Saying Goodbye to the Bidondos

We had a sad party this weekend to say goodbye to our dear friends the Bidondos. Loads of people came by to wish them well in their new life in Seattle, Washington. We will miss you ALL and pray for you often.












Some

"My Favorite Color is Caleb..."

Caleb and Ellie

Ever since these two little squirts were about 2 years old they have had a strange and special attachment to each other. Lisa and I used to find them in the confessional booths after church giggling and pretending to read hymnals. According to them both they are "best friends" and for about 2 years now they "are going to get married". Well today Ellie got a letter from Caleb, yup they write each other often, and she wrote back. He asked what her favorite color is and today she answered,
"My favorite color is Caleb."

This is getting serious:)

Look What I Made

This is my new Magnetic Daily School Schedule. Isn't it great? (Click on it to make it big!) Now I must give a lot of credit to Heather who helped me figure out how to make a daily school schedule for 4 different people, who have four completely different subjects and schedule. Thanks Heath! Whoa that looks like I just called you a candy bar. I'm trying to spell your name the way I say it shorter, Heathe...Heath...it sounds better than it spells. Anyways, thanks!
The really cool part is it's magnetic so I can change subjects everyday. I know this seems lame but I have struggled for a few years now, trying to figure out how to daily direct the troops and it's been working fabulous. Yippee!

He Amazes Me

OK, this kinda a weird picture, but check out what John made for dinner when I said I had nothing for dinner and nothing in the fridge. He made chicken artichoke sausage, saute'ed veggies and egg fritta. Yea, I know, impressive.

Pedicure Day

The girls and I enjoyed a relaxing, well sort of relaxing, pedicure today. Since Bandit has to be everywhere that I am he oversaw the whole process. Ever since I was little I knew I always wanted a big family, but I always imagined that I would have 5 boys. I'm so thankful that God knows best and gave me my girls. I love my sweet little darlings and look forward to being friends our whole lives!

Fun at the Hot Springs

We had a great day at the Lowman Hotsprings with the Wolin family. The kids and grown-ups all had a great time jumping in the river and getting warm again in the hot water. Thanks Wolin's for such a great day!

I can't decide if Ellie is more excited about the warm water or being next to Caleb???

Future Entreprenuers

Yes....this is toilet paper. However a lack of supplies never stopped a good fashion designer!
The girls were inspired by the Western Idaho Fair and decided to host their own fair. They took an entrance fee, sold lemonade, and offered "dog" rides. Bandit wasn't so into the ride part, but it was a great attempt all the same.

We've Started School!

We started school year about 2 weeks ago. It has been a crazy couple of weeks for me; planning the school year, ordering all the supplies and curriculum, and of course organizing the school room! We've all been excited to dig into the year.
Here's the role call:
-Jack is in 6th grade (Holy Cow!)
-Kate is in 5th grade
-Grace is in 2nd grade
-And Ellie is a big Kindergartner

Daddy reading is a family favorite since Daddy does all the great voices!

An experiment in flight and air pressure.
The great thing about home schooling is that you can literally read anywhere.
This is Gracie's annoyed look because I'm making her "write" her sentences instead of "type" them.

FCBC Family Camp

We spent a weekend in June in Cascade at Trinity Pines with our church. We had such a great time hanging out with our own kids and other families from church. We participated in lots of adventures including zip lines, canoeing, nature walks, ropes courses, and of course the camp fire.

Gotta love electronics in the great outdoors.

Ellie and mommy getting all warrior-like.
Love this helmet on Ellie!
This was a hilarious event. Much harder than it looks:)
The kids got to do it as well.

Worship time with friends is such a gift.

We did a skit of Elijah and the Prophets of Baal. It was a trio of Matts! Matt Feary was Elijah, Matt Lindley was the leader of the prophets, and Matt Beglinger was our narrator. Thanks guys for being such good sports!
(These are the angry prophets of Baal.)
Our entire group.
Clean-up crew.

Cousins Are a Blessing From the Lord!

Ellie(5) with cousin Elliot(3).

DeeAnn(6) and Gracie(7).
Katy(10) holding Trinity(7mos.) and Grandma Dottie(83).
A lovely dinner at mom's to celebrate Grandma Dottie's visit.

Redneck potty training!
Redneck hoola hoops too. My Dad made these out of sprinkler line and man can these girls hoola hoop. Their Aunt Amy would be proud!

Aunt April desperately trying to get a smile out of Elliot.