Summer Begins

Blake made it through his final exam.  He was very glad to be finished his last day of Grade 11.  One of the exam days he went to lunch with friends and finished his construction project.  He has a cool chest he made.  The size of what used to be called a Hope Chest.  

We took ward pictures one Sunday for the ward history.  I don't even know the last time they did that.  I got a quick family (with those at home) picture since I had actually dressed up.  

I have worked a lot in June.  I was covering for a lady that had surgery.  I made it through doing the referrals.  Didn't mind it, was fun, but wouldn't want to do it all the time.  I zipped out to mom and dad's place one night after work.  Natalie was up for a few days and it was fun to see her.  

We had no big plans for July 1st.  Our town was having their 111th and was celebrating.  We had all signed up for the 5k run in the evening and knew there were fireworks.  Thursday morning Cora called to say they were on their way through and could they use our hotel and borrow a tent.  We were happy to have them.  Decided to take the boat out since Cora didn't know if they would be back before they go to Montreal.  It was a perfect day for it.  Weather was ideal. 

Ammon had never been before.  He got up fairly quick.  We had put the wrong size boot on the skies and he was up but had to really fight to keep his legs together because of the boots. Later we changed to smaller ones and it was much easier, but he was already sore.  Cora a few days later said she thinks he was confused about the activity he participated in cause he kept saying he felt like he had ridden a horse all day. 

Blake had gone to drop in ball a few day before and came home barely able to walk.  He was in immense pain and his ankle was swelling up.  Had come down wrong after stuffing a guy.  He had to run to meet Leah, more on that later, and then I had him come up to the clinic to get an x-ray.  He should not have been driving but we had no choice. He got there later than planned cause of Leah, so we went for lunch then he saw the dr after lunch.  It was determined the he had torn 3, possible 4 ligaments and was going to have a 4-6 wk recovery.  The boy is NOT happy. He missed a beautiful ski day.  At first he thought he would just give it a try, but after swimming around a bit he was in so much pain, he sadly realized that he really couldn't ski.  We got home from boating and had a call from the doctor saying that the X-ray had been further looked at and it was determined 'most probably broken'.  We were asked to return in a week. 

 Cora and Ammon were supposed to head off to their family reunion, but found out we were moving cows and wanted to stay for that as well.  It was nice to have their help.  Blake drove the truck back and forth since he couldn't run or even walk on the uneven ground. 

It was a fun day.  In the afternoon we found out that the town celebration was a 2 day event.  Right on top of things we are :).  

Dave and I went into the 5K and left Blake at home.  We came back and got him and went back for the fireworks.  The next day we did pancake breakfast, parade, looked for air boot for Blake, back to other events and then Dave and I came home.  Blake stayed in town with friends.  We ended the day with ice cream.

Leah went to Coeur d'Alene with some friends for the 1st.  We had applied for her passport renewal back in April and were checking the mail every day to see if it would come in.  As we got closer and closer we tried to call the passport office and sent in emails.  Nothing.  Finally I called the border and they said as long as she had old passport, birth certificate, drivers license, and the receipt to prove we had applied they would let her in.  Thursday they left Edmonton and Blake meet them out on hwy to give her the stuff she didn't have.  Then we tracked her and waited hours to see if she would get through.  She did and they had a blast. 

She chilled on the beach a few day, cooked some fun meals, go-cart, and bumper cars.

Last night there they all went out for a fancy dinner on the pier.  It was a really great, quick get away for Leah.  After the stress of wondering if she was going to get through the border, she had a blast.

She had a blast with the people she car pooled with, they are good friends and it they had a great time the whole weekend. 

Blake had a recheck.  He definitely has torn ligaments and it is 'for sure a probable break'. Which I find a very funny diagnoses.  The doctor even took us in to look a the X-ray because she didn't think it was. But later we got a call and they said, yep boot it for 4 weeks and come back in.  Dave and Blake don't think he needs a boot since it is weight bearing and he has been back to work all week.  Walking around.  It is tender, he is keeping it in a tight tensor and Blake said he wouldn't wear it at FSY next week anyways.  So I just hope that doesn't come back to bit him in 10 yrs. 

Dave has had the last week off work.  He didn't get to hike or ski with Blake like he had planned because of the ankle, but had some rest and did some things around the yard.  I loved having home. 

Summer is off to an ok start.  Hopefully Blake heals fast and can do some skiing. But we have had lovely weather and some much needed wonderful rain.  Things are actually green around here. 

New Tires:)

The car Leah is driving needed new tires.  Dave had talked to her about coming down and switching cars so he could do some maintenance and it turned into a fun family weekend.  I love it!  But first a few things. 

The water in our well has to much alkali and we can't use it to water our grass or garden.  We haul water biweekly or more every spring and summer, and it is a pain.  Dave started designing a tool to make it easier to put a water line in, rather than hand digging the whole way.  He spent quite a few days after work welding this piece up.  It worked very slick.  Still lots of work left to do.  Lots of the pipe was back ordered and we are waiting on that as well, but it is going to be super handy when finished. 

Blake took a group of friends to do baptisms.  A stop at DQ was made after per tradition.  He finally got to do the baptizing and said it was a cool experience. 

We also got to go out and listen to Levi's homecoming talk.  It was excellent. I always enjoy talking to return missionaries and hearing the stories they don't share in their letters. :) 

And now....

Leah was scheduled to come down on Saturday and Friday Cora said hey we are coming too.  I was glad they could come also.  I had thought they had to work Saturday and so hadn't asked. They decided not to drive together because they didn't have to return at the same time.  Leah ended up getting here just after lunch.  They had stopped for something to eat on the way.  We had a few snacks out and then just hung out, did some dinner prep, and chatted.  Dave had a few chores for the boys as we waited for Cora and Ammon.  I let all the boys know that Levi was coming to surprise Leah and Cora.  Blake was to take them into town and so Levi could show up and be waiting in the front room.  Cora arrived about 4.  We said hello and rushed them back out the door.  I had so many doubters about this video I wanted, but it turned out exactly as I had thought.  The girls were so surprised.  It was awesome. 

We then had dinner and went to feed and check cows.  It is an event that all the kids' friends like to get involved in.  In fact side note: Dave and I were dejunking some thing and as we went through old shoes and farm jackets we made sure we had lots of sizes for a variety of friends.  Well prepared. 

The boys had all brought their guns and Dave had got lots of ammo.  Ammon had been wanting to shot a gopher for years, they don't have any where he is from, and he got 3 this weekend.  He was much pleased. 

Levi had to leave aroung 8. We all said goodbye and then continued shooting for a while.  Ate some snacks and had some good chats then off to bed.  It was kind of funny cause Leah was the original reason for the trip home and because of all that came she ended up the only one that didn't have a bed and had to sleep on the floor. 

Sunday was church.  Both Dave and I were teaching.  It happened to be the same lesson, so he decided to combine RS an EQ.  We team taught and it was fun.  We haven't done that for years.  After there were the brick pics.

Ammon was teasing Cora that they have been married almost a year and these are still the pictures he get from her. 

I sure love this crew.  They are a pretty awesome bunch and all love being together.  Leah had to leave right after dinner.  Cora and Ammon ended up staying until later Monday afternoon.  They helped sort some cows and haul water and a few other chores. So new tires ended up being a fabulous time had by all. 

Random Things I Missed

A few days before Easter, I was in town getting groceries when my mom text me.  My parents were also in town and wanted to take me for lunch.  It was an great hour that we just sat and talked.  I loved spending the time with them.  I love hanging out with my whole family, but sometimes it is nice to still have that one on one time with my parents.  I used to go out and spend an afternoon with them while my kids were in school.  I haven't done that for a few years and it was really fun. 

That same weekend we also started calving.  I have a love/hate relationship with calving.  I stress about something going wrong on my watch and I don't like the catching process to tag them.  But I don't mind the actual tagging and they are so cute running around out there together.  Leah gets so excited every year when the first little calf gets some friends. We desperately need rain.  It is so dry and our bales are dwindling fast. 

Blake went down to a multi-stake fireside with Elder Corbitt.  He really enjoyed it. Said he was very personable and interactive. He was glad he had gone. So many great messages. The one that stuck out to me as Blake was telling us all about it was that we had won the battle in heaven, we knew we did because we are here.  That it continues to be the same war we are still fighting here on earth today.  But we did it once so we know we can, we can win each battle, we know how to defeat him.  I had never thought of it that way and thought it was really good.  Blake said he took just a couple scriptures and spent almost 2 hours breaking them down and asking the youth lots of questions.  Sounds like a wonderful testimony boosting experience. 

We were able to spend a few hours with the Puzey's.  Cadence was baptized and we all headed up for that.  Lalainia did an excellent meal after.  It was nice to see everyone.  We were not able to stay long as Blake needed to work that afternoon. 

We frequently get calves stuck in the feeder.  Dave has drawn up some plans to weld it a little different so it will stop happening. The other day Dave and I were out checking and of course we had a couple stuck.  We opened the side door and 3 ran out, but one was super stuck.  I was in the tractor as Dave moved the chains to different spots and directed me to lift up/down/left/right etc.  He walked in and out and carefully pushed and pulled.  We seriously worked at it for over 20 mins.  I had lost all hope and was sure we needed to get the saw to cut the bars.  But Dave patiently worked on and on and I was amazed when that calf jumped out and calmly walked away with no injuries.  Dave has got skill. 

The clinic has been training me to do the referrals the last few weeks.  I was nervous to take this on as it is not anything I have done before.  I think I have most of it down.  It is a bit unnerving when I have an urgent one to do.  There are certain procedures and reports to include or it gets rejected and I sure don't want that to be my fault.  As there are not many urgent, I haven't had a lot of chances to do it.  But it is fun.  The hospital still requires screening and masks.  One day a week it is the clinics turn to spell off the screener for their lunch break.  I got to do it the other day.  Got my gown on and was set to go.

We went down to my parents for Easter Sunday dinner.  Got to spend some time with them and Cannon and Nicole.  Poor Blake is the only grandkid most of the time when we get together now.  I am sure he loves it. 

The other day while Blake was working he looked over and saw this owl staring at him about 5 feet away.  He said it gave him a bit of a surprise.

Blake also had his first date last week.  He and Avery wanted to do a double date with bowling and pizza.  They each asked the girls and were much relieved and happy when the girls said yes.  They had so much fun.  He drove all over town and only took one missed turn, but he found his way out quick and none were the wiser.  Blake said his goal was to go on more dates then Dave did in high school, so now that he has been on one he is all done. He did have  great time and says he needs to work more so he can afford to go on a few more.  We have given him some cheaper to free ideas.

There was another stake dance last weekend.  Usually Blake just drives down himself or with friends, but I decided I wanted to do an actual date. The only thing open that time of night besides movies was bowling.  Nothing looked interesting to watch.  Bowling it was.  During our second game the disco lights came on.  Guess it was party time on a Friday night.

Easter 2022

For Easter we travelled up to see the girls.  We had decided to make a weekend of it, but then remember that Blake and Dave needed to be back to sing in the choir Sunday.  At least we had two days, better than our usual day trips.  Ammon and Cora are doing some repairs for Ammon's parents in the upstairs part of the house and looking for renters.  As it was empty at the moment, Cora said we could stay there.  We greatly appreciated this.  It was nice to not have to get a hotel and be close to them.  We got up early Friday so we could be there in time for lunch.  The girls had some restaurants they wanted us to try.  We stopped in at Leah's first.  Blake had not seen her place yet.  We met her new fish and saw her place.  I still haven't met one of her room mates, which I was hoping to, but they were all still sleeping when we arrived.  We then headed to Cora's and waited for Leah to meet us there.  She was going to come with us but went and picked up her friend first. Next was off to stEATS.  It was very good.  An excellent recommendation. 

It was not a far drive to the Aviation Museum after lunch. We parked by the grocery store and walked the rest of the way.

Many cool planes and we had a tour with some good information.  Blake had fun trying the flight simulator.

With the tour guide we were able to go into the restoration area and outside to see a lot more things.  It was pretty neat. 

After, Ammon and Cora were very excited to take us up the old airport tower.  It was only a block or so and so we walked over.  It was a bit chilly, I should have brought a coat, but a nice walk.  Sadly when we got there it was all fenced off and locked up with trespassing signs.  Hahah so I guess they were not supposed to there the first time. 

After that we walked to the store and got a few things Cora needed to make us curry for dinner.

We went back to their house and got settled in.  I had brought everyone their Easter baskets and Leah's birthday presents.  I thought it would be really fun for Blake to walk in the house when we got home and see his basket.  To pretend the Easter Bunny had come while we were away, even though he helped me buy the treats.  But as I gave the other kids their basket, Blake was disappointed to not have his.  In hindsight I should have brought his up, but I obviously didn't think it through.  He was very excited to get his when he got home.  Leah opened her presents and we just hung out for a while and then helped Cora cook dinner. 

It was so very good.  Cora takes a long time to cook, but she sure a can cook.  I had gotten a surprise DQ cake for Leah.  Cora picked it up and hid it for me.  Ammon did an excellent job of sneaking it into the house with out Leah seeing anything.  After dinner we were all tired, we made a plan for the next day and went to bed. 

Saturday Dave had asked the girls to help him get some shirts for his business trip. Off to the mall we went. We were successful in finding two.  Which is great for us. :)

Then Galaxyland.  I figured it would be packed since it was Easter, but holy man! I was glad I had bought tickets online ahead of time.  Saved us an hour in the ticket line at least.  Most rides had an hour wait line for more. Blake said we always had to start with Space Shot, so off they went. 

Usually they get in line and I wait at the bottom then meet up with them after.  But the boys were insistent I go through the line with them, then just walk down before getting on.  I was glad I did.  Lines were so long, I would have barely seen them.  It was fun to chat in line. 

Much fun was had.  Ammon and Cora had their adult session of stake conference Saturday night and we still had to drive home.  We left Galaxyland at 5 and drove to South Commons to try Jerusalem Shawarma. Another excellent recommendation from Cora. We had great food and put off leaving, but we did all have things we needed to attend. 

These two are so cute.  They are like little kids and have so much fun.  Yet can be serious when needed.  I am so happy Cora found someone so great.  Ammon likes to tease us all, but it is fun.  We were sad to leave.  It was so great to spend time together and get all the kids in the same place.  I sure love my family.  As they grow older and on with their own lives, these moments are more precious, and I am thankful for every second of it.