday we were so excited to go to church and visit our old ward. It was so good to see so many old friendly faces and to get reacquainted again. After church we were packed and ready to leave for Arizona. Our trip to AZ was an amazing experience for our whole family. I will never be able to say in words how grateful I am to the Howells's for giving us something we other wise would never have been able to do. It was great for our kids to see their family, to visit with some of their old friends and for our family to be able to enjoy such an elaborate vacation. It was remarkable.

August 8th-11th Dad and Mom's trip to Toronto Canada
Okay first off I have to give huge props to Grandma Loy for watching our kiddos and making this trip possible for me. Every year Casey has a yearly IBG Summit Conference. They invite the wives to attend. This is the trip that I look forward to each year. It's the trip that I get yearly that allows me to have ME time. Casey is in meetings all day, every day. I sleep in, stay up late, read my parenting books and enjoy junk t.v..It's my chance to recharge myself as a mother and wife. I spent this trip reading the Ensign filled with last years conference. I was able to game plan changes I would like to make within the home and with myself as a mother. It was such a good rejuvenate'r. This years trip proved to offer some extra excitement. We arrived really late Saturday night. In order for us to make our connecting flight onto Toronto we had to literally RUN all the way through the airport through 2 different terminals and onto our flight. So when we landed in Toronto we waited and waited and waited for our luggage. It's was no where. We found out, unlike us our luggage didn't make our flight. They reassured us they would have our luggage to us early the next morning. Sunday morning we slept in and then enjoyed the day in our hotel room since we had no toothbrush, makeup, deodorant, clothes etc. I was lucky enough to go borrow clothes from Lauren for our dinner at Tom Jones Steak House with the IBG staff that evening. Poor Casey wasn't so lucky. Monday we still hadn't heard anything on our luggage so we decided to venture out into Toronto to check out the city. I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed seeing how diverse Toronto was. Then to hear how safe a city it was for the size it is was remarkable. I have never been to New York City but from I would have to say that after experiencing Toronto it seemed a lot like what I would expect New York to be like. Monday We enjoyed our time walking around town. It was expensive for sure, the simple trip to Quizno's costed us more than $ 20 dollar, something that would have costed us half that here in the states. Monday night we gathered together at IBG welcoming reception and then on to Italian restaurant for dinner. Tuesday started Casey's meetings. I enjoyed my time alone. We met up at 4 to ride a trolly car over to the Toronto Skydome to watch the Blue Jays and Red Socks play. The fun part about the stadium is that IBG rents a suit so you have spectacular views of the game plus all you can ate gourmet food. It was AWESOME. I ate and ate and ate and enjoyed every minute of it. The game was a good game and the Blue Jays won. It was a great end to a good night. Wednesday morning was a busy morning for Casey to finish up with meeting prior to everyone flying out.


















We are officially home and wow has are past month caught up with all us. We are all exhausted! From July 1st-Aug 11 (42 days total) we spent only 14 of those day at home. It's no wonder why I feel mentally exhausted plus doing all we can to prepare for and organize our Sole 2 Soul race and getting our kids ready for school to start, carpool figured out for Dance for Camry, Halli and Livy as well as flag football for Elijah.

August 19th-Fair Mini Cassia Fair week.
It's always a big thing for our family to look forward to at least one trip to the fair. We enjoy going to the Rodeo when all the kids get in FREE. It's the opening night and everyone goes. We normally get a treat to share and then laugh Casey and I laugh our bottoms off when the kids go out and run after some rather LARGE cows to get the washers off their tails for a surprise. We ended up seeing Kara and Matt their and sat with their family.

August 21st-Livy's 3rd Birthday
Celebrating Livy's 3rd birthday!She's growing so fast, into a gorgeous little girl, no longer a baby. She thinks she's a princess and I would have to agree with her on that one. Things I love about Livy: She loves to be pretty. She HATES to be wet, even a drop and she strips all her clothes off. She LOVES time with her big brothers and sisters, and adores her side kick Z-boy. She's my buddy, always by my side, helping. Right now she is a the best phases"yes mommy", "okay mommy",I told her it made mommy HAPPY! So now she does it all the time. It's AWESOME. She LOVES LOVES LOVES to pray! Always DEMANDING that she will say the prayer.

AUGUST 3oth- 1st day of School for Halli, Camry and Elijah
Halli is entering into the 6th grade this year. Here in Declo that is Junior High which Halli is so excited about. Me not so much because I realize my oldest is now becoming even bigger :P Halli is enjoying Junior High and was really excited to be able to decorate her locker, which I had fun finding things to buy for it. Halli started with dance again this year but she says it isn't really fun anymore so she decided she will do it until January since we have already paid for her costumes for Dec recital and then she would like to try Gymnastics.
Camry started Third Grade this year. She was a little bummed at first when she found out her best friend Kate Mallory wasn't in her class this year, but she got over it when she found out Kate's twin brother Sam was. Camry decided she wanted to try dance this year instead of Gymnastics. So she's taking dance with Christa. I wasn't sure how much she was going to do it or if she would like it and I have been surprised with how happy she is with it. She's super excited for this years recital and tells me over and over she loves what dances they are doing and the music.
Elijah Started second grade this year. He's really liking it. Elijah is still trying to find that best friend at school. He loves his teachers and saying he plays with everyone. Elijah started flag football this year. I can't believe all the natural talent Lij has when it comes to sports. He's really loving football and I can this becoming a favorite sport to look forward to each year.
Livy was begging to start Pre-school this year and I told her No she had to wait until she is 4 before she can go to school. Just not ready for that one, although she is. I figured another year home with mom and Z-boy wouldn't hurt. Livy did start Ballet this year since her teacher is in our ward and asked her if she wanted to dance(3 months ago) and she never forgot about it. She just assumed since her big sisters were dancing so was she. When she saw her leotard you should have seen her face. Her new favorite color is purple, just like her leotard. This was actually a good step for Livy. She doesn't really go any where without us so it was the first time for her to leave us. It was a struggle the first few weeks but now she knows what to expect and really likes it.

Sept 5th Labor Day Weekend- Sole 2 Soul Event
The event was a smash hit. I first have to give big props to our family, who came through for us BIG TIME. Thanks Dave, Tamara and Addy for coming and helping us so much. We pulled an all nighter, which wasn't easy, thanks for doing it. If we hadn't had everyone help it would have never happened the way we desired it to. Thanks G-ma Loy for the most beautiful balloon arch this side of the snake river.
We were very short handed on our volunteers and we learned a few important key factors very quickly but all and all it was a very successful event. We had over 115 registered and 107 participants. My personal goal was a 100 participants. I was more than ecstatic that we exceeded my goal.
We did a $50 visa card raffle for anyone willing to offer input on our race, so that we would know where to improve. We received a lot of positive feedback and were able to establish new and exciting ideas and improvements for next year. We went out of our way to make it a family event, offering train rides, bounce house, face painting and a kid 50 yard dash.


















One of the things that I really hoped our Sole 2 Soul event would make possible, was for Elijah to find other kids to relate to and find friendship with. We were so blessed when Katie Mort contacted us two weeks before the race and ask if her family could come and volunteer. She told us that they wanted to support adoption since they also adopted. I was so happy and told her yes we would love to have them come out to the event to help out. We continued to email each other throughout the week and I found out their her son McCray was also 7, Elijah's age and also African American and adopted. Wow I felt like my prayers had been answered. Elijah and McCray hit it off at the race and he went home with them that afternoon. Since they continue to be really good friends and both of us families make it a priority to get the boys together each week. Katie has told me numerous times she had no idea how much they needed each other and that she can tell that there friendship sure means a lot to each other. Since it's taken a really long time for Elijah to find his group of friend, having McCray has meant the world to him. It's so important for Elijah to have someone he can relate with. It's normal an unspoken connection, one they just appreciate seeing.

Sept 13th-Oakley Dam Reservoir
We decided to take a last minute trip to Oakley Dam to play and let the dogs run. There ended up being a lot more fisherman there than what we thought there would be. So we pulled over to a creek that feeds into the reservoir. We all played in the water while the dogs had a blast running around.

Sept 16th Elijah Birthday!
*HOLY COW* It's been 8 years since we watched our little Elijah be born. What a phenomenal day that was and what a fantastic day today is to celebrate his 8th b-day. Things I love about Lij: You have a heart of GOLD, Your smile melts me, you are such a big brother always wanting to help, you love to make us all laugh, your so funny and oh so smart. I love you sweetheart!!!! McCray and Katie came by tonight to bring Elijah his birthday present. It was so thoughful and kind of the both of them. Elijah was on cloud 9 that they thought about him.

Sept 22nd Hermansen family trip to Sun Valley, Idaho
One of our families favorite trips each year is trip to Sun Valley. Sun Valley is a fun place to visit. It's always pretty there no matter what time of year you go. This year we had planned a trip and then ending up going to Arizona instead. Saturday night I went to bed wishing we had made our annual trip. Sunday morning we woke up early and decided to take the day and go. I don't think our kids were very excited at our last minute decision to get in the car and drive for 2.5 hours. It was a pleasant drive than went rather quickly. When enjoyed driving through the small town of Bellevue, looking at all the houses and small shops. When then drove around the town of Ketchum and stopped to see what it would cost for us to rent bikes for the afternoon as we contemplated that then drove to the went Ski Resort in Ketchum. We decided to take the Gondola up the mountain instead of renting bikes. I think our kids thought that that our decision was boring compared to renting bikes. We knew better though. The Gondola was unlike any Gondola I have ever rode. Talk about updated. It was a large, enclosed, car that would fit 7-8 adults. The trees were all changing into fall colors. We could look over the city and see everywhere. It was breath taking. It was fun to look down and see all the trails for hiking or biking. It made me wish we would have come more prepared(with our hiking back packs to haul the babies and hiking shoes). At the top we stopped at the restaurant and order two drinks to share and a large plate of shoe string french fries. We walked around to check out all the views and then took the ride back down the mountain. The kids told us that it was much funner than they thought it would be :P As we were driving out of the Ski resort we decided to follow the road through the canyon. We were very excited to see that they offered campsites. We wanted to check them out for next year. We came upon a sign that said hot springs 6 miles ahead hot springs. We decided to go far go for it. The hotsprings were actually inside the river. It was well maintained, everyone wore clothes :) and the water was nice and warm. We then went to the Sun Valley and walked around the shops, checked out the hockey rink, ice skating rink and the hotel(along with all the pictures of Ketchum being American's first ski resort). By now we were all starving, we found out as we drove through all the towns on our way back home that they do not have any drive in fast food restaurants. When we came to Bellevue the only town left before a 1.5 drive home with no chance for food, we stopped at a restaurant that looked really nice. The atmosphere was wonderful, however the service was horrible and the food even worse. We were there for over an 1.5 and our babies were exhausted, cranky and frustrated. We were disappointed in the money that was wasn't but glad we spent a great day with our kids in the Sun Valley area.




















Oct 9th-Saturday treat to the Pumpkin patch.
It's a tradition for our family to go out and see Uncle Dan the Pumpkin man. He has a large pumpkin patch south of Paul. Each year we go out as a family and everyone picks out their carving pumpkin and mom gets to pick out all her fall decorations.
We met the Mort family out there. We hung out for a hour while we us parents chatted and our kids played.






Oct 10th-My lesson in hope.
Our neighbor kids came over and got Casey to let him know that one our kittens had just been hit by a car and was lying in the road. He was still breathing but it didn't look good. Casey went and got him and brought him over to the side of our house and then he came in to tell me. It was our favorite little kitten that has just gotten really friendly with all of us. Casey wanted to know what we should do, let the kids know or just bury him. I did't really want to but knew it would be best to tell the kids because learning these lessons in life are essential. So we gathered the kids together and took them outside to the cat and told them what had happened and that it looked as though the cat would passing away real soon that we should all offer him as much love as we could. Casey started digging a hole, the cat started gagging and coughing, he seems stiff and rigid. You could tell it was hard for him to breath, he had small shallow breaths. His eyes started rolling into the back of his head. I picked him up to take him over to the whole, his head dropped, it felt like it was dislocated or broke. He laid him on a pillow and just kept loving him. We didn't want to put him in the hole until his breathing had completely stopped. We continued to wait it out, min after min he continued to get worse but by now an hour had passed and we decided to bring him inside where we could over see him. By now I had given my kids every speak imaginable. That it's a great thing we have the gospel to understand situations like these, that the gospel offers us clarity and we know where the kitty will go, that such losses prepare us for bigger losses for when we lose of a loved one. We said a prayer for the kitty. I thought for sure his spirit was passing and his body was just taking time letting go. After my prayer asking Heavenly to bless the kitty with comfort in his pain and to help us all understand what was happening and thanking Him for blessing our lives with this kitty. Halli told me I should be hoping the kitty would get better. I told her that I couldn't hope it was impossible that the kitty was going to die and I didn't want to mislead them by having hope. Halli gain told me that we should still have hope that the kitty could make it. Hour after hour passed and he continue to hold on. After a few hours of watching him, by now he was sitting up, eyes open, holding his up and acting like he actually might make it. The next day he was moving around and eating. The very next day he was back outside with the other cats. I was taught an amazing lesson from my kids, there's always a reason to hope until regardless of how things may seem.

Oct 12th-Season of flag football at an end.
Elijah finished off his last game of flag football. I am so impressed on how far he came in just 6 weeks. He learned so much and had a great time doing it. His coach Mike did a great job teaching the boy and utilizing their strength and talents. Elijah ended up scoring numerous touchdowns, 1 interception and a few 2 point conversions. What I love most is that he LOVED every minute of it.

Oct 14th-Zyan's Birthday
I can't believe my BABY is 2 today. Zyan has added so such crazy joy to our family. He's always smiling, laughing and acting completely crazy and we love him so much for who he is. He loves to read books and often asks everyone, "please sit by me,' as he runs over to the couch and touches the seat he wants you to sit in. It's just AWESOME! I am so blessed and GRATEFUL to be your mom Zyan.

Oct 16th Elijah started Upward basketball season.
I am really impressed with the Baptist Church basketball program. They test all the kids abilities and during each game each kid is given a arm band that represents such abilities with a particular color and they are matched up with kids on the other team
with with abilities and arm band color. This weekend was Elijah first game. He was a little confused at the beginning because last year he didn't play man to man defense he played zone. It took him a little while to get it but by the end of it had it figured out. Grandma came to watch and we all cheered like crazy for him. When we got home as a family we all helped go over what man to man defense was.