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. 

Eagle Island...

We went to Eagle Island today for a birthday party. The kids had a blast, and played for hours. I think we will be spending many more days at Eagle Island before summer ends. We LOVE summer!   

Mommy/Daughter dates...

Kyra and I have had a few mommy/daughter dates recently. Our first date we went to the movies and saw The Croods. Kyra enjoyed the movie and laughed a lot. She especially loved eating her very own popcorn. After we went to Sonic to enjoy a milkshake together. 

Our second date was at the July Relief Society weekday meeting. The theme was Cinco de Mayo. The activity was at a local park where dinner was provided. We had Cafe Rio burritos, and for dessert we had huckleberry ice cream. Everything was delicious. There was also a photo booth, so Kyra and I picked out some fun props and took a picture. We had a fun time together.

Kyra is so full of love, always happy, and out to have a good time. Being a mom of three is hard work, some days are harder than others. It was great for Kyra and I to spend time together just the two of us. I look forward to many more mommy/daughter dates. Love you Kyra!    

4th of July!

We had a lot of fun this year celebrating the 4th of July. We went to Marsing the night of the 3rd. It was Riggin's birthday, so we celebrated with cake/ice-cream. After we all went to the firework show in town, it was great as always. The kids were amazed and enjoyed the entire show. Once we were back at the house the kids went to bed and the adults sat around the fire and talked for awhile. 

The next morning we enjoyed a yummy breakfast, and some relaxation time. Later we went to Jump Creek. We went swimming in the cold water, we all had fun.

Once we got back to the house we packed our things up and headed to Middleton to spend time with Bryce's side of the family. We had a BBQ with lots of yummy food. After we lounged around waiting for it to get dark. Once it was dark Bryce and his brothers enjoyed setting off lots of fireworks. We had a great time and got back to Boise late. Overall we had a great 4th of July.  

Going to Rexburg...

Instead of staying home this year while Bryce went on his yearly manventure with his brothers, the kids and I tagged along and stayed with Kirsten in Rexburg. Kimmy came from Pocatello with her kids too. One day Erin came from Idaho Falls with her kids. The kids had a blast playing with their cousins. We spent a lot of time outside enjoying the HOT weather. Thursday we set up a slip-n-slide and filled the pool, the kids played for hours. That night we had a girls night. We went to dinner at Wingers, and went to the movie Man of Steel in 3D. We had a fun time together without the kids. Friday we stayed around the house all day chillaxin. That night we played games and chit chatted. Saturday in the morning we took the kids to feed the ducks and play at the park. During nap time everyone watched The Great Oz. Later that night the boys came home. After dinner the girls went out to get treats at Walmart. While shopping around I ran into my cousin Megan, we chatted for a good 30 minutes. It was fun running into her and catching up. Later we got home and played games. The next morning we went to sacrament and headed back home to Boise. The kids and I had a great weekend in Rexburg. Bryce had lots of fun on his manventure and will blog about that on a different post.

My kids loved the tire swing...

Girls night...

Feeding the ducks/nature walk...