Driggs 2023

 This year was different because we were only able to stay 1 week and people were coming and going and we missed Miya and Cannon being with us the whole time. The weather was amazing and it was so good to see everyone we could. Ryan had to head back to Jordan for work and Nicki was staying until August so she was the last to leave. Miya went the week before we did so she could be with all the older girls. Lyla flew out the Monday before we went on Friday so she could have time with all her cousins. Michael was there for 2 days so we had to party hard. We played pickleball, swam, golfed, volleyball, ice cream and loved being together. It was still much harder being in Driggs this summer and expecting to see dad in all the places he would normally be, mowing his lawn, coming in from golf with the guys, hanging out in his bedroom, loving on all the kids. I sure do miss him. It was great to be with mom and I am excited to have her come here in September. 

Sewer Connection Lawn Destruction 2023

 We have been working on getting permitting done for this project since covid happened 2020, but this summer we were finally able to get this project going. We are down to the final finishing wall down by the cabin and then will be finished. So exciting to be able to wash more than 1 load of laundry a day and take longer than 5 minute showers, or at least not having to tract the kids showers. It seems like a ton of money spent for things I can't really see, but am excited to use. It was fun to find this old septic tank down by the cabin and get in the new grinder pump. Fingers crossed that we don't have any problems for a long time. 

Bair's in Idaho

We were able to go to Jordan and Brandon's house and hang out for an evening this summer while we were in Driggs. It was fun to see their girls show off their animals and driving around the razors. They are such great people and have been so good to Cannon with him working for Brandon getting ready for the Rokman games. Always fun to be with good friends. 

Library Summer Fun

 Nona and I have enjoyed all the library events this summer, but our favorite one so far has been the bug guy. He had so many cool bugs and even brought some live ones for us to touch. He had a few stick bugs and then a scorpion that he turned on the black light so we could see him glow. She remembered seeing them in Arizona at the Buckmister's house with Aaron's black light. So fun. She knows a lot about bugs and was happy to share stories with the bug guy. She might be looking at her future. Sure do love our little library and spending time with Nona.

PPA Tour

 We had a fun day up in Seattle with friends watching the PPA tour. The guys in purple are the Johns brothers and ranked 1st in the world. They lost which was a pretty big deal. We loved that the guy in black looked like he just jumped out of bed and put on sweat pants to play the best in the world and then beat them. We were also in the video on tv eating a hamburger during play. We went with the Paces and the Dahlkes and now feel like we need to play a lot more pickleball.

She did it!

 I spent 2 weeks worrying about the drive to Idaho for Miya's graduation. The mountain passes had a ton of snow and it was supposed to snow during our drive. Driggs and Rexburg were getting snow. The plan was for Phil to work and fly in to Idaho Falls on Wednesday night for the ceremonies happening on Thursday and I would drive with the girls on Monday to hang with Miya and mom for a few days. Monday was super snowy so we headed out on Tuesday. We made good time to Pendleton Oregon so we checked the pass and it looked clear so we continued the drive to Boise. We got a little snow on the pass and I had Nona say a prayer that we would be safe. I am such a chicken driving in snow now. We spent the night in Boise at a place with a pool and hot tub so we had something to do. Got up and Nona swam again and then we headed to Driggs. We drove through snow for a couple hours between Burley and Idaho Falls, but the roads were good. 

I was so glad we braved the drive when we were at the graduation ceremony I think I forgot what a bid accomplishment it was that Miya was graduating from college and moving on to graduate school. It was great to hear of all the amazing things these graduates would be doing and the promise from church leadership that they could change the world. 

It was great to be with mom for a few days and to play some pickleball with Steph and Ty. We also got to see Cannon for dinner, graduation, and breakfast the day we headed out of town. My mom has been down in St. George for the past few months and was suprised that it was hard for her to be back home. She is so amazing, but it is hard to know she is so sad. I wish I lived closer, but glad we can see each other in the summer. She is heading to Italy to see Nicki and go to the temple in Rome with Caleb before his mission.

Twin Day at Tillicum

 Nona was sick for the first 2 days of Spirit Week, but had worked hard to make a shirt that looked like Mrs. Stillmaker's shirt for Wednesday. It was swap with your teacher day, but the other kids in her class told her it wasn't the right day so she kept her sweatshirt on all day so nobody saw her shirt. We went to the school that afternoon for Student conferences and the book fair and I showed her teacher the shirt Nona made. Mrs. Stillmaker said they could be twins the next day and she would wear her shirt to match. Nona is such a great kid. She loves big and really cares about people. She does have some sass and the better she knows you the more she uses it. She works so hard to make sure kids at school have friends and help in class. Someone asked Nona is her teacher was nice and she said, "no, but I like her". That is true she isn't a warm cuddly teacher, but she cares and is good for Nona. I really love this little neighborhood school and all the teachers who work hard to help my kids and those of the neighborhood. 

Christmas Morning Breakfast 2022

 We have started a new tradition over the last few years of having Phil's parents join us for Christmas breakfast before they head to visit all the others. I love having them over and it is always so great to see the kids spend some time with their grandparents. Phil always makes amazing food. This year we had to quickly eat so we could get ready for church. I have been trying hard to get more pictures with grandparents in them since my dad's passing so I had everyone pose extra that morning.