Blood Buddies!

Aunt Shannon and the fab four always come for a 2-week visit the end of August. This year we got the boys a week early so we have had cousin time for 3 weeks straight. The great thing about cousins is they are instant and best buddies. I love them a ridiculous amount (they do no wrong in my eyes) and Shannon feels the same about my kids which makes it so easy to be together. We had boys swim lessons, an ice cream date night, family dinners, fun at Honey's house by the lake and the usual insane amount of laughing between Shannon & I that you really can only experience with a best friend. They headed home today and Baron is already telling me he needs to go to with them.

 

Antelope Hunt 2013

After 13 long years, Grant and our good friend Dan drew their antelope tags. They packed up enough  for 10 days of camping and headed east on a Thursday night. Saturday the hunt began and when I received a picture of Grant and an antelope 3 hours into the day, I could hardly believe it. He is an awesome antelope that we are having mounted.....I mean how can you not after a 13 year wait?!?! We have made burger and steaks and so far the meat has been very mild & tastes great. Dan got one on the following Thursday and I believe both hunters came home happy!

While the Mr. was gone I tried to have activities for the kids because we all get a little stir crazy when dad is gone. Here is a quick run down:

 

Friday ~ Dinner out with Nana, Gram & Pop, Aunt Carol & Uncle Rod, Tara & Bailey and Tia. The kids had fun getting to choose their own food (it was a buffet) but the highlight was the dessert area. Who needs food when there is sweets around, right??

 

Saturday ~ I headed North with Maverick to celebrate a Webster wedding. Grant's cousin Kelsey married her sweetheart Ryan at a beautiful lodge venue. The wedding was fantastic and it was so great seeing all the Webster side. Maverick was a little out of sorts being away from his brother and sister and therefore wanted me to hold him. Not ideal but we made do. Congrats Kelsey and Ryan!

 

 

The happy couple!

 

 

My awesome sis-in-law & husband (aka Aunt Shannon & Uncle Joel)

 

Hmmm....decisions, decisions

 

Sunday: Low-key day at home and then met Honey at the park where we played for almost 2 hours! Tara, Bailey and Tia joined us as well. We then headed to Costco for hot dogs and more play time at Honey's house.

 

Monday: Second session of swim lessons start and cousins Hudson and Finn are able to join. Baron had a rough day (really rough) but thankfully he snapped out of it the rest of the lessons. We then headed to a water play area that evening with cousin Bailey and Aunts Tara & Tia. After playing until it was too cold, we headed to dinner. I had happy and tired kids.

 

 

Baby planking?

 

 

 

 

Tuesday: Swim lessons and I am really not sure but I think we played at home and ran errands.

 

Wednesday: Swim lessons and park with Tara and Bailey where Baron rides his bike almost the whole time. Weather is hot and muggy. Baron is really starting to miss his dad. He tells me he needs to see him.

 

 

Thursday: Swim lessons in the morning and park/dinner with Trav, Katie and Brady. Dan shoots his antelope and Grant tells me they are packing up to head home on Friday. I am ready for my husband to be home.

 

Friday: Clean house in preparation for husbands return. He made it home safely in the afternoon. We are so happy he is home safe and sound!

 



 

Love Love Love!

Mom Getaway

I had a mom's weekend recently. Friday night I left the house heading straight for a pedicure (which was so relaxing) and then to my in-laws for dinner/movie. Spent the night there and actually forced myself to sleep in (tried to wake up at 7:30 but willed myself back to sleep). My sisters even brought me coffee in the morning! By noon my littlest sister and I were headed to the beach to meet my brother/Katie/Brady and Dale/Sheri. It was a beautiful day so we walked down to the beach and spent some time on the sand. By the next morning, I was ready to get home to my family :)

 

Oh The Shenanigans.....

How did August sneak up on us so fast??  Here is a quick summary of our recent doings:

 

HGH ~ We started Maverick's growth hormone the beginning of July. It is a tiny shot once a day (I am told like a diabetic) and so far is going good. This little boy is my hero!

 

 

Local fair ~ The kids enjoyed the sheep, goats, bunnies and chickens. Elliott was petrified of the pigs and Baron mesmerized by all the lights of the carnival at night. Mav liked it all as long as he could get out and walk.

 

Wine Tasting ~ I had the opportunity to go to an afternoon wine tasting with Honey at a winery my in-laws are members of. It was a beautiful day, the wine was good and the view spectacular.

 

 

Week #2 of Swim Lessons ~ Week #2 went great and by the last few days Baron was jumping off the side and going under. Looking forward to another session in a couple weeks.

 

 

Happy Anniversary to Us ~ Grant and I celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary! I Love and Adore you Grant!!

 

 

Brady Boy ~ We get to have my nephew all to ourselves one day each week. He has the sweetest disposition and is quite the hit around here!

 

 

Blueberry Picking ~ Elliott and I spent a morning last week with my aunts and granny picking blueberries. It rained on us (only day in weeks that we've had rain....go figure) but it didn't slow us down. I picked over 11 lbs. in an hour and a half and I'm not quite sure how many Elliott ate but it was a lot. Grant and I made jam and a coffee cake that same evening and I'm ready to pick more.