Jubilant June

The best is yet to come! 1) My parent's return and 2) James' baptism. We have filled our time with some other magnificent events in the meantime...

Grannie is in town! She came home with us from the Ditto reunion so she can be at the baptism. We tiptoed out while Penny was napping (Andrew works from home) to the movies. Cousins Simon and Esther and aunt Lindsey met us there. My kids haven't been around their cousins for nearly 3 years which is too long!

Tuesday, June 24

We had the BYU Dittos over for dinner less than 24 hours after returning from vacation. Only one of these Dittos made it to the reunion. We ate outside and the temperature was perfect. Andrew grilled and playing "Rook-o-lee" was a given.

Monday, June 23

You're welcome

Family reunion in Spokane, WA June 18-22

Wednesday, June 18: We began our drive at 6:00am. Izzy threw-up twice in the car. Yikes. The last half of the day traveling went smoothly especially when Penny got some shut eye and I could finish my book in solitude. Get your hands on "The Unselected Journals of Emma M Lion" series this instant! We spent the evening playing pickleball! I need to make playing more a priority. 

Thursday, June 19: Silverwood the amusement park was incredible! I'd never been. It is immaculate. So well maintained and gorgeous. It wasn't crowded either! Andrew ripped the bandaid off quickly by taking James on an intense rollercoaster right from the get-go. Whew. James was mad at him for awhile after but ended up being a daredevil. I got to ride a few rollercoasters myself and am grateful for all the helpers we had with our kids. Stunt Pilot was epic. I did lots of kiddy rides too with Izzy and Penny. The waterpark was fantastic. Andrew and I went on a double tube ride and got drenched. It was worth the shivering. We were at the park from opening-close! All 3 kids zonked on the hr drive back. We will be going to Silverwood again! It's only a matter of when..

Thursday, June 19

Isabelle was enamored by the magic show. She got the magician's autograph after.

Friday, June 20: The Dittos went to the temple early and filled up the baptistry, a sealing room, and initiatories. Sealings took long, so we didn't make the cut for the group picture. We then headed to Logan and Julia's lakehouse on Diamond Lake. It's a little over an hr drive. We had 2 lake days planned, but the weather didn't cooperate. However, that didn't stop several from jumping in the water. I was not tempted when the weather app said it "felt like 50 degrees." (The high was 65 but it was windy and even rainy that morning) We had the fire going and the blankets were plentiful. We ate super well, played hand and foot, and the kids had cousin playmates for days. Penelope did gag after dinner, but fortunately that was short-lived. Had one of the best pasta salads of my life and also can't stop thinking about those J Dawgs or chicken teriyaki bowls.

Friday, June 20

Saturday, June 21: The weather was even colder/rainier. Our backup plan was vintage shopping and a park for the dads/kids. They played soccer and kickball but clearly that wasn't enough because the men later played basketball at the church. I was in charge of lunch that day and made taco soup, cornbread muffins, and cookies. Grannie helped with the meat and fruit. That evening we had a bday celebration for 3 Dittos.

Saturday, June 21

Sunday, June 22: We stayed at Logan and Julia's home which is always a delight. Their property is serene. We rolled out the door at 6am. We avoided throw-up this leg of the trip. We did encounter rain for a good chunk of the drive and even SNOW at one point. One child gave me a beating headache and left my ears ringing. She will not remain nameless. Cast your guess now... Penelope was a pill. She sure is cute and got doted on by many at the reunion. We still adore her. We drove directly to Jess and Chris' house for dinner. Super sweet of them to host us stinky and starving travelers. 

Look who is into everything

 No camping was involved this reunion and despite the weather it turned out to be one of my favorites.

Several Dittos were missing! 43 came. (Claire and Deena were there but aren't pictured.)

Track and piano started this month for James! 

Andrew took the older kids to see "How To Train Your Dragon."

Saturday, June 14

We went to the rec center pool with Louie, Fred, and Jess.

Friday, June 13

Happy birthday Go-Daddy! We biked to his house to deliver cards and chocolate.

 Friday, June 13

3 days of science camp for James and Isabelle at Mrs. B's. 

June 10-12

We met the Thomans at a splashpad/park for a picnic dinner. Insert imaginary picture here.

Goodbye lunch for Mary! Alysee made her beautiful artwork of her new home. I've since hired Alysee to do our house. 

Tuesday, June 10

Jess and I played in my ward during sacrament meeting and at Adrienne Clarke's mom's funeral.

Saturday, June 7

Last day of School and end of year festivities! 

Friday, June 6

Puppet show

Kinder program

Andrew and I celebrated the end of school by going to a couples game night at Garret Jensen/Jessica Brahm's house. We played "Blood on the Clocktower" which is similar to Mafia. Andrew lives for social deduction games. 

Sunday dinner with the Fisher family!

We had my cousin Sara and her family over for dinner. Jessica's family came too. It was lovely. The cutest was at the end when Abbie asked her mom Sara if she can get Isabelle's phone number so they can set up a playdate.

Sunday, June 1

Lots to look forward to!! My emotions are going to be all over the place.