Downata Getaway

We found ourselves looking at a completely BLANK calendar. Which in itself gives me anxiety. I sort of thrive on being busy and having things to do. Memorial day was approaching and again I was aching to get out and feel some sense of normalcy. We didn't tell our kids but just told them we were going for a drive. We packed the car the night before and when they woke up, off we went! We decided to stay in Logan for our first night. So naturally, we visited the temple and walked around the outskirts. I still love having my family visit where our family began. 

 Across the street from the temple is one of C&E's old rental homes where many of their children lived.

 We then took a walk in Rendezvous Park which was gorgeous! The stream and the flowers and fresh air were calming. 

 These girls needed pictures with the flowers.

 Our cute little Air BnB was adorable. We brought our own food and enjoyed some games and snacks. We also hopped in the hot tub that is only made for 2-3 people. It may have over flown a little.

 The next day we went to Downata! We were there early and some of the first in the pool. The water was WARM which made me happy and the weather was perfect. They only let 100 people in the pool and so it really was perfect. Not too over crowded. We got out for lunch and then kept on swimming and sliding!

 The girls loved the splash pad and I enjoyed the sunshine SO much!

 It really was a perfect day. Water slides and warm weather. We all left with a little darker skin that day...Especially Chad! But it was oh so worth it!

 I didn't think the kids would last long but none of them wanted to leave when it was time. Rylee found a kiddie pool and was 100% content in that. Bri pushed her limits of what she could do but since we couldn't catch her at the bottom of the slide she was determined to be able to swim to the edge so she could go and she did pretty well but it made me nervous!

So glad for these little get aways that allow us to reset and reconnect with each other. I love going to Idaho too! For there I feel happy and safe!

End of School

I was SOOOOO glad when the School district moved up the end of school by a few weeks. All of us were so ready for it to be over. They all had one last zoom meeting, even Rylee, and it was happy and sad at the same time. Rylee LOVED her preschool program and it is such a bummer she didn't get to graduate and show what she has learned this year. But Oh well. Nothing we can do. 

 This was Mollie's awards meeting where they gave all the awards! Mollie had several awesome awards including high honor roll. I watched and it just made me emotional. So many weird feelings at this time!

 Each kid was assigned a day that they could go drive through the school to pick up their things. Ms Moore promised ice cream for good behavior while she was out having a foot surgery and never got to come back to school! But she made good on that promise and had ice cream for the kids on their last day.

 Prof Reis was sick and so she stayed away just in case but we got to see Mrs Erickson and say goodbye.

 Carter got to see both of his teachers. We did smores kits and chips and salsa for teacher gifts this year and an amazon gift card.

And when it was finally all over, we jammed out to Schools out for Summer in the kitchen. It wasn't as exciting as it typically is, but still it felt good knowing we wouldn't be tied to screens anymore. And again, the kids have handled things like champs, but then we find letters like this that remind us that our kids are struggling just as much as we are. It breaks my heart that their "normal" will probably never be heard of again. Sports will forever be changed, so will school and extra curricular activities. And shopping. It may never be as it once was. I wish I could snap my fingers and make things change. But sadly, we get to learn a NEW NORMAL. I know we can do it. It'll just be different. Heaven help us!

New cars

Meet Farley the Ford Fusion! Chad's poor little car died and needed more work than what it was worth. So I threw a for sale sign in the window and within 30 minutes of me doing that we had it sold! We only got $400 out of it but we were just glad to have it gone and make space for this beauty! We were able to pay cash for it (thanks to Pres. Trumps stimulus check) and we found a good deal from a private seller. There's not many things I hate more than car shopping! So I was glad this was painless and easy. 

 And Rylee got a new car too! The neighbors have been cleaning out their garage and gave us this practically brand new power wheels jeep! We had to buy a new battery for it but Chad found a good deal on one. She loves cruising the neighborhood in it and picking up the neighborhood boys!

 Watch out for a toddler driver in the area!

Celebrating all the things!

 By Mother's Day our virus status had turned to yellow which is a caution stage. So as soon as I could, I went to see my family! I missed them alot through this! We also got to meet baby Wren for the first time! 

 We are all in love!

 Since we missed celebrating Easter and doing a hunt we did it in May! Carter decided to turn his sack into an outfit! There just aren't words!

 Baby Cam had her first egg hunt!

 After the hunt we basked in the sun (and shade). We played some soccer in the yard and realized that was the first soccer game played in my parents yard.

 Later we celebrated Camry's first bee-day! Can't believe she is 1!

 We did bubbles outside and that kept Roman entertained. He loves being outside!

 On Sunday since there was still no church, we had our own lesson. Grandma did primary and helped the kids build this fun scene from the B of M.

 Mom's bishopric had a drive through ice cream stop for the ladies! So thoughtful and creative! And it was good!

 We gobbled it up before we went back in the house!

 My kiddos and hubby were extra good to me. I sure love being a mom to these kids.

 Chad surprised me and made this awesome little Idaho! I love it!

I was also surprised with a massage from my friend Steffani and a few awesome gifts. I'm super glad we could be with family and make memories and strengthen relationships. Love you all!!!

Some positive things

I'm for sure not a morning person, so this sleeping in thing I could get used to! We still were up and doing school by 9 every day, but I could sleep until 8:50 every day! And I got alot more morning snuggles in my bed which I don't typically have time for!

 We did FHE with Chet's family and then played some virtual games. Would we ever have done this if we weren't forced to stay home? I think not. But how cool to bring 2 families together who are miles apart to have a spiritual experience and some fun! We later added G&G Hymas to the group from their mission!

And these kids....They are resilient! Maybe more so than me. Their whole worlds have been flipped upside down, stomped on, and chewed up and spit out. And they almost haven't missed a beat. They still get up and work hard and work on their goals and have good attitudes (most days) and try to understand what the heck is going on and handle it with patience and grace. Look at those smiles. I love these kids and they have been examples to me in this time. They have been more than patient with me as I have learned how to balance our new normal. What great kids they are! 

 And even with soccer being canceled, our great coach has brought the girls together for a zoom meeting practice! He even gives the girls time to chat at the end and tell what they've been up to. He instructs them in drills and then watches them do them. How blessed we are to have video conference soccer and a coach who cares. Keep up the good work kids!

Ophir Adventure

Again, somewhere we would probably never take the time to go to unless we were totally bored! Which we are. This little gem of a town is about 30min south of us. It was a mining town back in the day and they have preserved some of the history. Here was the entrance to the mine!

 The kids were very excited about seeing their first ever phone booth!

 There was a cute little old village for us to see complete with homes, post office and outhouse!

 Such a pretty little place!!!

One thing I'm incredibly grateful for at this time is these adventures. Seeing things we normally wouldn't go see and doing it as a family because no one has anywhere to be! It's pretty great. I love our covid adventures!