Hailey's Idaho History Project for 4th Grade

I was going through pictures and realized I never posted Hailey's Idaho History Project.  She worked very hard on this and had to write a report too.  She decided she wanted to do a map of Idaho with the county license plate numbers on it.  It turned out pretty cool and she had a fun time making the map.

We went to the school to see the projects the kids worked on and they put on a program for us.  It fun to hear all of the songs they've been working on in their class.  They all looked really cute in their white shirts with bandannas too.

Right as we walked outside to go home a bird flew by and pooped right on her project.  Really!!??  I forgot to take pictures before she took it to school so I got to wash the poop off after too.  If you look close I didn't have it washed of in this picture.  I had to have a record of it. :)

She looks very tired in this picture.  That's because she is.  They did their singing program three different times that day and it wore her out.

Grandma (Helen) Taylor's 100th Birthday Party/Reunion

Last Wednesday we drove to Boise to spend time with the Taylor side of the family (Bo's Mom Gini's side).  Bo's Grandma is 99 but they decided to do a party this summer since her birthday is in February.  We had a great time swimming and visiting with everyone.

Saturday night was the celebration.  They had each of her children give a memory and introduce their kids and grand kids.  Then the grand kids had a chance tell a memory of grandma.  It took awhile but the kids sat and listened and I had a great time listening to the stories.  It was also nice to see where every person fit in the family.  It's so big that I don't know everyone.

There were about 110 people who made it to the reunion at some point.  There are roughly 150 people who were born or have come together because of one couples love and devotion to one another.  It is pretty amazing to think about.  We can really influence a large group of people in 100 years.  And that's only family.  If you think of all the people she's come across in her life, that's a huge number.

Bo's memory of Grandma was pretty recent.  He talked about how last Christmas he sat and talked with Grandma for quite awhile and learned she knew President Benson when he was young.  He was often at her house.  They called him Ezra T.  Bo had asked her in all the years she's been alive what her favorite invention was.  He was sure cars or airplanes would be the answer.  But, her answer was electricity.  He then realized how old Grandma was.  Haha.

Grandma is always so sweet to let us stay in her house every time we go to Boise.  We are a rambunctious group so we really appreciate it.  Grandma has macular degeneration and has a very hard time seeing but she takes the time to get up close to the kids every visit to see how much they've grown and ask them how they are doing.  She always says how cute they are and holds the babies. With the help of Gini we always get a birthday card which is quite a feat.  There are many grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Thank you for your example Grandma and Happy Birthday!

I forgot my camera so I borrowed these pictures from Myles.  Thanks Myles!!!

Dallin, Gloria, John, Gini
Grandma's 6 children (not pictured was Mark who is on a mission and Reed who wasn't able to make it.)

Many of the grand kids (24 total)

Here are just a few of the Great's (65, I think)

This cake turned out really cool with many of the highlights from Grandma's life

Whew! And it Begins. ...

Today we had an unsuccessful open house.  Bummer!  But while that was going on we were at the warehouse clearing out the shipping container we'll be storing our things in while we are gone.

I can't believe how dirty we were when we got home! The kids had fun at times and whined too but overall we had success and got it totally cleared out.  That is so nice to have it done!

Oh and we leave July 19 from Boise. :) 

Before...

After...

During. ...

The Moments that Make All the Work Worth it.

All the work we put into teaching the kids about prayer and kindness sunk in a little bit...

So,  Monday night we were having FHE.  I was teaching a lesson and Brayden was sitting on the floor.  I noticed him turn around and lean on the couch and it looked like he was praying.   But,  I didn't think much because he is always moving and who knows what goes on in the energetic mind of his.

Well,  the lesson ended and Brayden was so excited to tell me that he felt like saying a prayer and he prayed that Hailey's rash on her arms would get better.  He said,  "I had a really warm feeling in my prayer."  How sweet was that!? Maybe this happens  a lot at your house,  but it doesn't a lot here. 

To myself I was secretly shoutinng "YES"!  I always hope that they'll  grow and understand how important prayer is while they are young so they'll turn to the Lord when they really need guidance. One drop of oil in his vial so he'll prepared and ready when he really needs it.  :)

Best Friends

These two have their moments.  Best friends to not "enemies" but they do fight:).  Lots of teasing and just plain out being mean.  So,  I had to get a picture of this moment.

I went to Jackson's school to celebrate his birthday yesterday.  Brayden begged me to come so I let him go with me. We stayed for about an hour and while we were walking out they were holding hands in front of me.  Too sweet!

Jackson caught me right in the middle so I didn't get the true thing.  But they are holding hands and now I've got a picture of it.  With all these boys at our house that just doesn't happen a lot.