New Beginnings

We moved to Hauser! We decided that with Cora already changing schools from elementary to middle school, that this was the best time to move our family. Lots of changes and adapting, and lots of moving parts. It was no small feat! We are so grateful to neighbors and friends and ward members who helped us move and get all settled. Upon moving into the new house, we found that it was never cleaned. I've calmed down about it now, but it was pretty big blow for me. DOG HAIR. EVERYWHERE!!!!! I spent the first several days deep cleaning so we could start unpacking. It wasn't my favorite few weeks, that's for sure.

Here are a few snippets from our first few days: the sunsets in the summer are INCREDIBLE!

Deer make the best lawn ornaments.

While the kids and I were doing yard work, Murphy had wandered off and saw a fellow dog he wanted to become friends with. Little did he know, this is a hunting dog who's meaner than Cora on an empty stomach. The two dogs got into a scuffle and Murphy came away with a bite on his back, tail, and missing his canine tooth. He had to wear the cone of shame for a while and Cora was just so sweet. She felt so bad for Murphy that she lied down next to him to keep him company during her screen time. The kids sure love Murphy like he's another sibling.

Cora learned how to ride the mini bikes and she's a very cautious driver.

Bell Tower was in the Rathdrum Days parade which was so fun. Lance took Kimball and Murphy with him as Kimball manned the float atop the horse drawn hearse and Murphy kept him company.

The three of us sat in front of our Rathdrum chapel catching candy!

We have large toads and itty bitty frogs at the house. They're super loud at night.

We can shoot on our own property! Cora really loved the BB gun.

At night we see these giant beetles come out, they're so nasty!

After looking up the beetles, I found that they destroy trees. So naturally, I dropped a big rock on it. Apparently this one was female, look at all the eggs!

Cotton candy sunset.

Blue tailed skinks caught in mousetraps.

Lance's 43 birthday

Due to the move, Lance's birthday was pretty lame. Everything was packed up aside from essentials so no birthday cake or extravagant dinner. I left out one match and one candle for his singular Twinkie, and he opened small but meaningful gifts from.

This is one of my favorite pictures of him. I think I'll use it for his obituary.

Saved this t-shirt from our Disneyland trip - what's better than ghouls harmonizing together from the haunted mansion?

This is the last time the kids were able to play in our yard before we moved. Actually, I think I snapped this picture because it was a rare time that all three kids were playing nicely together. That doesn't happen very often.

Random Tidbits

The end of the school year marked celebrations for Cora who is officially finished with elementary school. These are her two besties, Presly and Carlee, and Miss Willhelm.

A while ago Lance got my tickets to Riverdance and since he's a major party pooper and wouldn't go with me, I got to have a date with my bestie, Julie. We enjoyed dinner together and LOVED the show!

Kimball's doodles get so detailed bizarre sometimes. How does his brain think of this stuff?

One of the last days of school for Kimball was to dress to impress. Kimball chose to dress as a stereotypical dad. Haha!

This was Becca Lee's baby shower which was so fun to be with old babysitters who now have children of their own, and to reconnect with old Shilo Hills ward friend.

Date with Dad to the baseball game

 

Sydney's Endowment

In June I flew back to UT for a quick trip to attend Sydney's endowment. Her story to get to the point of being temple-ready is faith inspiring and I feel privileged she shared it with me. I'm so grateful to be part of a family who supports one other whenever possible!