Our Crew: Showered with LOVE

August 3-9, 2014

I found this pulled up on my phone. Gotta love new knots to learn.

I really wish this wasn't the knot he was learning though. Although it does look really cool...Kurt tells me its completely normal for a boy his age. If he says so...

August hits and I feel my throat starting to close and the choking sensation happening. You can pretty much kiss summer good bye. S A D N E S S. Got to make each moment count! We love the beautiful weather during flag football practice.

It doesn't get much better than the freedom and carefree life of a childhood summer.

I love this chubby little finger of Jane's trying to touch that bubble....

So excited to have friends come play. The girls asked Baylea to bring her American Girl doll and they had hours of fun with that. And other normal things 9-6 year old girls do.

Spencer was amazing with Jonathan and played with him the entire time. What cute puppies. He gave a very convincing argument that he really does want a younger brother. Looks like we'd better have Johnny come play some more!

That evening was Lauren's bridal shower at the church. Emma's Events spent a lot of time preparing for this event. I appreciate that girl and all her hard work. What a fun thing this has been for us this summer. I hope it will continue! Our set up was quite rushed and so I've been brainstorming ways to improve that for future events.

I am so excited and happy for Lauren. What a journey this has been for her.

Kurt took the boys to their flag football games and Spencer scored a touch down. Woot woot!! So sad I missed it but so excited for him!

We had a new member lesson with Kea and Maggie. Had to paint nails before we could start. Spencer gave me a manicure.

Love the concentration

That afternoon we went swimming with Braxton and the Forsberg kids {Brittney was busy helping the YW with a fundraiser.} Jane gets more and more comfortable and brave in the water each time we go. She's a cutie.

Lucy was having a hard time being obedient and actually had to repeat this scene {time out} twice.

Lately Austin's practice has been getting over quickly and so that gives us L O T S time to play before the boys practice starts. Its a good thing none of us have grass because we are very content to roll and frolic in it to pass the time. Tonight they were tigers {they were very disgusted with me that I didn't know the difference between a tiger and a cougar.}

After practice we headed to A&W for free root beer floats for National Root Beer Float Day. Ok I had absolutely no idea this existed but when I was gassing up the car the attendant told me all about it. Sweet!

{Ruth played at Brooke's all afternoon and Emma was playing with Katelynn.}

Our plan was to leave Thursday morning. I ran with Rachel J. Kurt fixed my brakes on the car. And it was still 10 am and everyone was in their jammies. We were not moving very fast and no one had the desire to get in the car for another road trip. We finally left at 3 pm.

Grateful for good travelers.

Obviously we didn't get down there very early. We tiptoed over to the house in the dark and heart attacked the front lawn. They finished just in time before the front door opened. Hugs and screaming all around. It took Lucy about 2 minutes before she jumped into the throng of TIM love.

The weekend was quiet and relaxing. Elaine and kids came down. The cousins are always so happy to be reunited. Saturday afternoon I took the Spencer, Austin and Ruth on {individual} back-2-school mommy dates. They were only about an hour a piece.

Spencer rode this toy outside Family Dollar and N O it was not as exciting as it looks.

He used his fair money to pick out some nunchucks and then lunch at The Scone Cutter.

Austin and I went shopping at Kohl's for new shoes for school and then he picked out GAK and Fart Powder.

Ruth and I went and got pedicures. It was her first time. They did a manicure for FREE for her plus cute little flowers on her nails. Her grin was so cute. Although she said it did hurt a little I think she's hooked.

It was great to hang out with Tim again. It was nice that it was low key for a few days. We went thrifting with Elaine and then they saw a movie {Sam got them in free.} Tim is a great kid and the mission has been a wonderful experience. I hope that he will continue to apply the gospel principles he has learned from his mission every day of his life.

hanging in the club house

helped grandma hang pretty blue plates outside. Great kitchen view.

Saturday was Grandma Karen's family reunion. They had two bounce houses and a very large slip and slide set up for the kids. It was perfect because it kept them happy, entertained and busy. As soon as we got their Austin got in an accident with one of the younger cousins. Their parents were very upset with how it was handled. And so Austin and I had a long talk {and drive as we picked up our KFC chicken.} I asked him to apologize to both parents again before he ate or played. It was a very long {and painful and emotional} process for him to work up the courage to talk to them. I pray that it was a learning experience for him.

It was good to visit with family. The program was perfect in duration and content. Lorraine and Ali did a great job planning everything. It worked so well to have the activities for the kids because it allowed the adults to visit. Lots of great food. It was a common theme that most of the husbands were not there.