Lance took Isom and Kimball to the canyon for their first zip line adventure. At first the boys were a bit nervous but were pros after the first run. It helps that the course is really tame.
I know I was at the Coxes almost every day but we just visited and ate. I didn't take too many pictures at all.
Christine and I had Tyson and his girlfriend, Savannah, over for dinner one night. Man, I forgot what a hoot Tyson is! We had such a great time together and his girlfriend is just the sweetest thing.
I finally convinced Adam to let Christine, Sydney, and I come visit for a little bit. He wasn't feeling good and kept putting us off so I finally said, "We're coming and we're going to drop off the freezer meals we made for you, then we'll leave." By the time we put the meals in the freezer we couldn't get him to shut up, I think he really enjoyed the visit as much as we did. Sure love that guy to death! I had to sneak the picture when he wasn't looking.
Later that evening Tyson took me on a proper date! Earlier in the day he asked me what my favorite colors were and what I was wearing. He got me pink and yellow flowers and tried his best to match my shirt. Doesn't he look so handsome?! Not only that, but Tyson got me jewelry!!! He got me a matching set of birthstone earrings and necklace. What a charmer. He took me to Chic Fil-A because it was quite late and then he stayed at Mom's house for a bit visiting with us when Charity came home with her boyfriend. Those two had a good time trying to one-up each other on cars and whatnot. It was hilarious.
I felt bad because earlier in the day at work, Tyson stepped on a nail that went right through his work boot and 2" into his foot. His boss had to take him to urgent care. He was limping all night and hurting pretty good.
Of course we had to go out and visit Trish who was feverishly deep cleaning her house before hosting lots of people for Devin's mission farewell. Cora and I got our assignments to help clean inside while Devin took Kimball for a horse ride. Kimball LOVED IT!! He's been smitten by Devin ever since. It finally dawned on me, I don't think my kids have ever ridden a horse, not even when Dad had them at the house. Weird.
This sums up Cora's farm experience, HAHAHA!!! I took her out to spray down the pigs, collect eggs, feed the calved some grain, etc. The only thing I could get her to do was hold the egg bucket.
I have the best sister in the world!!! Christine is hands down the most thoughtful person I've ever met. She's always serving someone in her ward, her neighbor, or sending care packages to someone in the family. She planned a family dinner for my 40th birthday and by golly, I was in tears. She'd put together a photo montage of my last 40 years and had everyone submit some memories or kind words about me. She read it out loud and I was crying in front of everyone but I didn't care.
I was especially touched by Zander's gift who picked out and arranged this fall centerpiece and bought with his own money. I currently have it sitting right by my front door.
Devin did an excellent job on his farewell talk! I was happy to see so many friends and family to support him, he's going to be an awesome missionary. Afterward we went to Halle's duplex for a tour, I think she really liked showing it off and it is darling. Most people had already left before we snapped this picture.
The day before we left to go home, Kimball was supposed to have a man trip with Grandpa to D&B except he had oral surgery that day, so it ended up being a date with Grandma instead. Grandpa gave very specific instructions of what Grandma was to get. A few hours later and in walks this Pettingill-ified Kimball. Whoot, so spiffy!! Look at that wrangler butt! Kimball thoroughly enjoyed his date and couldn't thank Grandpa enough. Boy if that didn't give him a huge self esteem boost and create a core memory! I'm so grateful to them for doing that. It isn't about the expensive clothes, it's about making a grandson feel seen and important. It put a feather in his cap and pip in his step so to speak. Since my children don't get to see Grandma and Grandpa very often, it certainly made my heart swell with gratitude and joy seeing my boy that confident and that loved.
I did the drive home in two days so I wasn't driving tired. We stopped in Pendleton and the kids loved swimming in the hotel pool that night. Just what was needed after several hours in the car. Boy, I love my bunch!
And I came home to find Lance bought THIS.
