Extra special 4th

Not only did we celebrate the Fourth of July this weekend, but we got to see our good friends the Gage's. They came to spend some time with Matts parents, who happen to live about 30 minutes North of us. We were so excited to see them and true to form I cried the minute I saw Cori. I am just so blessed to have such amazing friends. We spent the evening catching up and enjoying each others company. 

Zach is 4 weeks older than Kyle. 

Jackson and Beckett did joy school together. B could not have been more excited to see his Las Vegas buddy. When I asked to take a picture, the little boys stepped in too. 

Between the two families, we have seven boys! Tayden 6, Kyle, Tyler 2, Cache 2, Jackson 5, Zachary, Beckett 4. 

We had such a great time with the guys are are so grateful they took the time out of their vacation to come see us. Forever friends are the best! 

The next morning we got up and headed to inkom for the traditional parade and BBQ. Its never disappointed before and this year was no different. The kids loved the candy parade and playing and grandma and grandpa greats house. I love spending time on their property. It's the place that called me back to idaho life. I love it out there. 

Annual July 4th picture.

Tanner, the old pup. He had a rough week last week and we were waiting for his last days. But he pulled through. He's a good boy. 

Sweet cousin Aimslee. 

Ky had the best nap. Doesn't it look dreamy? 

We spent some time exploring the creek too, which is one of the boys favorite things to do. 

And it wasn't long before they changed into swim suits and started hunting for fish. 

Then we headed to my parents and enjoyed a nice relaxing evening. After a long day of running and playing outside, it was nice to have the reprieve of my parents home. We painted rocks, watched American Ninja Warrior, and did some fireworks with the neighbors. My dad smoked the most delicious ribs and my kids ate like they hadn't seen food in days. I put down the camera and just enjoyed the evening, so no pictures from the Mennear household. 

The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays and definitely my favorite tradition and the Gage's made it extra sweet this year. We couldn't have asked for anything better. 

Drive Inn

Friday night was memory making night for the Packard family. I stepped WAY outside my comfort zone and we went to the Drive Inn. I'm so schedule and sleep oriented that the thought of letting my kids start a movie at 9:45 really freaked me out. But I decided to let loose and enjoy the wonders of childhood and make some memories with the kids. So Scott threw the bean bags in the back of the truck and I loaded the kids in the car and we were off. 

One quick stop at walgreens to get some candy and we were ready. 

Ironically, we parked next to our little neighbor boy who Tayden and Beckett had been playing with all day. He hopped in with us for a bit and it was one giant party. 

Tayden and Cache made it through the whole movie. Beckett fell asleep with about 30 minutes left. I had to carry 50 pounds of dead Beckett weight to the car and attempt to load him in the car. I got him in and told him to walk to the back to his car seat. He immediately crumbled to the floor, sound asleep. It was hilarious. 

It was a great night. Its hard for me to let go, but on this night, I'm so glad I did. My kids won't be little forever and I totally intend on soaking them up. I think summer might not be so bad after all.  

Father Day 2K15

Father's Day was one for the books this year.  Adam and Melissa were headed down to Utah and since we haven't seen them for about 6 months we thought it'd be awesome to surprise the boys with a night out. I came up with all sorts of lies to get Scott down to Ogden, but he still figured it out as we were getting off the exit. He asked if we were having dinner with the Turneys and I was so excited I just couldn't lie anymore. I teared up and told him yes. He was equally excited. I threw my arms around Melissa the second I saw her and cried and cried. My heart was just so happy. 

We went out to dinner, bowling and then to ice cream. It was wonderful night with even better company. It felt like not a day had gone by with out them. They got to meet Kyle and my heart swelled as Adam held the babe that was named after him. It was the perfect evening. 

After we said goodbye to our friends, I had one more surprise for Scott. I kidnapped him and took him to a hotel for a little one night get away. My mom was kind enough to take the other three boys for the night and Scott and I...and Ky....Enjoyed a nice quiet evening. 

It was a wonderful Father's Day. We are so blessed to call him dad. He's a great father, wonderful husband and the hardest worker I know. I love him with my whole heart and I know our boys do too. 

Driving down. 

Reunited. 

Melissa and Ky. 

The wives imposing on the bromance selfie. 

Just us. 

Better. 

Kyle Adam and Adam. 

The boys. 

The girls.

Best Fathers Day!! 

Circus 2015

Grandma Packard treated us to a fun trip to the circus today. We loved it. The boys favorite acts were the tigers, the acrobat brothers and Spider-Man. I wish I would have taken more pictures, but I had my own circus to handle. 

The boys checking out the elephant rides before the circus. We had great seats. 

We love Grandma Packard. 

My boys love cotton candy. 

Tiger act. 

Spider man. 

What a great day!!