Catching up

I know I am months behind on the blog. Here's a little video to catch you up (at least a little).

We love America!

We love America. We had such a busy, busy 4th of July weekend. I competed in a mini biathalon. We went camping, watched the parade, made patriotic treats, barbequed with friends, and watched the fireworks. Whew we were tired, but we sure had fun. Maybe next year we'll be together with Ben.

I picked up a few things so Rhone and Olin could make "sparklers" together. Two little boys doing a project is a whole lot messier than just one, but it sure was fun. They couldn't get enough of dumping and shaking sprinkles.

Rhone dipping his pretzel in the chocolate.

Olin enjoying his sparkler.

Rhone showing us their finished work.

One of my high school friends is now the cross country coach at the high school. So I thought it would be fun support their biathlon fundraiser. I didn't do amazing, but for the amount of training I did, I was happy with my results. It was a 1.5 mile run and a 7 mile bike.

Just coming in from the run. Getting ready to head out on my bike. Rhone and me with my t-shirt.

The parade wasn't as good this year as it has been in the past, but Rhone had fun and got plenty of candy.

Rhone waving at the paraders.

Ready to catch his candy in the colts bag.


We made these simple treats to take to the barbeque. They were a huge hit with the kids.

Ready for the big fire works show. Olin stayed up, but Rhone sure did fall asleep.
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Nana got them these cool chairs for camping and the fireworks. Rhone was quite impressed.

When Rhone decided he was tired he just plugged his ears and closed his eyes so he could fall asleep. It was pretty funny.

Water and Reunion Fun

We spent a lot of time playing in the water. Most of the time it was just Rhone and Olin in Nana's backyard, but Rhone is naked in most of those pictures. So instead here are a few from the water park in Pocatello and some from our little family reunion. It was so fun to see cousins I haven't seen in years. The dynamics are so different now that most of us are married with kiddos.

I love how Rhone is squirting this stranger.

Olin had this look of delight on his face the WHOLE time. He loved it! And in case you are wondering, Brock did indeed have the best farmer's tan.

That Idaho weather was a little cold for Rhone. He spent a lot of time snuggled up getting warm in his towel.
My mom and I got this clown cut out and all the little kiddos got to throw sponges at their grandpas. I love how you can see all the kids excitedly waiting in line
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Rhone getting ready to hit Papa!

Somewhere way back in that mass of little kids is Grandma and Grandpa Rose. They are with most of their great grand kids.

On the Farm

Rhone loves all things outdoors, especially helping Papa with chores and being on the farm. He knows the routine for checking the chicks, feeding the dogs and watering the garden. Once I asked him if he was ready for dinner and he told me, "Too busy, mom. I working hard with Papa." We were cutting the hay when I was home so Rhone got to spend a lot of time in the swather and raking hay with Papa. The last night we were home Rhone managed to get tractor rides from 2 of our family friends, John and Cary.

Rhone showing me how he and Papa check on the birds and their feed.
Rhone and Papa on some of the hay from North Canyon Raking the hay behind Papa's house. My mom and I picked up to take him to the Cars2 movie. He was devastated to leave the tractor. One morning we went with my dad to fix some broken farm equipment. Its impressive to see my dad at work and how his mind can solve problems and improve designs. John even paid Rhone a dollar for his work that day. We brought it home and it's still on the fridge Rhone and Olin being boys together Rhone is showing me his new work gloves. They are the real deal leather. He was quite excited and kept saying, "Jus like Papa's" Rhone after his tractor ride with John. Rhone after his tractor ride with Cary. He got to ride pretty far with Cary. It's fun seeing him grown up and willing to go places without his mom.

Outdoors with Dad

Ben was only able to spend a few days with us in Idaho. So we tried to cram a few fun activities in before he left. We did two of our favorite things- shooting traps and a 4-wheeler ride. This canyon is just a few miles from my parents house. The trail is hardly ever ridden. It's such a nice slow paced ride. While Ben was home we also finished getting things set up for a shop. It is finally up. We are excited to have a place to park the GTO along with a few other things we have in Idaho. Plus I am sure we will find more things to put in it. Speaking of the GTO we took a few family pictures on our property with it too.

Ben was the best shooter of the day.


Nana and Olin with the hayfield behind them.

Isn't this view amazing?!