Monday, June 29, 2015

Roaring Springs

Roaring Springs

My favorite part of our trip to Roaring Springs was when Jake was allowed to go down CORKSCREW CAVERNS, which is a high-intense ride where the floor beneath you falls away into a drop off slide. In all honesty, it's pretty scary (my older two girls were not way into going down it, but they didn't want to be left behind either). When Jake was done, he said, "That was EPIC!" And he wanted to go again.
Jacob has really come a long ways in facing fears. In fact, I would say he doesn't really deal with many fears anymore. What a relief!









Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Piano Camp

Suzuki Camp

All three kids participated in a Suzuki Piano Camp at the College of Idaho this summer. We had a fantastic experience as they learned more about music, and as they developed into better musicians. Hailey and Amber loved working with a Master Teacher; Jake seemed to enjoy the comradery of the other attendees best. I am grateful for the opportunity that we had to go to this camp. Each of my kids walked away with more confidence, and as a more accomplished musician, and each of them enjoyed themselves so much that they were planning for their experiences the following year.
Jacob learning about notes


Master Teacher Instruction

Master Teacher Instruction


End of Week Recital

End of Week Recital

I met Darcy at Suzuki Camp, and I have no doubt that I have made a lifetime friend.


...we met some new friends







Sunday, June 21, 2015

Father's Day


Father’s Day

Father's Day always seems to come at a busy time of year, and this year was no different. We gave Bryan a tent in hopes of "lazy-relaxing" days to come.

Friday, June 19, 2015

Natatorium

Natatorium


I love summer days sitting by the pool, so we try to come to the pool often. Hailey was out of town for a camp, so we brought Julia (Amber's friend from gym) to join in on the fun!




Thursday, June 11, 2015

Happy Birthday, Hailey!

Happy Birthday, HAILEY!

Right before Hailey's birthday, Bryan asked me about my celebration plans.  I told him that Hailey's birthday was going to be really "low-key"--no big deal. Bryan laughed, and said that I didn't know how to do anything "small". When we were all said and done, it may have been a bit bigger than even I had imagined--making Bryan's assessment correct. In my defense, I love planning; I love playing;  and I love going and doing. Somehow in that process of planning and playing and going... it became bigger than "low-key".
Amber and Jake pulled through with some nice gifts for Hailey.

They gave her anchor jewelry (which is a loved theme for Hailey) and a wallet.


We've been telling Hailey that she WAS NOT getting a phone for her birthday, so when I "faked" my phone ringing in the back room and then asked her to go answer it for me--she was shocked when she discovered that it wasn't my phone ringing, but a box, and not just any box--an iPhone 5 box. As she pulled open the box, she couldn't contain her excitement...


Natatorium 

After we celebrated a bit at home, we ventured to the Natatorium for some good family fun.









Surprise

And finally, I invited a few friends over to go to a movie (Cinderella), and eat some treats! It was a fun-filled "low-key" day. :)


I love this sweet daughter of mine.She teaches me daily about being Christ-like and persevering. Whenever Hailey enters the room, my day is brightened. I feel so blessed to be called her mom. 

For the past little while, whenever I look at this sweet girl, I am hit with a realization that she is growing up, and she is growing up quick. Before I know it--she will be off to college, and getting married. Not that I am wishing her life away, but the reality of just how little time we get to have this sweet girl in our home is constricting my heart. I want to cherish every moment. I want to magnify each moment. I want to freeze time. Because before I know it--I'll be looking at candles that say 18 instead of 14, and I will be wanting a replay. OR MAYBE... if we live every day to the fullest, then maybe we will be excited for our new adventures when they come. 

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Last Day of School!

Happy Last Day of School


We needed to play hard to celebrate our last day of school. We decided the Ann Morrison Park was a good idea...