Our 1st Summer

It has been an interesting summer...sometimes it's just Jared and I, sometimes we have 6 kids, sometimes we have 4 kids, and sometimes we have 2 kids. So many different combinations and dynamics. I started off the summer all gung-ho with grand schemes of all the kids dutifully working on their summer goals and doing chores before any electronics were turned on, but alas, that didn't last very long. I'll consider it a win that all the kids just made summer goals. Maybe we can actually work on them next summer, ha ha. I decided that it was quite a big undertaking just to unpack and organize and adjust to our new blended family and get to know new people and get to know the area. So, I have tried to proceed through the remainder of the summer with my expectations in a more realistic place, which has been better for everyone I think. 

All things considered, getting married, me moving to Idaho, Jared moving to Idaho, a broken arm, and a baptism, I think we've still managed to do some fun things here and there mixed in with the kids playing too many video games and watching too much tv. Sydney and Talmage have also had their own additional adventures with their dad and step mom in Utah...they went on an RV trip, they went to two family reunions, and to Lagoon, just to name a few highlights. Here's a few things we have been up to as well...

The Discovery Center of Idaho provided several hours of entertainment for all 6 kids not to mention for Jared and I. Definitely a good place to visit if you are ever in Boise.

Blowing bubbles in the giant bubble maker and eating the ice cream they made while we watched were my favorite attractions. Well actually, watching the kids do those things was actually my favorite part...the looks on their faces were priceless, especially Seth's...he was just filled with wonder and excitement and it was so fun to see.

The Bed of Nails!

We also checked out 2 local beaches...Eagle Island and Lucky Point. A few weeks ago there was a big outbreak of a virus at Eagle Island and everyone who was there that day got sick (luckily we weren't there that day), so I think we'll just stick to Lucky Point and the pool from now on. These pics below are from Lucky Point.

The day after Sydney and Talmage arrived in Boise they were riding their bikes all over the neighborhood. Towards the end of the day I was in the driveway and Sydney was about 5 feet away from me and she was stopping her bike and her bike wheel just caught the edge of the driveway funny and she went down hard. She screamed and I knew right away that it wasn't just a scrape. After a trip to the Insta Care and some x-rays we found out that she had broken her humerus, but luckily it wasn't on her growth plate. After a week in a splint and 3 weeks in a cast Sydney is back in the pool and it appears that her arm has healed.

She chose a blue cast to go with her favorite movie, Frozen. Before she went back to Utah we blinged out her cast with Modge Podge and glitter.

These were taken right before I took them to the airport.

The ward we are in here has a phenomenal scouting program for the 11 year olds which I'm told is quite unusual since the main scouting program doesn't start until age 12. Trevor went on his first campout without his dad and had a great time and has done lots of other fun activities as well.

And sometimes, I think doing simple things at home make the very best memories of all...