Perfect Summer Evening

 You know the summer evenings that are the definition of perfection? The ones that are the perfect temperature, the sun is shining just right, the company is wonderful, and you heart is full of love and light? We've had a lot of those this summer and most are happening on the golf course. It feels crazy taking the younger boys with us, but crazy in the best way. We found out if I play caddie, like literally play and take on the personana of "Miss Molly", Kyle enjoys the experience much more. It must be the fact that someone dotes on his every whim and calls him "Sir". The other night after a round, we grabbed snow cones at Mac's, the local snow shack, and shot the breeze. It was so great. I love this family of mine!

Belt Promotion

 Cache has been doing taekwondo for about three months and is loving it. It has been so good for his self-confidence! It's teaching him patience, that it's okay to make mistakes and the joy of sticking with something even when it's hard. I love what taekwondo is doing for him. He had his first belt promotion and moved from white to orange. I really wanted to make it a big deal for him, so we all went and supported him. We have the best parents who attended too, which filled my heart with gratitude. We are so blessed to be close to supportive parents who love our kids and show up for them. It meant the world to Cache. It was fun to put the spotlight on Cache and have him show everyone what he has learned. 

Last to Leave

Tayden and a couple of his friends decided to do a last-to-leave challenge. They did one last year, but they were more prepared and ready for the challenge this year. The name of the game is to stay in your square as long as possible. They had bedding, food, tents for shade, and minimal entertainment. They even used buckets for the bathroom. Tayden made it a total of 36 hours. He was pretty prepared but forgot allergy medicine and contact provisions, so he woke up with red, itchy, dry eyes and was pretty miserable. Also, an older brother water ballooned them on their last night, so he was wet and cold on top of everything else. 

 I don't understand the draw behind this, but the boys loved it and it kept them outdoors and entertained. I think we have a tradition brewing. 

Fourth of July

 We had another great Fourth of July. It was our first holiday without Grandpa Great and we missed him so much, but it was great spending time with everyone else. The parade was fun and as usual, the kids got a ton of candy. Tayden and Scott were throwing elbows, Cache and Kyle shared their space just fine, and Beckett annexed himself off and shamelessly yelled at the candy throwers, "Bet you can't hit me!!" to bait them into throwing more. 

We had a fun afternoon and Grandma and Grandpa Packards house. We played Left, Center, Right and Tayden walked the winner with 40ish dollars. 

We stopped at Grandma and Grandpa Mennears house on the way home. We completely spaced bringing swimming suits, so the boys swam all evening in their underwear. It was the perfect Fourth of July evening and a core memory I hope to never forget since they wouldn't let me take any pictures. 

The plan was to go to the firework show, but we were all spent when we finally made it home. We set up in our front yard and watched the huge neighborhood fireworks. We also discovered that we could see the city fireworks through our trees. They were small, but there. 

The fourth of July is my favorite holiday. I love the fun without the fuss. I love spending the day with family in warm weather. I love our country and I love celebrating it. 

Ashton

A quick day drip to Ashton. Homework for me, fun for the boys. 

 

Swimming Rewards

The boys got to reap the rewards of their hard work last week and swim in my mom's pool. It did not disappoint.