4th of July night

As I mentioned in the last post, the kids and I went to Island park for the weekend of the 4th, but we came home in time to do fireworks and a pick nick with Craig.
We decided to get us some KFC, and have ourselves a pick nick at the park, but the Storm had other plans. On our way to the park it started raining buckets, so we drove to a parking garage and had our little pick nick in there. It turned out to be so fun, something totally different then we would normally do. After the pick nick we went home and lit our fireworks while listening to patriotic music. I loved having the music, it added so much to the whole experience. After our fireworks we drove Craig's truck to our secret location to watch the big show, where we all sat in the back of the truck and ate red vines. After the show Carter, Layla, and I lay down for the ride home. It was their first time riding in back, and it was a magical moment with the combination of giggles, stars, and fireworks all around....perfect:)

4th Of July

My family has a cabin in Island Park, and every year for the 4th of July we have a BIG reunion up there that lasts the whole weekend. It's with my the 6 children in my Dads family, and all their children, and all their children....so it's lots of people, and lots of fun. Craig had to work this year over the weekend, but I thought I would be super woman, and take the kids up anyway.
My Dad rented a beautiful cabin near the family cabin for my siblings and I to stay in. It was so fun to go back to our cabin at the end of the day and sit in the hot tub, and play games till the weeeee hours of the morning. During the day we got to do all the fun camping stuff that kids love most.
At one point the ladies decided to take a ladies only boat ride, cranked up ABBA, and surfed behind the boat. It was my first time surfing, and I totally loved it. Even though Layla tripped while we were out, and her front tooth went through her lip; and Carter through the BIGGEST tantrum of his life because I was going on the boat without him...I'm still glad I went.

Ditch Day

We are lucky enough to live in one of the few neighborhoods that still has irrigation water rights. Once a week the little ditch behind our yard fills up with water, and the kids get wet. Grandpa Hall (Craig's Dad) and Carter made this cool little boat together, so now on "ditch day" the kids take it out and float it down...so much fun! Happy Ditch Day.

1960's Date

I found myself in the cutest little vintage store the other day looking at home decor items, and before I knew it I was trying on this little number. I loved the boat neck with the side tie, and the extended sleeves. Most dresses are too short for me, so I love it when I find a short one that isn't too short. I mean come on, we all want to show a little leg every once and a while, but not the whole kit and caboodle:)

Basically, this dress inspired me to plan a great big 1960's themed date with my guy. I made Craig an invitation that said "Hey cool cat, are you ready for a groovy time? Pick me up tonight at 7:00" I wore the dress...or course, and tried really hard to do my hair big, but I just couldn't get it to stay :( Where is aqua net when you need it!?! We went to a diner for some good grub, and made a swift return home to relieve the baby sitters (thanks Kim and Jeff). I google searched "60's recipes" and found a yummy fruit dip one. I also picked up some old fashioned coke bottles, popcorn buckets, and some other oldish snacks for our movie. We watched the original "yours, mine, and ours". I thought is was cute, but it was a little too slow for Craig. After the movie we did a little dancing to some hits from the 60's, which of course led to....ya know, good times;).

Annnnnyyywaaayyy, it's always so much fun to change things up, and keep them exciting. We still stuck with the regular dinner and a movie date night thing, but with a little flare. Our next theme date is already in the works, so you'll have to stay tuned to hear all about it...well, maybe not allllll about it:)

kindergarten graduation

Sometimes you just gotta brag about your kids...right? You know you've done it! I certainly have, and now I'm about to do it a little more:) This past School year Carter was in Kindergarten, and he did so well. He came home one day with a flyer and said, "Mom, I'm going to win an Ipod!" so I read the flyer and found out the story. His School was going to hold a spell-a-thon, and he had to get pledges from friends and family for each word he got right. The ONE student that raised the most money from the ENTIRE SCHOOL would get an Ipod. So, being the loving Mother I am, I thought to myself "ya right, not going to happen", but I said to him "OK honey, if you work really hard anything is possible". longs story short...He WON THE IPOD! He got 52 out of 52 words right, and raised nearly $500. Also, he was the only kindergartner invited to the Young Authors Celebration. He was chosen because of a couple of the books he wrote and illustrated. Carters teacher would read his books to his class for story time sometimes, and she submitted his name for the honor. And wait, there is more. He also excelled in reading, he is actually a grade ahead, so he got to go to the library with 2 other kids from his grade and check out special books, which was a really big high-light for him. If you can't tell by now...I'm really proud of my little buddy for all his hard work. Ok, I'm done:)

Art Sale

Remember Carters Art Sale last year? he did so well with it that he decided to have another go round...and this time he did even better! He is so persuasive and sincere that i just don't know how you could say no to him. He has such a great heart, and the funniest personality.
I love that boy!

Fathers Day

I was just thinking the other day about My Guy, and realized we started dating over 12 years ago. I had no idea at the time that I would be spending the rest of forever with him, or how lucky I was because of that. I didn't know he would take a sad little shriveled up plant, and turn it into something beautiful. I didn't know he would find a baby bird that fell out of it's nest, and climb our 40+ foot pine tree to return it to it's home; while every bird in the state of Idaho swooped down at him, and I screamed his name in terror (true story). I didn't know he would give me 3 of the most amazing children in the world, and spend the better part of his Fathers Day at the hospital visiting and blessing the sick.
I didn't know lots of things back in the day...but now I'm old and wise.
I know My Guy would do anything for me and our children.
I know he works 80+ hours a week so I can stay home with our little Chickie's.
I know I never ever have to worry about where he is at night.
I know I love him with my whole heart, and I hope he knows how much.