Packed in Summer fun!

Kendal and Casey were able to attend Stake Girls Camp from June 23-26. Casey was asked to help out with the ropes course while Kendal got to enjoy activities like paddle boarding, rock climbing, rappelling, zip-lining, shooting, crafts, and other activities. Casey's first activity was helping on the zip line where he made an impact on many girls by making sure they did not die while zip lining. He also belayed many climbers during the other days. 

When all the girls were leaving, those that had dads on the rope course got to do the big zip line and the panther pole. Kendal got to experience both of them and ended up catching the trapeze off the panther pole. 

(Kendal) I went and the first thing we did was set up camp. We were on the very top so we had a long uphill hike. Later that day we also did rotations. Mine was the craft tent and zip lining. It was fun to Zip line. The next day I woke up early to go run. I accidentally messed up the time change and woke up at 3:30 instead of 5:30 but I went back to bed for 2 hours. After that we did more rotations. The morning rotations were the ropes course and gun range. I did the panther pole once and didn't make it. I also did the repelling. In the afternoon I had a beach night. Then that night we did testimony meeting and a faith walk. It was cool to see all the quotes and pictures of Jesus. The next day we had morning rotations which for me were games. We had a lesson and did jump rope, and then played games. When we did guns the day before there was a challenge where if you hit 8 targets that get progressively smaller (from about a golf ball size to a little bigger than a tooth pick) in 10 shots you get a gift card. I was able to get it! It was amazing. Then we had a final devotional and packed to go. I got to stay a little after with some friends and I got to do the big zip line and the panther pole some more. I was able to catch the bar off the pole on my 3rd try. Over all it was a very fun experience.

Alice had her Activity Day camp with the Stake on the 25th of June. I got to go help out at a station for the morning. Alice got to do some fun games, paint, and made tortilla's. She had a great time doing all of the activities. I was over the sling shot station. Definitely the most action packed thing the girls did, but it was fun to manage. 

Pete's had swim Monday - Thursday for most of the summer. With a few days missed here and there for trips. He finished up on the 9th before heading off to High Adventure. Pete didn't necessarily love doing the swim team every day, but he did enjoy being there with his best buddy Austin and he has grown so much in skill and speed as he's continued to do it. 

We went to Utah on the 27th of June. We went to spend a week there to see family, and to help my parents work on / refresh their front room. The kids got a lot of time with cousins throughout the week and Alice was ecstatic when we were able to fit in time with Maggie. Friday we went to an air show at the airport. It was hot so we only stayed a bit, but it was really neat to see the planes and watch some do cool tricks. Saturday morning we got to work tearing up carpet in my parents front area of the house. That evening we went to the pool together. I was sporting a headache (had a migraine the day before) so I opted to stay out of the pool with Billie while everyone else had fun together. On Sunday we were able to go to church with our Ernstrom relatives. It's been many years since we've seen them and it was nice to catch up. We had a lunch picnic together after church with them all and then some of us went out to my Aunt Clarnita's grave before saying our goodbye's.  We had a busy couple days at the beginning of the week to finish tearing apart my parents living room and to get it painted. We had couch parties in the garage for a few days (felt very red neck, but it was a good time ; ). The carpet got put in on the 3rd and my parents got new couches for the basement for the kids to enjoy as well. We went to the parade in Lewiston for the 4th. After lunch we hung out and did bottle rockets and the kids played around for the afternoon. We had quite the crew there for fireworks that night and it was probably our biggest / longest firework show we've done! Saturday we went up Logan canyon to ride 4 wheelers and side by sides. I didn't have the right shoes so I ended up in the back of Andy's side by side while everyone else rotated machines. We got to a fork in the road and found that Casey and Kendal were missing. They had hit a divot in the road and as they accelerated out of it, ended up launching them selves over the side. Casey was thrown off the machine and rolled away, Kendal somehow managed to hop off into the brush, just before the machine hit a tree. It was a tense bit of time waiting for them and not knowing what happened. I'm so very grateful they were safe and besides some not so fun scratches and brushes here and there they were unharmed. Casey was having a hard time trying to get the machine off of the tree and up the hill without much luck. They were able to get help when someone passed and helped them pull it out. 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  

 

The following week Alice got in a lot of swim time. We had her swim passes to use up from her lessons so we were at the pool almost every day to work on her swim skills and I'm happy to say she improved a lot and put in some great work. She also got have a swimming activity at the Stewarts home with her Activity Days group that week. She was in heaven swimming with all of her buddies. 

Pete and Casey went to Riggins, ID on a 3 day rafting trip for High Adventure this year. The trip started at 4am on Thursday with a 5 hour drive to a Boy Scout camp up the Salmon River from Riggins. They camped at the same site both nights with Casey in a hammock and Peter with a bunch of the younger boys. After setting up camp they traveled further up the river to begin rafting. The first stretch would take them back to their campsite. The first rapid was one of the biggest, but the raft went through well. The rest of the day was smaller rapids and swimming in the river. Their raft-mates included the Dansies, Dax Shirley, and the Meidells with small changes throughout the trip. There were 5 kayaks that were used as well and Casey spent some of the 1st day on one (though he was pretty sore after that).

Day 2 was spent mostly on the river ending in Riggins. Peter spent some time on a kayak. There was a lot of flat water so there were a lot of boat battles where people tried throwing others off the boats. A Jerome Ward was sharing the river too and they really got into the battles. Pete got to guide the boat for a bit as well. After a long day on the river everyone was exhausted. Everyone relaxed at camp, ate a good dinner, and participated in a devotional. 

Day 3 began with breaking camp and driving back to Riggins. The final stretch was a couple hours of nice rapids. After a few more battles and swimming everyone headed back to Riggins for hotdogs. A 5 hour drive brought everyone home. It was a great trip that Casey and Peter got to spend together. 

 

 

With Casey and Pete gone we had a movie night on Thursday watching the Frozen Broadway show on Disney +. Friday I took the girls swimming and Kendal had her friend Hope join us for the afternoon. We went to help clean our church with Joy and Phillip that evening before I grabbed little Caesars for a night with Alice and dropped Kendal off at the Mall to go to a movie with Netta and Allyson. 

We were up early Saturday morning for the Good Neighbor days fun run. Kendal had to go man a station since the whole fun run is a fundraiser for Cross Country. I took Alice over to the park so she could do the 1 mile run with her cousin Naomi. We've been working up to this fun run having Alice run more around our neighborhood. Let's just say it's not her favorite but she managed practicing and was able to get in a good time and do well the day of. After the run we hung out at the park and checked out the booths with Vaness and the kids. We all did a quiz bowl put on by a high school club. Kendal's team won the first time, and Alice and my team won the second. We stayed for the parade where the kids got countless Popsicle's and had fun together. We had an easy going afternoon getting laundry done. Casey and Pete came home that evening and we all watched the fireworks from down the street. 

 

This past week has been fence week! It's honestly been the first week all summer that Casey has been home the whole week (which is crazy for it already being mid July). Monday we (mostly Casey) dug all of the post holes. All of the supplies were delivered that day as well. Tuesday my parents came up to help and we got to work getting the layout of things fully figured out, and started cementing in the posts. We finished the posts on Wednesday and even put in a few rails before my parents took us into town to eat. Thursday morning we busted out the rest of the fence and got it all in before lunch. We couldn't have done it that well / quickly without my parents help and I'm so grateful they were able and willing to come up. My parents left after lunch and we let our worn out bodies take a rest for the afternoon.  (We also gained a new ping pong table that's been fun to play on! - thanks to a cheap deal from the Gunnels that are moving)

 

Thursday evening we went over to Burley to have a birthday dinner with Cheryl and Kenny. We haven't had a good visit with them for a bit, so it was nice to see them and catch up. We also went and did a little bit of back to school shopping afterwards. 

Friday Casey and I celebrated our 19th Anniversary! We had a morning date out playing pickle ball in town.  We went back in later for a nice dinner at the Brick House and then back home for a family movie night together. I count my blessings that I get to be with the love of my life and am so grateful for the wonderful life we've built together. (Had to take the picture in front of the new fence since that was our Anniversary present this year.)

Yesterday we decided to go out with the kids since we've had a week of being at home and focusing on the fence. Alice, Casey, and I went to see her friend Emma get baptized in the morning. After that we grabbed Kendal and Pete to go into town. The kids got Culver's certificates to eat there from the library rewards this summer so we had lunch there. We then took the kid over to do mini golf and ended up going around that area of Twin finding Geo caches (we successfully found 3, but couldn't find the 4th). Last night Casey and our Friend Brett took Kendal and a bunch of her buddies over to the Temple to do baptisms for the Dead. Kendal ended up spending the rest of the night hanging out with her friends while the rest of us watched a new marvel show on Disney +. Today I gave a talk on gratitude in sacrament meeting. I was told it went well, but my nerves tell me I'm just happy to have it over ; ). 

Pete is 13!

Pete is officially a teenager! Even though his fluctuating voice and hormones would tell you he's been a teen for awhile we can now consider him full fledged. Bring on the teen years!

Pete is a mix of humor, energy, oddball, ingenuity, intelligence, and kindness all in one. Pete has the biggest heart, and we love him like crazy.

Pete has grown a lot this past year. He's pushed himself with running and continues to go out this summer so he can't have a head start to his fall cross country season. He faced his first cut from sports with basketball last winter, but took it in stride as he does with many things. Pete is liked by many, he gets along well with everyone, and is a great leader. He has a great group of friends and is well liked by his peers and his teachers. Pete is very smart and got himself on the high honor roll the whole school year! Pete became Deacons quarm president at the beginning of the year and continues to impress us in how he leads and serves in his caring. 

Pete started his adventure with braces this spring and it's for sure been a crazy ride with having 9 broken brackets (only have been his fault) and a lot of extra visits since he's gotten them. He's suffering by eating virtually no crunchy food and avoids a lot of things he would love to / have normally eaten. 

This last month plus,  he's climbed rock walls without issue, gone on some crazy roller coasters, and cliff jumped with friends. He never would have done these things in the past, and it shows how much he's grown and continues to conquer and face the hard things in life. 

We love Pete something fierce. He's great at pushing buttons, and being our most physical kid, but it's what makes him our Petey Pete! 

Favorite animal: Monkey / Turtle / (asks mom and dad for a dog a lot)

Favorite food: Orange chicken,  chicken parm 

Favorite snack / treat: yogurt, kit kat

Favorite book: Harry Potter book 5

Favorite activity: Running and Legos

Favorite subject in school: "Dads class" (Ancient History) 

Favorite color: Blue / Gray

What he wants to be when he grows up: Engineer 

Nickname: Pete, squudgy pudgy, Peety Pete, Petree 

At age 13 Peter is 5ft 3.5 in tall! 

Mid June

Coming home meant back to reality. We came home to a bunch of dead grass areas (we think thanks to grubs) in our backyard. We've been trying to combat and fix things since. 

Pete missed the first week and a half of swim team so he had to get his bum in gear and get into the swing of things starting the day after we got home from California. Alice got to have swim lessons this last week. She let her fears win out an wouldn't put effort into swimming in the deep water. She did well with her skills, but she's got to be willing to push herself a bit more and gain some perseverance. 

Casey and I were assigned to clean the temple on the 13th. For some reason I had that the 13th was a Thursday so we went to the temple on Thursday (the 12th) and ended up staying to clean with the Jerome Stake. We went back the next night and helped out again. 

It was free fishing day on the 14th. Casey was awesome and took the kids out to fish. They started up at the Murtaugh resiviour and didn't have any luck with fake bait. So, they went and bought worms and headed down to Dirkies for the rest of the afternoon. They caught a bunch of fish and had a good time together. Pete ended up finding his best buddies and went cliff jumping with them for a bit. We had a very low key Father's day were we spoiled Casey with treats, and good food, and relaxed and hung out together for the day. 

   

  

Kendal made it to FSY this past week. She did get up early a few days to run with her friends, which added to making her days long, but she rallied and still had a good time all week. 

    On Monday we went up to the Collage of Idaho. We stopped at Dairy Queen for lunch. After we got their we met our company and did a little get to know you. After that we went to an FSY orientation. After the orientation we headed to dinner. They had Pizza, Hamburger's, and a Salad bar for lunch and dinner daily with 1 different option so I had I lot of burger's and salad. After dinner we did a home-evening where we played games and did a lesson. Then we went back to our dorm's and did R&R Wich is reflect and review. Then light's out was at 10:30.

    On Tuesday I woke up at 5:40 to go run before we had to meet for the morning devotional. We had our devotional and then went to breakfast. They had eggs, bacon, salad, and cereal for breakfast every morning. After that we did Gospel Study. We reviewed as a Company then did a 30 minute personal Study and talked about it after. After that we went to our morning devotional and classes. We had 2 classes before lunch. They are the same for every session. They are Hear Him!, and Finding Answers to Question's. After the classes we headed to lunch and played games with our company. After lunch we had 2 more classes I chose Celestial Math, and Safe and Secure. The classes were good and I learned a lot. After classes we had flex time and dinner. Me and Netta watched a movie during flex time. After dinner we learned about taking care of technology, and we made a banner and cheer for games night. Then that night we had a dance. I danced with 1 kid. I also learned more line dances that I didn't know before. After the dance we did R&R and went to bed.

    On Wednesday I also woke up at 5:40 to go run. Our councler came and ran with me so that was nice. Our morning was a lot like Tuesday. My classes were different though. Before lunch I went to Well its about time, and revive joy. Then after lunch I went to With the Savior by my Side and HOTL: Ten ways to get more out of your temple trip's. I learned a lot and had fun. We also did the same for Flex time and watched a movie then went to dinner. After dinner we had games night and competed againsed other companies. And we also did a cheer off. We won the games! I almost made it into the finals in Ninja. After that we went to our dorm and got Pizza from domino's! After that we did R&R and went to bed.

    Thursday was church dress. We had the morning similar but after gospel study we separated and did an YW lesson about the Family a proclamation to the world and about self worth. Then we went and did the morning devotional with all the YW in the session. After that we went to lunch. After lunch we went to a talent show which was so fun to watch. I enjoyed it. After the talent show it was flex time and I watched the movie with Netta and went to dinner. After dinner we had a choir concert, evening devotional, and testimony meeting. Almost my whole company gave their testimony and it was very spiritual. Then we did R&R and went to bed.

    Friday I ran, we had our morning stuff till the morning devotional. Then we did a share goodness activity where we did a bunch of small things to learn and share goodness. Then we went to lunch. After lunch we went to the Taking it home showcase where we watched a slide show about the week and learned how to take our experience home. After that we went to flextime. I finished the movie and packed. Me and Netta were on our way to dinner but we saw our company at the swing dancing activity and went. I learned some new moves and Netta danced with someone. Then we went to dinner. After dinner we had a dance. I danced with 2 people. It was fun. Then we had a final devotional which I had to say the closing prayer to. I was terrified but when saying it felt peacefully which meant a lot to me. Then we meant with out company for the last time and had R&R together, did a final testimony meeting, and say goodbye. We were all very emotional and it was sad to say good bye to such a great group of people and the experience. But eventually we had to go to bed.

    Saturday morning I said my final goodbyes to the girls and we headed home. I picked up doughnut's on the way. I loved this experience and it was sad to leave but i'm happy to be home. I learned a lot and had a lot of spiritual growth. I am so thankful to be able to have this experience.

Our friends the Birks came to visit on Thursday. They moved three years ago and have been very missed. We had lunch with a large group of us at the park and then spent the afternoon catching up at the Dansie's house while the kids played in the pool. After dinner they headed out, and I hosted book club for the month. Casey spent most of the day helping Brett and Vanessa strip their roof so they can redo it this next week. (It was hard work, and so hot; he's just the best for helping.) Casey did take Alice to swim for me so I could spend more time with Kate Birk, and he joined for lunch, but headed back that afternoon and worked hard to get their roof un shingled. 

Casey headed out Friday morning to a basketball tournament in Marsh Valley. Pete, Alice and I had an easy going day. We decided Pete's extra days with his cousins at the beginning of the month counted as his birthday present this year so we had a low key morning. I gave Pete his favorite treats and after Kendal came home from FSY we headed into town for lunch at Chick Fill A and a shopping trip to Target where the kids spent the rest of their Disney money from my parents on fun things. I let the kids watch shows (Kendal rested) in the afternoon and we had one of Pete's favorites (chicken parmigiana) for dinner before having cake and watching a movie. 

A few extra's from this last week and a half. . .