Mimi dates with Kyra & Miles

My mom leaves this coming Tuesday. My mom has tried very hard to spend quality one on one time with each of her grandchildren before moving. Thursday was Kyra's day. Kyra packed her bags and was super excited for Mimi to pick her up. They went to the movies at Edwards to see Planes. Kyra did not like the movie at all and they ended up leaving early. Because it was not too far into the movie Edwards gave them movie tickets to come back a different day. After they went to IHOP for dinner. Kyra of course ordered breakfast and got pancakes with bacon. They had fun being out and about together. After they went back to Mimi's house for a spend the night. Kyra did not go to bed till after 10:00. The next morning Kyra came home saying she had lots of fun with Mimi.

Today was Miles' day. Miles was dressed and ready to go in his cowboy hat and boots that Mimi got him awhile back. Miles wanted to go play at the park, so they went to DeMeyer park and played for awhile. Miles loved the swings. After they went to eat lunch at McDonald's. Miles of course got chicken nuggets with fries. Miles had a fun morning out with Mimi.

Boise Zoo

The kids and I went to the Boise Zoo with my old roommate Chandra and her kids today. Chandra lives in Utah, but is from Boise and come home to visit family and friends often. She traveled with her five kids alone, I was so impressed. Her five kids are all 5 years old and under. Crazy. Her friend actually needed a babysitter during the time we were at the zoo, so whats one more kid right? Chandra shows up with six kids, plus my three totaled two mommies trying to catch up on life and nine kids running around. You know your great friends when you have not seen each other in awhile, but can still pick up like no time has passed at all. We were at the zoo for five hours, and the kids all got along and had fun together. I tried multiple times getting a picture of all the kids together but it never happened. Ava [Chandra's only girl] loved smiling for pictures, so we got a few cute pics of her and my kids. In the car going home I asked my kids what their favorite animals were, Kyra loved the giraffes, and Miles loved the monkeys. They both also liked the dinosaurs placed in different areas around the zoo park. Overall we had a fun crazy day at the zoo. Thanks Chandra for another great memory.  

Western Idaho Fair!

Every year we go to the Western Idaho Fair on family night. It's a fun activity once a year [Bryce would tell you otherwise]. We went with my mom, Brent, and Kim too. We kinda do the same thing each year, and the kids have a blast. We definitely had a few melt downs considering Kyra refused to take a nap earlier, plus we were out way past her bedtime. Oh well. Overall we had a good time together. 

Miles saying "cheese" by the baby cow...

Kids Tractor Pulling AND enjoying ice cream/milk... 

Helping daddy feed the goats...

My mom and I...

Kyra loves her pony ride, so cute...

Train ride with daddy...

Miles LOVES his Uncle Brent...

Gage was awesome, he especially LOVED looking at all the bright lights...

Family girls night!

My mom is moving to Utah at the end of this month. I really wanted to get the girls together for a fun night out. Kim was unable to come because she and Brent were celebrating their first Anniversary in McCall, we missed her a lot. Brady came into town last minute and decided to tag along with the girls. We had a fun fun night. We went to dinner at The Olive Garden. We chit chatted and laughed for hours. The tables around us were probably sick of us after awhile, it may have gotten a little loud a few times. After we rented a movie titled Admission and watched it at Lexie's house. The movie was really good and funny. We all had a great night together. It's always fun making new memories, especially with family. Love you mom, I'm sure going to miss you.  

Boise Hawks Game!

Bryce had a conference for work this week, near the end of the week a family fun night was provided for everyone. This year it was a catered BBQ at the Hawks Stadium plus a free ticket to the game. The food was yummy, the kids really enjoyed their hot dogs, chips, and ice cream. Lots of kids attended but I think we stuck it out the longest leaving at the end of 6th inning after singing Take Me Out to the Ball Game. We had a great night together as a family and look forward to going next year. 

Goodbye Amber!

My good friend Amber is moving away in just a few days to Lincoln, Nebraska. Her hubby got accepted to the Nurse Anesthetist Program at University of Nebraska, therefore they will be gone for three years. It stinks saying goodbye to friends, but I know Amber and I will always be friends [even if we live many states away from each other]. I've blogged about these girls before, so here it goes again. We thought it would be fun to get together for one last hurrah before the big move. For dinner we went to one of our favorite places, The Creperie. The crepes were delicious as always, especially the sweet one. After dinner we said goodbye to Tonya because she was leaving for a weekend trip to Utah, but the fun continued. We decided to go shopping at the mall before going to the movies. It was so nice to shop without kids, so much easier and less stressful. We then went to the theater and saw The Internship. After we sat in the car at Chandra's till 3:00 in the morning talking. I know I'm getting old because the next day I barely survived. We all had lots of fun together.

Tonight Amber and I decided to go out for dessert. We went to U Swirl, and it was tasty. We also went to a few stores trying to find car activities for Amber's kids on the big drive. It was hard hanging out with Amber tonight because I knew it was the last time for awhile. She has been such a great friend to me the last four years. I'm going to miss her immensely. I sure hope she moves back to Boise in three years.    

[Tonya, me, Chandra, and Amber]

FHE with Brent & Kim!

This week we had FHE with Brent and Kim. We first met at their apartment to see it for the first time since they got married. They live in Nampa and we are never out that way. Their apartment is perfect for them and so cute. We then had a quick lesson, and a yummy treat [root beer floats]. For our activity we went to a place Brent and Kim discovered in Star on the Boise River. There was a great place for the kids to wade and throw rocks. There was also a rope swing and a wall to pump off of. We all had a great time and will definitely go back again.    

Gage's Baby Blessing!

Gage received his baby blessing at church today, it was a great day. We had a lot of family to share this special day with. Bryce gave a wonderful blessing. I'm so grateful for the gospel in my life, it brings me so much happiness. I love knowing my family can be together forever. We LOVE you Gage, and are so happy you are apart of our eternal family.

Ellsworth "Brave Hearts" Reunion!

The family reunion this year started off going to Skyler's mission farewell in Middleton. Skyler was called to serve his mission in Sacramento, California. There were lots of family and friends in attendance to support Skyler as he starts his new adventure. After sacrament meeting family members were invited to a different room where Skyler was set apart as a missionary. Shortly after church everyone got together at a nearby park for lunch to eat and say their goodbyes to Skyler.

Monday afternoon we arrived at Cascade 4-H Camp. We picked our cabin and explored the campgrounds. This year breakfast, lunch, and dinner was included with our stay, therefore no one spent time in the kitchen prepping meals. The food was delicious, plus there was an endless supply of milk [my kids were in heaven]. That night down by the lake we started a fire and roasted marshmallows.   

Tuesday we spent a good part of the day playing in the water. We had lot of fun with the paddle boards and canoes. We also played some water front games involving water balloons.

Later that night after dinner everyone participated in the Ellsworth Highland Games. Christine taught the kids a dance representing the Scottish culture, and Jason was in charge of the games. Some of the games included caber toss, stone put, and weight endurance. Everyone had a blast, especially the kids.. 

Wednesday we went to Kelly's Whitewater Park. We had a great afternoon picnicking, and tubing down the river several times. Kyra went before I did with Bryce and loved it. She is definitely our little dare devil. Later that night we played games and chit chatted.

Thursday morning the moms had their annual outing together. We enjoyed breakfast at our favorite restaurant, The Pancake House. We have been there many times together, and it never disappoints. After we shopped around at a few stores in McCall. We always have a great time being together. 

Later that night we popped popcorn and had our video talent show. Each family was asked to create a family music video to share with everyone at the reunion. Our family rocked out to Stereo Hearts. The kids loved making a music video and felt like super stars. After we had a costume dance party. Ryan was the DJ. We all had fun showing off our dance moves, especially the kids.

As always the family reunion was a great success. It's always fun being together and making new memories. The theme this year was Brave Hearts, and we had a blast showing our bravery all week long.