Fourth of July

The day started out to be a little frustrating for us...Jim was all set to take the kids up to the parade in Rexburg (I'm not a big fan of parades) when he got called into the hospital....grrrrrr. I hadn't showered and was planning to meet them up there after a nice run and a shower. I couldn't let the kids miss the parade with all of their cousins so I threw a hat on, threw the kids in the car and headed up. My dad was there to help, it was nice to have him along.

Here is Paige with her cousin Ty, probably arguing over candy.

I thought this picture was cute, big to little, just waiting for more candy.

It was actually a pretty nice day for a parade, not too hot. Jim's parents live just down the street from Main Street so there were no parking issues or problems getting a spot!

Hailey and her cousin Jace, both the same age and pretty good buddies.


Nanny made a beautiful (and yummy) 4th of July flag cake with strawberries and blueberries and let the grandkids help.


After finishing up at the hospital, Jim drove up only to be called back in right as he pulled into Rexburg (a 35 minute drive from Idaho Falls). Jim finally made it back later that afternoon and was able to relax a little bit. I don't think I got any pictures but soon after we ate, a huge water fight started. EVERYONE got pretty soaked except for my Dad who managed to run inside like a school girl anytime anyone got near him with some water. I'd be scared if I were him, because I WILL get him back and he won't be expecting it.

Jim, his brother Judd, his dad and his cousin Blake.

As soon as it got dark, we started the fireworks in the street. Crew, Paige and cousin Ty watching intently. Remnants of the water fight can be seen in the background.

Nothing like a 2 year old with a stick of fire! Yikes!

My Helper Hailey

I was busy cleaning yesterday and was taking some garbage out to the garage where I found this...
Hailey decided that the car needed vacuuming so she went out and did it on her own. She has been a huge help this summer. She is definitely a self-starter. She is happy to finish all of her chores on her chart and then some. She takes it upon herself to pick up toys and dust furniture if she sees it needs to be done. I hope this lasts!

Summer, FINALLY!

Finally, the days of living in your swim suit and eating ice cream sandwiches are here!

T-Ball

Hailey and Paige just finished T-Ball, it was Hailey's third year and Paige's first and they were able to play on the same team. Paige started out a little shakey but by the end she was keeping up with the other girls, most of them were Hailey's age.

Parking Wars in Idaho

Yesterday I was out running errands with Jim's pick-up. I am a city girl and have not grown up "drivin' a pick-up 'round town." Instead, I learned how to drive a Chevette at the ripe old age of 8 (my Dad claims it was 9 which I guess makes it much more acceptable). I am not a perfect driver but I've got a good 27 years under my belt. When it comes to the truck, I do admit, I'm not the best parker as I had someone "gently" point out to me yesterday with a nice little note on my windsheild. I've taken the liberty to block out a few letters but I'm sure you get the gist. The heart was a nice touch, I thought. I could feel the love from this girl.




I was seriously chuckling to myself and decided to get a picture of the error of my ways. The standards for truck parking are extra-high in Idaho, you're an inch over the line and they're gonna let you know. I guess I need some practice.

You gotta love those BYU-I students ;)

Cooking Class

Lots of rain + unsummer-like temperatures + kids stuck inside = Really Bored Kids and a Crazy Mom!

Luckily, my creative friend Tami had a great idea to do a cooking class for our kids once a week this summer. We've had 2 so far and it's been a lot of fun.

This week we made mini pizza faces. The kids loved them.

Here they are with their olive fingers.

Paige with her pizza face...

Hailey and her face...

Last week we made pudding cones.

Crew is lovin' all the food...

Paige Quote of the Day

Paige and Hailey are going through their lists of jobs for the day so they can put stickers on their new summer chore charts. Paige is reading "Make Your Bed" and she turns to me and says, "Mom, the truth is, I don't know how to make my bed."