Sawyer

Sawyer has been suffering at home being the only child. He has been able to work more with Abe because his personality is so much more mellow when he is on his own and he is able to follow instructions much better. Unfortunately he didn't follow instructions so well when he was loading hay with Abe, and proceeded to take off  his flip flop and rub is foot on some splintery wood. I cam home to him eating a popsicle on the couch and Abe trying to remove the splinters. 

After lots of begging and bribing, Abe and I had to both hold him down to take it out. That kid is so strong!

Other than the occassional hiccup, this blue eyed boy and I enjoy our days doing whatever we please or whatever needs to be done. A lot of the time I end up in my hammock and Sawyer is busy in the dirt pile. At some point he ends up joining me in my hammock and we usually end up with a snack.

Crew's First Day of Kindergarten

Crew started kindergarten today. It was very exciting. I thought I would be more of a mess, but I think I worked through many of my emotions before the big day. 

To help the kindergarten class transition into school more smoothly, they get to attend school by themselves today. Everyone else will join on Monday.  We started out the morning with Abe giving Crew a father's blessing. Followed by the required photo, and then off to school. 

Sawyer was heart broken to see Crew go. He had to hug him about 20 times and he was very weepy when we got to Crew's school. Crew is definitely Sawyer's best friend.

The kids only went to school for 3 hours and it was a success. Crew was so happy and so excited about his experience. Sawyer was so excited to have Crew back. 

So begins a new chapter in our life.

Lots of tight hugs for these best friends

 (The fence is almost finished. The goal is to have it done on Monday)

 Crew was so thrilled about all of his special lunch gear. Sawyer shouted out, "One more hug!" ran up to Crew, and threw his arms around him. Crew said, "Ah, I gotta go!" when the hug was a little too long. And let me say, I am so glad it wasn't my kid crying their eyes out!! Then I really would have been a mess.

 One last happy farewell.

He was so sad.

There were smiles all around when we picked up Crew. It is a wonderful relief that the day went smoothly and we can look forward to Monday.

Just doing some homework in his life jacket.

Home Again

The boys are so happy to be home and working with Dad again. There have been ATV rides, equipment repair, relaxation, movie going, wrestling, and a lot of love.

Crew went down the big slide on the last day to the pool. But he would only go down on Abe's lap and his head couldn't go under. I laughed at the sight and felt proud of him overcoming his fear.

Keegan's Baby Blessing

Today Keegan was blessed by Tyler. He did a great job and there were many family members there to support their family. After church I ran home to grab the apple crisp I made from Grandma and Grandpa Arave's apple tree (it was so delicious) and help my Mom gather up her stuff as well. Soon we were all at the park celebrating and having a yummy lunch with all the family members. Keegan snoozed away. It was pretty hot outside and slumbering was a must.

Crew and Sawyer were very red and hot as they ran around and played. A few popsicles helped cool them off before we headed home. 

Sleeping beauty was wide eyed when it was time to leave.

Idaho

Jake and I headed to Reed's Dairy to get some black licorice ice cream. Jake had tried to stop and find some but was unsuccessful. I called up the dairy and they said they had some, so we hopped on our bikes and left. It was an interesting experience as I had flash backs to us as children and me trying to keep up with my over the top brother. This time I could keep up, until I had to eat my ice cream and pedal on the way home, and get a bug in my eye. Skills! 

We spent another day out at Grandma and Grandpa Araves. This time Jake and Crew participated in an epic round of hide and seek. Sawyer asked to hold Keegan and held her for about 30 minutes and I was so glad when he was done because my arms were pretty numb holding him and Keegan.

The day was muggy  and overcast and we didn't do our water activities that we had hopped to do. Instead Dallin learned how to ride a pedal bike without training wheels. I bribed him and told him that if he learned how to ride I would take him for ice cream. His parents left on a walk about that time and when they got back he surprised them with his new found skills. It was very thrilling to see his confidence build and see how proud he was of his success. It was a fun evening out with the boys!