In early June, the Primary kids (and their families) had their annual trip to the Dallas Temple. The outside tour was cancelled due to a severe rainstorm, but listening to the kids sing inside was beautiful and I felt the Spirit so strongly.
Since the temple trip was cut short, we headed up to Scheels to get gear for Kevin's upcoming High Adventure Trip. After several minutes of contemplation, Colby decided to spend some money on this shooting game...
One Sunday afternoon, Brooke asked if she could make cookies completely on her own. We usually make cookies together, but since I had a few lingering work things to complete, I encouraged the endeavor. She used my recipe for chocolate chip cookies, but added her own flair with marshmallows and later added peanut butter and crushed up graham crackers (which Colby helped with). They turned out SO good!! She even cleaned up the kitchen when she was done. My girl is growing up!!
As mentioned in a previous post, Doug Myers found out that he needed spinal surgery while they were in town house hunting. After weeks of back spasms and numbness in his right arm, Tracy forced him to go to the ER to get checked out. SO many miracles followed! They gave him pain meds and told them to call and schedule a consult with a neurosurgeon based on some arthritis. Tracy said they almost didn't call since she knew they were leaving in a few days, but after her son Cooper encouraged her to call anyway, they were able to get in the next day.
Tracy's post about the situation: From that appointment they issued orders for an MRI and told us it would be next week and maybe one more week to read it. Again, I explained we were leaving in a couple days. They got us in the next day and read it five minutes after Doug walked out. They called and told us to immediately go back to the ER to be admitted for emergency surgery to remove a large tumor that was compressing his spinal cord and squeezing a major artery. We had waited so long that the surgeon didn't think we had 10 weeks to wait, which is his normal wait time and got us in within days."
I told Tracy that I would come stay with her at the hospital so she didn't have to wait alone. They were told it would be a long surgery (8+ hours), but since they didn't start on time, we were there for nearly 12 hours. My kids were so incredibly patient as they waited. We had multiple bags of activities and snacks, but we still went to the cafeteria a few times to break up the monotony of the waiting area. Tracy was so strong and I did my best to help support her when she was getting anxious towards the end of the surgery. They updated his status on a hospital board, but the updates were vague and very few and far between.
Everything went well and the relief we felt when the surgeon finally came to talk to us was palpable!! He was in the ICU for a week, then moved to a rehab facility across the street from the hospital. I can't remember how long he was there, but it was a few weeks. Tracy went back to Colorado to get the kids (since they were there with her mom) so they could rally around their dad during his recovery process. Tracy's brother put them up in an Air B&B for a few weeks so they could be near the hospital, and once Doug was released, some friends who were out of the country let them stay in their home. We checked in on Doug a few times while Tracy was traveling and tried to spend some time with them once the whole family was together again. (Minus Cooper, who stayed behind to go on a music trip with a friend.)
I was sad to miss Ellie's graduation party, but since it was the same day as Doug's surgery, Kevin went to represent our family.
The library's summer reading program was super motivating for my kids and Brooke already read for 11 hours, which meant two prizes for her. Colby picked out a Percy Jackson audiobook the week before and listened to nearly 7 hours already!
Brooke helped me pick out a few supplies for my new speech classroom set-up...
We attended a going-away pool party for some sweet friends last week, only one of which is actually pictured. We will miss the Harrison family in our ward, and I'll especially miss my friend Liz.
Kevin usually drive the kids around, but he asked me to do it so he could sit in the bow and watch. It was a total mom moment for me as I was flooded with gratitude for my family, the experiences we have together at the lake, and for the beauty around us!
I asked Kevin to snap a picture, which he did, but I really loved this one that he took a little later :)
Brooke gained confidence on the wakeboard...
And the kids took a few pics and videos of me surfing...
Our neighbors were probably laughing as Colby sat in a kiddy pool on the driveway when our community pool is literally across the street, but we were prepping for Brooke's water kickball party and he wanted to test out the pools and his paper boats, haha.
A few pics from the Stake Primary activity, which also happened to be the morning of Brooke's birthday. I wasn't sure if she would want to go, but she was thrilled to have another fun thing to add to her special day.
When a random playdate with your neighbors turns into painting Braxton's face...
While Brooke was at volleyball camp, Colby and I had some sweet time together. Our plans didn't all work out as expected thanks to some issues with car maintenance, multiple doctor's appointments for me (thought I had shingles but actually had impetigo ON MY FACE), and a forgotten credit card, but I loved having my buddy around.
We usually only do water balloons on the trampoline since cleanup is a breeze, but one afternoon they convinced me that they could play on the driveway...
It ended in a big fight and we were all angry with each other, but thankfully we can forgive and forget. And thankfully, I look a few pictures before things turned ugly.
I attended a baby shower for Stephanie Hibbert, who is welcoming her first girl after 4 boys!
"Choice Day" was such a hit last year, so we decided to do it again. I did have to make a few changes to the cards as the day progressed, but overall it was a blast. Gas station snacks, Main Event, Jimmy Johns for lunch, Hawaiian Falls, and our usual pizza/movie night.
I don't know if it was the lighting or the combination with his blue hat and shirt, but his eyes were SO blue and beautiful.
I love my adventures with these two!!
Summer yard work can feel like a beatdown, but the kids did awesome and we followed it up with a quick dip in the pool. Sadly, the water wasn't super refreshing, but it was better than sweating.
We went for a Monday night ride, which turned into driving lessons. In the past, Colby would just steer while Kevin controlled the throttle, so there was a bit of a learning curve, haha. Brooke and I were dying laughing and when he caught on, he gave me the best face (last pic). But he improved so much in a short amount of time and I have no doubt he'll be an awesome boat driver.
Brooke has been practicing crossing over the opposite wake and she did it multiple times that night. She was SO happy when she climbed in the boat and I caught the cute kiss her daddy gave her 🩷 Then I needed a pic of all three of them together. So grateful for family nights at the lake!
We had two pool outings in one day! They've been putting Brooke's new volleyball to good use :)
We joined some friends for the Summer Movie Club and Beverly climbed right onto Brooke's seat with her. Brooke ADORES Beverly, so she was super happy. Looking back, it looks like Beverly is picking her nose, haha, but I didn't notice it at the time.
We met up with the Sturgills at Hawaiian Falls and stayed the whole day. I didn't get a single picture of the boys since they were running all over the park, but I'm grateful for Maddy who was a good buddy for Brooke.
The kids weren't super excited about going to the lake after a day in the sun, but we didn't get out there until almost 8 PM, so it was peaceful and calm. The marina pumps are empty and can't be refilled with the flooding in the parking lot, so we bought a big new gas container and had some user error. Colby eventually figured out a solution, so yay for 8 year olds with great ideas.
We were long overdue for some street hockey and it was (shockingly) such a good night for it! The kids and men were sweating profusely, but the rest of us enjoyed a nice breeze in the shade.
The kids headed to Grandma and Papa's house for a sleepover and I was laughing about everything Brooke brought. She was definitely rocking the pink vibe and had a whole other bag with more "essentials" for the one night they were staying.
The kids loved their time with Grandma and Papa. Highlights: Frosty's for ice cream cones, Saltgrass Steakhouse for dinner to celebrate all their school awards, learning to crochet (Brooke), and playing checkers with Papa (Colby).
While the kids were away, Kevin and I went on an anniversary date to Fort Worth to walk the stockyards and eat dinner. It was a great evening, but hot, hence the glistening faces.
I asked a random stranger to take our picture (the selfie didn't capture Kevin's new boots), but when I looked at my phone, it was both crooked and cut off one of his boots. So as soon as they walked away, I asked another person to take our picture. Kevin is such a good sport :)
On Sunday, we met up with everyone at the Peacock's house to celebrate Aubrey's birthday. I always love the cousin pictures...
And Emery is my little buddy. The older kids are really good at including her, but she usually resorts to asking me to play with her as well :)
The kids spent HOURS on random science experiments one day, then acted like it was a punishment (Colby) when we left the house to meet friends at the pool.
I jokingly told Colby that him and Brooke should cook dinner for our actual anniversary, and the kids totally ran with it! They banished me to my room and worked for nearly two hours setting up "The Daughter and Son" restaurant to be ready when Kevin walked in the door from work.
They made scrambled eggs, chocolate chip pancakes, and hash browns for an appetizer. Colby was the waiter and he totally nailed it. Brooke plated all the food and only sustained one burn on her fingertip from a very hot baking sheet.
This was the sweetest way to celebrate our anniversary :)
I made a new friend at church who was struggling after a miscarriage, so we met up one day to chat while the kids played. We originally met at PlayGrand Adventures, but it was so hot and we were all kind of miserable. I suggested that we head over to the indoor playground area at Living Spaces and it was the perfect spot to sit and chat while the kids played. They eventually sprawled out on loungers to watch part of a movie.
We had a mid-week surf session as a family, which is always the best. Brooke has improved so much, even if we do give her a hard time about her flapping arms. She had her longest ride, which meant that Colby then had to beat her record. Why are they so stinkin' competitive??
Kevin even snuck in a turn before the sun went down!
Brooke wanted to try riding on her belly and ended up having SO MUCH FUN! Her smile says it all :)
We hit up Hawaiian Falls with the Sturgills again, but this time Britt, Nora, and Finley came with us.
The Myers came home with us, so we made a pit stop at the gas station for slushies.
We swapped out our weekly ward lake days for pool days since the park has been closed and my kids have loved it!
The kids wanted to try the single ski again and they showed up with such determination and grit, I was honestly so impressed. Colby wasn't able to get up for more than a moment, but Brooke surprised us with her skills. By the end of the night, she was riding for 30 seconds. Colby couldn't understand why he couldn't do it since "he's stronger than Brooke", but I have no doubt he'll get it as well.
I was the boat driver since Kevin was floating with the kids, so I'll take partial credit for helping them get up on the ski. I didn't see this picture until a few days later since Colby and Brooke were on documentation, but it made me happy :) I hope they always think of me as a fun mom and remember me cheering them on in all that they do.
We had a "mini triathlon" one Saturday morning to help Kevin and the kids train for the real one in September. Colby overdid it on the swim (trying to beat Brooke, of course), so he wasn't happy about the bike portion that followed and he really wanted to give up by the time we got to the run/walk...but he completed it, so there's that. We'll have to remain consistent with the training so the actual event is a pleasant experience, haha.
After the mini-tri, we hit up Hurricane Harbor for the first time. The lines were longer than I expected and we didn't get to stay long, but we had a great time and are excited to go back.
On Saturday evening, we had the Myers over for dinner. We have loved having them in town, even though it was an unexpected and scary time for their family. But Doug is doing so well after surgery and it was a great evening together. Highlights: Skull King, Nerf wars, and great conversation.
You know you've partied hard all weekend when Brooke is still sleeping when it's time to get up for church! It was super bright in her room, but she was still fast asleep :)
Church was amazing as we listened to Allie Jarrett talk about her desire to serve a mission. She heads off to Bolivia next week and is going to be an amazing missionary. We can't wait to get her emails and hear all about her experience there.
These month-end posts are always incredibly long, especially during the summer! I am so grateful that I get summers off so that I can spend my days with the kids. I'm also so grateful for the luxury of having a boat so easily accessible to us because SO many of our core summer memories are on that boat!
