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! 

Tonsils: Day 3-4

Day 1 and 2 for tonsil recovery was a breeze. So imagine my surprise when the boys woke up on day 3 feeling less than swell. They were sick to their stomachs, their throats hurt and were sleepy. As the day progressed Tayden got more and more nausea and ended up throwing up. Beckett was just tired and cranky and fell asleep watching our evening show. 

Tayden woke up feeling pretty good. But still super sick to his stomach. His belly was bothering him way worse than his throat. He proceeded to throw up two more times and just laid on the couch all morning. I decided to forgo the hydrocodone and alternate between Tylenol and Motrin. The hospital called to check on the boys and we discussed the vomiting. The nurse agreed that the prescription was probably what was making him sick. She also told me to hold on to my hat, because days 7-9 were the worst. So cheers for the upcoming end of the week. 

Since changing the pain mediation, the boys really started to bounce back. They started eating and drinking again and even ended the evening with a good round of horseplay. 

And since dealing with two tonsillectomy recoverees wasn't enough, Kyle got sick. He's been fevery, snotty and coughing. He wants to be held and cuddled, which is fine, but makes taking care of the two others a little rough. And that's not mentioning naughty cache begging for attention. So it's been a little hairy, but we are getting through it. 

Sweet sleeping Kyle. Even after I turned the light on to wake him up, he still snoozed away. I couldn't miss the opportunity to take some pictures. 

This hasn't been the most fun week by any means, but I know there is a light at the end of the tunnel and the end game will be worth it. 

Tonsils: Day 1

Tayden and Beckett got their tonsils removed this morning. And it went better than I expected. We started the day bright and early at 5:15. They weren't too happy about it, but had a change of heart once we got going. They had a sense of excitement that out weighted any nerves. They were brave and strong and did wonderfully well.

This picture makes me laugh. Apparently both were too busy watching some show and couldn't look at the camera for a picture.

They were chatty with the nurses, Beckett especially. They listened to instructions and did exactly what they needed to do. I was so incredibly proud. 

The procedures went flawlessly. Doctor Hanks said both sets of tonsils and adenoids were huge. I was under the impression that I would be with them as they went to sleep, but turns out I was wrong. I was a little worried they would freak out when they got wheeled back alone, but they both did great. Beckett held a thumbs up in the air the whole time he was wheeled back, it was the cutest thing. 

I was able to be there when they woke up. Beckett was first and was already awake by the time I got to him. He was weepy and really wanted the IV out of his hand. He needed lots of cuddles and kind words for a few minutes, which I was glad to give. I climbed up on his bed with him and held him close. Then he and I were wheeled back to the room together. And through his teary eyes, he told me, "Mom, you have to have a thumbs up while we ride." He makes me smile. 

Tayden was second. When I went back he was completely out. I watched him wake up, which was slowly. But he did fine. He didn't panic or cry. Just opened his eyes and looked around. He was awesome. Later in the car he told us, "You know when you are looking at one thing, but you actually see two things. But it's actually just the same thing. That's why I had to open my eyes so slowly." I love how he explained double vision. 

The nurses kept telling us how great they did. I didn't quite understand why they made such a big deal of it, until we passed a little girl coming out of it. She was doing alligator rolls and getting tangled up in the cords, then hitting her head on the bed. She was really struggling, which made me more impressed with my boys. 

We got home around 10:30 and I wasn't quite sure what to expect. But they did great. They ate, drank, and kept up on meds without any issue. They watched a few shows, sat outside for a little bit, wandered around the house and played with some goodies sent by their awesome Packard grandparents. Tayden was in an especially good mood all day and cuddled with Cache every chance he got so he could tell him all about his surgery. 

Scott even got in on the fun. 

Funny story about this picture. Tayden said to me, "Can I just be a little stinker and take a picture with the elephant dad made and pretend it was me." Of course, I did. 

Day one was much easier than I expected. I'm nervous it's the calm before the storm. I've heard a few days in are a little worse, especially as the wounds start to scab and then proceed to fall off. But I'm taking the first day as a victory and hoping the coming ones are just as great. 

Sunday Best

Scott took Tayden church clothes shopping. Finally! And he could not have looked cuter. And of course, Beckett had to match! Which meant I had to take pictures. 

He still needs new shoes. And his tie is a bit short. But, Baby steps. 

I love this picture. Beckett looks up to Tayden more than anyone. I hope that never changes. 

And we couldn't take a picture without including Cache. 

Sundays really are the best. 

Grade One

Tayden finished first grade today. This year was great for him. He loves his school, had a wonderful teacher and many great friends. He ended the year with straight A's and really started reading like a champ. As much as he likes school, I am happy to have him home for summer. 

When I downloaded my pictures off my camera, I found a cute little selfie. Heck, I love this boy.

This is the first day and last day comparison. I can't believe how much he has grown up! 

Watch out, Second Grade! He's coming for ya!