Cousin Party & Ogden, Utah...

My sister Lexie wanted to get all the cousins together one last time for an overnight before my sister Lauralee moves to Atlanta, Georgia in a few weeks. We ran into a small problem, the night picked for the cousin get together was also the night our family was leaving for a weekend trip to Ogden, Utah. Because the kids really wanted to party with their cousins we decided to do no overnight, but leave for Utah at about 10:30 Friday night. It all worked out great. The kids had a blast together. They played outside, hiked/walked around the Wetlands, ate yummy pizza, played some more, and watched a movie. They sure packed a lot into five hours.

[Tucker, Miles, Kyra, Ruby, Avery, and Ella] 

[Riggin in the stroller]

They both were tuckered out. Kyra was asleep before we got out of my sister's neighborhood, and Miles was asleep as we approached Mountain Home. All the kids slept great for the majority of the trip. We got to Sam and Jen's house at 3:00 in the morning. Once we unpacked the car and got the kids settled I think we were all asleep by 3:45.

Saturday morning came too fast. We all lounged around for most of the morning. Later once everyone else arrived [Pennie, Seth, Kimmy, and kids] we decided to go to Sam's restaurant, Pizza Pie Cafe for a late lunch early dinner. The new restaurant was beautiful, and the food was delicious as always. After Jen took us to one of her favorite stores, Smith and Edwards. This store had everything from camping gear to canning supplies, it was lots of fun. The night was spent chit chatting with one another, good times.

The main reason for going to Ogden was because Sam and Jen had their third baby girl Emmalyn a couple months ago, and Sunday was her blessing day. The blessing was beautiful. I'm so happy we were able to come and be apart of Emmalyn's special day. After there was a luncheon at Sam and Jen's house with lots of family. There was lots of food, everything was delicious. By about 3:00 we said our goodbyes and headed back home to Boise. We stopped in Jerome for a few hours to say hi to Ryan, Deanna, and kids. We had a great weekend, it's always fun spending time with family.

[Madde (1 month), Emma (3 months), and Gage (5 months)] 

 [Pennie with her three newest grandchildren]

Family Date Night!

My sister, Lauralee and her family are moving to Atlanta, Georgia in just a few short weeks. Trevor got a new job. Although I'm super sad to see them go, I think this move will be good for their family. Before the big move my dad wanted to treat everyone to dinner/movie. Everyone decided to get babysitters, that way we were able to have a fun night with no distractions. We chose to eat dinner at Cancun Mexican Restaurant, a family favorite. As always it was super tasty. After we decided to see Pacific Rim at the cheap theater, it was quite entertaining. We all had a great night together. The Newby family is sure going to be missed a lot. 

Labor Day Weekend...

We had a fun Labor Day weekend this year. Saturday morning we went to the Boise Balloon Festival. It was super early, but worth it to see all the hot air balloons inflate and lift off into the sky. There was a total of 40 balloons. This year there was a new balloon shaped like a rocket, it was definitely a kid favorite along with Mickey Mouse. After we went to DK Doughnuts for breakfast, yummy.

Awhile back Bryce bought a new kayak off Craigslist for a great deal. Now that he had the kayak he of course needed a few more items [kayak skirt, helmet, paddle, and life jacket]. There was a store downtown having their end of the Summer clearance sale where Bryce purchased his last two items. Bryce is now super excited to try out his new toy at the Boise River Whitewater Park.

Saturday night we went to Adrien, Oregon for a wedding reception. Bryce's cousin Vaughn got married. It was great seeing and chit chatting with Bryce's extended family.

Monday Jacqui and Greg Tingey invited our family to a Labor Day BBQ/Pool Party. There were lots of other families too. It was bring your own meat, plus a side dish or dessert to share with everyone. There was lots of yummy food. The kids had a blast playing in the water. Kyra jumped in with no fear at all, and jumped off the diving board 50+ times. Miles is a bit more reserved and stayed on the step and splashed around. Before leaving the kids had fun on the swing and teeter totter. It was fun catching up with friends, and playing in the sun.

Overall Labor Day weekend was great. We also LOVE having Bryce home one extra day during the work week. During most of these activities Gage was sleeping, therefore not a lot of photos with Gage.

Shakespeare Festival!

Last year for my birthday Bryce got me Shakespeare Festival tickets. I got to pick three plays to go to with Bryce as my hot date. The whole experience was awesome, we got to go on three different dates [without kids], and enjoy a fantastic play under the stars. This year when Bryce asked me what I wanted for my birthday, my answer of course was more Shakespeare Festival tickets. So between last summer and this summer Bryce and I have enjoyed many plays together. This year we went to Blithe Spirit, Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, and The Foreigner. They were all great shows.

This year we purchased additional tickets, and Bryce took his mom to King Richard III. There were technical difficulties the night of their play, so the play ended early. Because of that we scored two extra tickets for another play. So our last play, The Foreigner Pennie and Trent [my nephew] joined us. The play was hilarious and we all had a great time together.  

Hopefully I get more Shakespeare Festival tickets for my birthday next year, I would be one happy girl.  

Celebrating Dad's 59th Birthday!

My dad's birthday was in the middle of the week this year, so we waited for the weekend to celebrate. We invited my dad over for Sunday dinner before meeting up with the rest of the family. For his birthday we gave him a Costco size bag of peanut M&M's, and thanked him for being a marvelous and magnificent dad/papa. Later we met with everyone else at Kleiner's Park. Everyone brought a treat to share, we had cookies, cake, doughnuts, and chips/salsa. Everything was yummy. Bethany brought some old family pictures, therefore we all took turns reminiscing. At the park there is a bocce ball court, so we brought our balls and the boys had fun playing. The kids played on the playground, and ran around on the splash pad in their clothes. By the end the kids were soaked and cold but still having fun with their cousins. By the time we called it a night it was really dark. I believe we were the last ones to leave the park. Happy birthday dad, it was fun celebrating your special day with you. Love ya!