We Bought an RV and used it First on the 4th of July

Bo has wanted an RV for years.  I've been indifferent and really wanting to spend the money on the house.  But, we decided it would be fun and good for family memories so, we jumped on the RV bandwagon.  I have no regrets.  It's been enjoyable and makes camping much easier (and comfortable).

Here's our setup for the 4th.  We just had to sit down and watch right where we were.  No fighting crowds.

Idaho Falls has some of the biggest fireworks in the western US, and we haven't ever taken the kids.  This year they had RV parking, so we decided to go early in the morning and drop it off, go to Menan Days, and then head back later in the day and spend the night in IF.  It was such fun and worked out perfectly.  We didn't deal with traffic and played a bunch of games waiting that night for the fireworks.

Waiting for the parade

They had planes fly over before the parade started!

Proof we were there.  But, this was nothing like it really was.

Tear Drop and Warm River

For our first camping trip in years, we headed to our old favorite, Tear Drop near Warm River.  It's a small lake that is usually secluded.  But, we haven't been up there for years, and it was pretty full up there the weekend we went.  So, we assume our little gem has been found out.  We still found a spot and had a blast.  My favorite part was the bike ride.  We also brought the dog.  I think she might just like camping better than anybody else. :)

We roasted marshmallows and hot dogs, fished, rode bikes and floated Warm River.  This was an enjoyable weekend, and we made some fun memories.

Baseball, Baseball, and more Baseball

We are just beginning our life of baseball with all four boys.  I can only imagine how crazy hectic spring and summer will be in the next few years.  We had an enjoyable time watching these boys play.  I love watching their confidence and skills grow.  Conrad played Minors, Jackson Majors, Brayden Machine Pitch, and Caleb was Coach/Tball.

Conrad had a great team this year and played with his closest friends.  These boys couldn't get enough baseball.  Conrad loves playing first, shortstop, third base, and of course, hitting the ball.  After an intense championship game, his team won first with a comeback of 6 runs.

Jackson also got to play with some friends.  They had an outstanding team and just about made it to the championship.  He really likes to pitch, and this year he has gotten much stronger and more accurate.  He also won first.

Brayden did awesome this year.  He's pretty big for his age, so he looked pretty big out there with his team.  He got quite a few great hits.  His age group doesn't do a lot with outfield positions yet, so he just got to try a lot of positions and see what he liked.

This was Caleb's first year playing.  He was so fun to watch and slid into every base whether he needed to or not.  Bo said that's what he did when he was little too.  Funny.  He could hit the ball pretty well, and if he missed, then he got to hit it off the tee.

Who would have thought I'd be a part of a baseball family.  My family wasn't really into that sort of thing.  But, I've learned to love it too and can't wait to watch these boys improve and grow.  Great season and effort boys.  Can't wait for what next season brings.

Jackson is 10

Jack turned 10 on the 18th.  He was able to go to Krupp Scout Hollow during the day, and we had a family party that night.  He wanted smoked ribs and short strawberry cake for his birthday.  I decided to try smoking the ribs, and they turned out great.  I was glad because I wanted them to be good for his big day, and I want to learn how to use the smoker.

Jackson got a pellet gun and was really excited about that. :)

This kid has kept us on our feet since he was born, and I don't see that changing any time soon.  He has a very kind heart and loves giving, whether it's something he's bought or just sharing a little bit of his money so someone can buy a treat with him.  He adds so much to this family and loves being close and cuddling still.  I love that.

At 10, Jackson loves:

Baseball and pitching
His Nintendo DS
Spending time with Grant and his brothers
Legos
Shooting his new gun
Riding his bike into town from "the farm."
Summer
Writing notes to people
Writing Comics
Reading graphic novels

We love:

His giving heart
His gentleness (when he wants to be)
Watching him play baseball and pitch
The friendship between him and Caleb
His Cuddles
His Hugs
The notes he writes Mom and Dad
Watching him grow into a great kid

Jackson, we love you!  You add so much to our family and can't imagine life without you.  Keep up all the good you do, and it will really take you places.  Can't wait to see what life will bring you!

Father's Day

We had a fun Father's Day this year.  Nothing too out of the ordinary, but it was nice to be home celebrating this awesome Dad.  The kids had lots of notes and pictures for Bo.  I've wanted to get him a smoker for a while now and finally did.  We had a tasty dinner of smoked chicken thighs and legs and have used it a few times since then.  It's been fun to try it out. 

Thanks, Bo, for being you.  The kids love you and love spending time with you. This spring, you have taken so much time coaching them in baseball and attending Hailey's vocal performances.  I'm sure these will be some of their best memories when they're grown.  Things are always busy with work, but it's so nice to see you take the time for them.  You are a great example, especially in patience with each of us.  You are a great provider and make sure we are well taken care of.  We enjoy all the fun adventures you take us on too.  To the best Dad, we could ask for, we love you!