Bad Bet

Our summer adventures took a wrong turn the other night at the horse races. It wasn't exactly what I was expecting. While the actually racing was fun to watch, they took about 15 minutes between races and my kids didn't really have the patience for it. Plus, we were at the top of the Grand Stands and our baby Kyle has found his climbing skills and was all over the place. Containing the child is nearly impossible and he screams on the top of his lungs anytime he doesn't get his way, so that's fun. Oh, and Cache...I made him wear shoes, so I'm officially the worst mom ever. And Beckett just wanted to do something fun...so basically it was a nightmare. 

Tayden was super funny though when they were introducing the horses. The racers were walking the horses in a circle and Tayden comes over to me and said, "I thought the races were going to be way faster!" It was so funny. I love him. 

We were right close to the speakers and they were so loud! Hence the boys in the background. 

The horse races were a bust, but Tayden and I sure lucked out on a date this week. I was out watering my flowers last night and Tayden came out and started chatting. He was supposed to be in bed, but having a hard time sleeping. So as we were outside talking we heard our neighbors backyard movie party going on. I knew about it, but didn't tell my kids because I didn't really want to take them. But, Tayden asked if we could go, while his brothers slept and on a whim I said yes! So, we grabbed our bean bags and blankets and walked over to the movie. It was so awesome. We cuddled and watched a movie together. It was one on one time that we so desperately needed. It's fun being able to share those special moments with my oldest son and do independent things with him. Because the boys are so close in age I tend to lump them together, and forget to treat them individually. The movie was awesome and by far the best choice I could have made.

And a quick story for the road. Scott was outside working while I was downstairs exercising. I came up to find Beckett sound asleep on the couch. I asked my husband what was going on with B and he had no idea. I tried to wake Beckett up, but he was completely incoherent. We laughed and laughed as I took him back to bed.

I'm glad I didn't bet on the horse races being a win. But that's what these summer adventures are about, finding new things we enjoy...And even the things we don't. 

Table love

Scott and I scored a nice table at a yard sale a couple weeks ago. We have had the same four seater for the past eight years. And while it was great and served us well, we were ready for a table that fit our whole family. We didn't want to pay and arm and a leg since our kids are still young, but didn't want to buy a cheap one either, so when we saw this one...we knew it'd be perfect. 

I recovered the chairs. Now, they match our style a little better and are easy to clean up. 

Before

After

It sounds dumb, but this table has added a lot of warmth to our home. We all can eat comfortably together, the kids have a great place for coloring and projects and it's become a gathering place for great conversations. I'm in table love. 

Adventure Number One

This summer we are adventuring around our area in Southeast Idaho to find all the great gems Idaho has to offer. Today was our first adventure and we spent it on the Greenbelt in Idaho Falls. It was awesome. We had a McDonald's picnic then walked...and walked....and walked. We didn't plan on going around the whole belt, but we did. It's a three mile loop and surprisingly enough the kids stuck with it. Cache even rode his scooter about 3/4 of the time, which was way more than I thought he would. It was so fun and good for my heart to be in the fresh air and sun with my family. 

The boys were really hoping to see some baby animals, so the baby geese were icing on the cake. 

Getting anyone to turn around for pictures was nearly impossible, so I've learned to take what I can get. 

Beckett found something to climb on. And in true Beckett fashion...he climbed it. 

Kyle is so handsome. And a major cheeser. 

And true to Tayden fashion, he got as close to the water as could. 

As we ended the loop, we walked past the temple and saw a huge group of people sanding the fence. There were young and old alike, working together. It warmed my heart to be a part of a church where service is given freely. 

The evening was perfect. I love my family and any chance we have to spend time together. And considering how busy Scott has been, it made it all the sweeter. I'm looking forward to more adventures this summer.  

Books and Baseball

While Tayden was recovering from getting his tonsils removed, he decided to write a book. I love it so much I had to document it and share it with everyone. Or at least the three people that still read my blog. 

Geralds (the elephant) is eyeing a quarter. 

Gerald is now spotting a spider on his head. 

Gerald screamed so loud it blew Piggie upside down. 

They are also well enough to play baseball. The season started a few weeks ago, but because of the surgery, Tayden and Beckett just started today. They'll only play six games, but honestly, that sounds just about right for this mom. 

Our small town doesn't offer much in the way of uniforms, so we sure are happy to have our nice Texas hats to wear! 

Tayden struggled batting. Its machine pitch, and considering he has only had one practice on it, he didn't do well. In fact, he struck out both times he got up to bat. He was pretty bummed, but got a good out on first and got to play catcher, which was fun. So all in all it was a good game. 

Beckett got to play pitcher the first inning. He got 90% of the balls. In fact, he was so used to getting the balls, when one was hit to right field, he ran out to get it. He hit well off the Tee and had fun doing it. 

The highlight of the day for Tayden was coaching first base for Becketts team. He took the role very seriously and is convinced he is part of coaching staff. He told me that was the best part of the day and he thinks he'd like to be a coach or teacher when he grows up. I think he just likes to be in charge. 

Brothers hanging out at first base. 

We ended the day at the park for free lunch from the school district. I looked over to find Tayden pushing Cache on the swing. Tayden is such an amazing big brother and really looks after his little brothers. Sure, he teases them, but when push comes to shove, you better believe Tayden will always be there when they need him. The other day Kyle fell while I was in the bathroom. I came out to see Tayden rocking him and patting his back. Kyles little head was tucked in the crook of Taydens neck and his little hand was wrapped tightly around his shoulder. It was one of those moments that I just sat and watched, hoping to soak it up enough to never forget it. 

Its been a good week. The boys are healing and things are getting back to normal. We're excited to start our summer and enjoy the nice break from school!