Texans in Idaho

 My favorite part of the summer is when the Texas Mennears come to Idaho! They didn't get to come last year because of COVID, so it had been 18 months since I last saw them. I've seen my brother a couple of times, but not his wife or children. It was great to hug them all again. 

We spent many nights staying up playing card games or outside playing volleyball and having relays. The boys got the best cousin time and loved seeing Justin and Echo. We went shopping and to the movies and out for snow cones. The last day they were here, we spent a couple of hours in Ashton showing them our property and sharing with them the things we love most. It was the best couple of days. I was lucky enough to spend some good quality one on one time with both Coda and Gracie and I was blown away by the great young people they are becoming. They were so kind and patient with my kids. Helping me whenever I needed it, often unasked. They were respectful and great house guests, cleaning up after themselves and thanking me always. I had the best conversations with them and I loved hearing about their lives and the things they face as youth in Texas. I think the hardest part of the living away from my brother is missing his kids grow up. I love my niece and nephew fiercely. They will always hold a special place in my heart and I cherish the days I had with them. 

I love this family of mine. I can't wait to see them again. 

Meemaw

I’m the luckiest! I work with the best girls in our ward and love them so much. The other day, they brought me my drink of choice, a meemaw from Fizz Bizz. They hung around and chatted for bit.

Kinlee Lowry and Alexis Pickett 

 I walked them out to their car and heard it struggling to start. We figured their battery was dead, so grabbed Scott to help. Our neighbor, fireman Jon, drove by and offered his assistance. The girls were so embarrassed! 

After a chewing gum wrapper and some backyard mechanics, the men got it running. It was such a funny, awesome night! 

Gages

We have the best Las Vegas friends! The Gages came to visit family an hour north and made a trip down to come see us. We love them so much. 

Matt and Cory Gage with their boys, Jackson, Tyler, Zach and Jace. 

Fourth of July Week

 Wow! What a week. More like week and a half. The past 10 days have been non stop fun!

The Fourth of July was wonderful. Its a favorite holiday of mine, so of course I loved it. We spent the morning in Inkom at the parade. It was good for my heart. Grandpa Great hasn't been doing too well and wasn't able to attend the parade, but Grandma did. Scott was worried about her being alone so he sat with her during the parade and didn't collect candy. I was so impressed because this candy parade is a highlight he always looks forward too, but he chose to be with his grandma. She must have been able to tell how hard it was for him, because she told him to get out there and get some candy. He hastily agreed and soon had more candy than anyone. He is a kid at heart. 

We were lucky enough to have Matt and Jen with us for the weekend, so after the parade we took family pictures then held a baby shower for Jen. While we did that, the boys enjoyed the creek behind Grandpas house. I'm so grateful for these memories they are making. 

We headed home soon after and prepared for the evening fireworks. The show was fabulous, but the trek home was not so much. We were in the car for about an hour trying to make it across town. At one point Kyle said, "I can't take it anymore! I need my bed!". We all understood exactly how he felt. 

We finally made it home, crashed into bed and got up early to head to Ashton for the day with Dave, Cheryl, Ashley, Matt and Jen. It was hot when we got there, but soon a rainstorm cooled us down and sustained us into the evening. The boys enjoyed a couple of hours fishing with Uncle Matt. 

The next five days were a complete blur. My brother and his family came into town and the fun didn't even stop long enough for us to catch our breath. We spent every day at my parents house in Blackfoot late into the evening, came home and slept for a few hours and headed back to Blackfoot the next morning. This lasted for five days and by the end of the week we were exhausted. We played so many games of volleyball, swam nonstop, ran hours worth of relays, ate dessert every night, stayed up late watching movies and playing cards (my personal favorite), laughed and cried. It was the absolute best week of the summer. 

The past days will be hard to top. I feel so blessed to have been able to spend time with my loved ones. As I get older, I really am realizing that is life's greatest pleasure. Now, onto one of life's other  pleasures...sleeping and recovering.