Dates with the kids

In the past I have tried to do dates with the kids and it has never gone well.  I always forget or we don't make time to do it.  So I have been working at it and with the sticker charts the kids have they are earning dates.  It is working because we are actually doing it.  Kaden got to pick what we did, okayed by me.  He was so happy.  One Saturday morning we headed out and picked up donuts and chocolate milk.  We headed over to the Riverton pond and fished.  My dad retaught me the fishing basics.  I have forgotten a lot over the last 12 years.  Dad also taught me how to gut a fish.  I don't want to do it but if I want my boys to learn I have to be brave and teach them.  We get all set up and after the 2nd cast Kaden messed his fishing pole up.  It wouldn't reel the line in.  I couldn't figure it out so we set it aside and he used my pole.  It was a great time to be together and just talk.  Sadly, we didn't catch anything but had a great time.

This week Elliot got to have a date and he wanted to go out to eat, get donuts, go to the park, and many other things.  We had to eliminate a lot and he settled for lunch and the park close by.  The date was originally suppose to be just the two of us but Mike was napping so I asked Elliot if Camden could come.  Thankfully, he said yes.  The only things we are suppose to do are have fun and take a picture together to remember.

The rain stopped so we could go have some fun.  

I am so glad I get to spend time with these kids of mine.  They are so different when they are alone and I learn so much.  In addition to the dates I have been letting the kids take turns during the week to stay up late.  Some nights it works and others don't.  They all want the attention and want to be included in everything.  It's also nice to have that time alone with them since Mike is at work.  If you have any fun things you do please share.  I love to hear new things and try them, especially when my things don't work.

Trip to Idaho

In July Elsie, Kaden, Elliot, Spinney, and I made a trip up to Idaho to see Aunt LeDawn, Uncle Adam, and little Greyson.  Cousin Julienne was having a reception and Spinney offered to take me and a few kids.  I was very hesitant at first because I had a lot to do and it was only going to be a day trip.  Mike came home one day and said he asked for Friday off so we could go up early.  I couldn't pass on that offer from Mike especially since LeDawn wanted me to come.  My next dilemma was deciding how many children to take and which ones.  I asked Mike's sister, Mary if Elsie could stay a few days in Rexburg with them.  Mary was happy to and Elsie was excited to spend many days with all girls.  Since my parents were visiting LeDawn and coming down the next week Kaden was invited to stay extra time with them.  We went up Friday morning and came home Saturday night with only Elliot. 

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The kids got to play in Greyson's little pool. Kaden decided he was too big for it.

We made homemade pizza that tasted wonderful.  Elsie and Elliot knew how to do it all.  At least that's what they said.

Kaden was so excited to see grandpa and play with Greyson.

We went shooting Saturday and Kaden got to shoot guns.  I was more scared than he was.  I have never seen him use a real gun before and to ease my mind I asked for total supervision.  Adam was great with Kaden.  He was right there teaching him what to do and was very patient.  Thanks so much Adam,  Kaden loved every minute of it.

Elliot hung back and made himself a pretend fire.  He was content to just to watch and so was I.

On our way home we stopped by a dairy farm and got some ice cream.  We got little cones and it was a good thing because the little cones had lots of ice cream.  They had some animals we could pet.  I really wished I had brought Camden after that.  He loves cows and horses.

I tried to get a picture of the cow's faces for Camden but this was the best I could get.

We drove by the Idaho temple for a few minutes and saw the pretty river.

We brought Greyson his birthday present early and were so excited to see him open it.  It was fun playing with him and seeing him get so big.  He'll be running around with cousins soon.

School here we come

The first day of school was a busy one and after we mingled with the teachers  I noticed people taking pictures.  I totally forgot to get some of the kids.  These are actually Rylan's first day pictures.  He didn't have to go with the big kids the first day.  

  

Rylan chose to wear some old clothes for his first day of first grade.  He picked out camouflages clothes.  He was really proud of that and even picked out camouflage underwear to go with it.  I told him his teacher wouldn't be able to see him but his response was he would warn her.  He was really excited to go and even though it was an early day he liked having lunch at school.  

Kaden was being silly and not putting up the right fingers.  He thought he was pretty funny.  He is in 2nd grade this year.

Elsie is in 4th grade this year.  She was very excited because she gets to have the same teacher from 3rd grade, Mrs. Graves.  We found out that there is a new playground at school this year and it's by Elsie's classroom.

I was a little happy and sad that I didn't take the kids to school.  They didn't need me. It's nice not to be needed and sad at the same time.

Visiting with Grandma

Grandpa O'Dell headed home to CA with Brent and roughed it for about a week in a half by himself.

Grandma O'Dell stayed in Utah after our camping trip in July.  She went to a family history thing in Provo.  We didn't see her that week but we had a lot of fun over the weekend.  She watched the kids while Mike and I went on a date.  We don't get to do that much.  The kids favorite thing was to play games on grandma's phone.  I hardly ever let them do anything on my phone. When they were begging to have grandma's phone she let them.

Camden wasn't shy seeing grandma again.  He ran right up to her and gave her hugs.

Grandma was able to go swimming and to church with us while she was here. And the morning she was leaving we made it to the temple at 5:40am.  It was great to be there with my mom. I am glad we were able to see her and spend some time with her.  We love you grandma.

Saying good bye to good friends the Smiths

When we heard the Smith family was moving all the kids were sad.  This last year the kids were in the same school classes as the Smiths.  We switched watching the kids every other week so us moms could help out at school.  It was a nice arrangement and I really liked being able to see what the kids were doing in class.

When we heard the Smiths were leaving this week the kids wanted to play one last time.  They have never had to say good bye to friends they won't see again.  Originally we were planning on having the two older kids over but since Elliot and Camden have made friends with the younger ones we invited them all.  The only time the boys play with dolls is when Annabelle and Jane come over. 

Elsie was excited to have the girls over and play girl stuff.  The older boys were not allowed to play.

Elisabeth is the best friend a person could ask for. She is kind,sweet,

and a great socer player.She likes to read, just like me.

Elisabeth is defintly the number1 friend I could ask for! 

Elsie  

When the kids were posing for this picture Annabelle tilted her head and Elliot thought he had to also. 

To get Elliot to take a picture he wanted to take one too.

This is the picture Elliot took of Annabelle.  I was happy to see he got her in the shot.

The boys.  Kaden and Charles had lots of fun together.  They are just 2 months apart but because of their birthdays they are not in the same church class.  Kaden always came home to tell me about their soccor games at school.  Here they are dumping a cup of water on their heads.  They thought it was so cool.   

Rylan loved having Charles to play with but he was more the third wheel and got to go for a ride with dad.  I am grateful my kids could have good friends around.  Elisa, the mom is amazing.  She is talented in so many ways and a great example.  We will miss them all and are excited for their new adventures.

charles is vere vere funny.he is my numbr 1 frend!!!!!

he is vere good at sokre just like me.

kaden