Utah

We took a quick weekend trip down to Utah. While we were there we got to see Bens bike race and his lacrosse game. We also got to see Grace play her soccer game. And we got to hang out with the Hammonds! 

Matt and Bennett we're excited to make it to a BYU football game. That's really what the whole weekend was all about.  

Student of the month

Jacks was named the 1st student of the month this year. We are so proud of him and know that he always tries his best in school. Good job Jacksen!

First Day of School

The first day of school started early this year on August 19th. We were all disappointed to leave our summer behind, but excited to start a new school year. 

We all had huge expectations going into this school year. Jemma started 1st grade and is in Mrs. Carizzosa's class. Jacks is in Miss Franzsen's 3rd grade classroom. And Bennett is now a 4th grader in Mrs. Wheatley's room. This year I am also starting my new job as the preschool teacher at the Children's Museum. 

Bennett's Birthday

This handsome boy turned 10 years old! I can't believe it!  

Bennett loves to do anything active. He loves swimming and competing at meets around the state. He loves to ride his bike, basketball, track, wrestling, you name it and he has probably tried it!  He is smart and kind and diligent. He is always making sure he keeps the rules. We are so blessed to have this guy in our family. He always keeps things interesting!

August

The first part of August we all headed to Grace, Idaho. The circumstances were sad ones. Matts best friend since second grade, Mitch Bennett, had passed away and his funeral was the first Saturday in August. Matt was asked to speak at Mitch's funeral. He delivered a great talk and a touching tribute to his friend. 

That weekend also happened to be the Caribou County Fair, and the Arizona Washburns were visiting too. Tyler brought the kids up from Idaho Falls and the cousins were all together for the parade and the rides at the fair. 

They each got to pick an activity and Bennett picked the hard side of the rock wall and made it too the top!

Sunday morning we left Grace and headed to Idaho Falls for Tyler and Katie's new baby boy, Landon, baby blessing. After which, Jemma convinced Grandma Julie to let her stay the week by herself at her house. Jemma had an amazing week with no brothers and undivided Grandma time. She also got some special time with Daddy. Matt stayed in Driggs, Idaho for scout camp. Matt picked her up the night before he came home and she was able to camp with him for one night. 

It was great to get one more visit in to Idaho before school starts in a couple of weeks. 

Lindon Aquatic Center

While in Utah amidst allergy testing and school clothes shopping we couldn't resist going to our favorite Lindon Pool. 

The kids all had a blast. Bennett and Ben spent most their time on the wave rider, while Ella, Jemma, Grace, Felicity, and Jacks played around in the lazy river. 

We love this place!

Grandma Betty's Birthday

We helped Grandma Betty celebrate her 92nd birthday on July 18th. 9 out of 11.5 great-grandchildren were there to help her eat her cupcakes! 

Horse Back Riding

This summer we decided to try horse back riding lessons. Jemma and Jacks were both so excited!  They both love riding horses and immediately loved their horses. 

Jacks got a horse named Spirit and Jemma rode Candy. 

Their instructor, Kim, was very kind and patient with both of them. 

Dreams really do come true!

Allergy Testing

We finally decided it was time to get Bennett's allergy testing done. We knew he was allergic to some nuts, and possibly horses and hay, but decided we should get specifics. I called the allergy clinic and set up an appointment in Utah for after our Island Park vacation. 

Just before we left for Island Park Jemma went to her horse back riding lesson. Towards the end her nose was runny, her eyes were watering, her skin was itching, and her face started swelling. I told her she might be allergic to horses, and she was devistated. She kept trying to convince me, "I'm not allergic to horses, it's the grass!"  I decided to get her an appointment along with Bennett. 

After the cabin we headed to Utah and got the kids to their testing and had some very interesting results. 

Both Bennett and Jemma were extremely allergic to horses. And somewhat allergic to dogs and cats. 

Jemma is also allergic to cotton trees which is why she had such a hard time playing at the city park that is filled with cotton trees. There were a few other small allergic reactions to some other environmental things. 

Bennett found out he had allergies to just about ever grass in the north and south west United States. No wonder he gets headaches mowing the lawn. He also has an allergy to sagebrush and cedar trees. And, of course, to certain nuts (which required an epi-pen prescription) such as: walnuts, pistachio, cashews, sunflower, and pecans. Strangely enough he is not allergic to peanuts or almonds. 

Bennett's asthma was also checked as was Jemma's eczema. 

All in all I would say it was a pretty informative visit. 

Island Park 2015

Island Park this year was a smaller event due to the fact that the Hammonds couldn't make it. However, we were still able to find some adventurous  things to do. 

As always canoeing is a must. Once again Bennett and Ethan desired to captain their very own canoe. Jacks wanted his very own canoe with Matt and was completely upset when Jemma hopped in. He wouldn't even smile for the camera. 

We also overloaded the 4 wheelers and took a back trail to West Yellowstone. While up there we unloaded a lunch we had packed in for a picnic and then stopped for ice cream before heading back. 

Another day we made a plan to drive through Yellowstone to visit Old Faithful. However, traffic was so backed up we turned around and decided to visit the West Yellowstone Discovery Center. There, the kids got to see real life wolves and bears. The kids enjoyed it immensely. 

We also got to spend a night at the Playmill watching their production of Mary Poppins. The kids loved it! And so did most of the adults. 

This summer the weather has been a bit more wet and chillier than usual and that makes it a whole lot less fun being outdoors, but we managed to find some fun. And spending time with the Nulph Family and Grandma Julie usually makes for a great time.