September 2020

The oldest three boys got to choose if they wanted to go to face to face school or do homeschool.  These two opted for face to face school.  Our high school was doing hybrid face to face in class every other day and then the other days they were doing virutal learning.  Face masks had to be worn in any space that social distancing was impossible, also if anyone was at elevated risk.  

I had to take a picture of our blender when it reached the number of our tower in Japan.  I meant to send it to our friends... but I still haven't. Ha.

I came down and found all the homeschool kids pouring over the chatbooks one afternoon.  It made my heart happy.  

We made ice cream for one of Levi's first chemistry assignments.

It went perfectly with our water study for science for the younger kids, as well.

I decided to try something a little different from our normal "just get dinner and walk around Target or Lowe's" date night.  I quickly made a list of things we could take photos of and we hit the road.

First up: a soccer field.

Someone on a bike.

A green playground.

I may or may not have gotten a little stuck in this tire swing. 

A hill (a rare stight in North Dakota).

Then we decided to pretend we were still kids and we rolled down the hill.  

Ethan wasn't too happy with this decision.  I giggled down the entire way down.  But it was kind of crazy how old we felt.

We had fun driving around looking for a "dream house."  This was the most beautiful house.  I wish we could've walked through it to see if it really was our dream house.  Things on the list: interesting architecture, a nice porch, a big garage, not too big-but big enough.  I posted this photo on Instagram and was asked by a few people if this was our house... I wish!

Water.

Ethan was tired of being different, so we called it after this and went to find some food.  Boy, oh boy do I love this man of mine.

We took the kids out to Turtle River State Park on Labor Day.  Ethan had been there last year, but none of the rest of us had been there yet.  It was a fun afternoon!  And so close to where we live that I kept Ethan why we hadn't done this before!

During the spring, this is tick city.  Super, super bad from everything I've heard.  Walking through this grass made me nervous.  We made sure to do tick checks when we got home.

Our adventurers were eager to explore the water.

This was the trail we walked.  We had to take a picture.

We didn't get to stay too long because Jonas had to work and we got a late start (like usual).  But it was a worthwhile expedition.  I kept telling Ethan that I was in a happy place.  I have missed the trails and nature.  So much time in our house... give me green and water and sunshine.

Our neighbor has grapes and lets us pick them.  Fisher, Eliza, Bolton and Abraham were my helpers.  We got enough to do one full steamer juicer full (5 quarts).  It was delicious!

Magnatiles are so much fun.

This silly guy... I don't know why he put his hair in his face.  Here's the long story about how he got his permit:  after Bryant got his license, we made an appointment for Jonas to go take his test for his permit.  After waiting a few weeks, I took him in and he went to the door where they asked him if he had any COVID symptoms to which he replied that he had "a little sore throat, but its just allergies." So they turned him away and wouldn't let him take the test.  

Fast forward a couple months and we finally get an appointment again.  We go to the appointment.  He goes in and gets past the door!  But then after a half hour or more he comes out to tell me that we don't have the right paperwork.  What?!  I searched the car trying to find something that would work.  I found several things that could have worked (but not what was on their approved list) and sent him back in.  He came right back out and said they told him to make a new appointment and come back when he had the right paperwork.  UGH!  I was pretty peeved.  I had the right paperwork, but it wasn't new enough for their liking.  Jonas really wanted me to just tuck my tail between my legs and admit defeat, but he doesn't know me very well, I guess.  Eventually, I found the right "paperwork" on my phone (because we're paperless, hello).  I went up to the person guarding the door and expressed my hopes (and frustration).  She took my phone in to the person with the power and then came out and said that it would work and he could go in to take the test.  

After all that, I told him if he didn't pass the test I wasn't bringing him back, so good luck. I'm a really nice mom.  I guess the mortification at his mom's persistence and vehemence was motivation enough to not want to show his face there again because he passed!  

I made this cute table runner...finally using some fabric I bought in Kentucky in 2012!  I loved it so much we decided to put it on the table.  The kids thought we needed all the Halloween decorations out with it, so we were festive for the first time in ages.

The homeschool kids and I met friends at the park of Fridays while the weather was good.  Fisher was in heaven.

One Sunday morning I called Ethan into the bathroom to cut my hair for me.  He did a pretty good job.  I miss my long hair, even if this looks better.  I like being able to braid and bun my hair.

Ethan got appointments on base for the all the 10+ aged kids to get new IDs!  It was an exciting event to get out of the house!  Also, it was Bolton's first ID so he was feeling pretty pumped.

Fisher was wearing his Japanese summer clothes for the first time (these are Abe's old ones, so they're still pretty big on him).  This was also the first time that he wore his mask.  He was certain he was a bonafide ninja.

Abe was serious about his cereal.

I loved how the squareness of the cracker was unmistable.

Sundays are kind of ridiculous.  If *ahem* one of our kids doesn't have screens to entertain him he just can't help himself from pushing buttons.  And *ahem* one of the other kids doesn't handle his buttons being pushed so much.  Sometimes things escalate to a full on brawl and mom takes pictures and video just to show them how absurd they behave.  

Dad almost always turns to the guitar when he is avoiding his screens.

September was pretty low key.  But with homeschool and the new hybrid school schedule I feel like it was very full at our house-despite not having many pictures and events to share.

August 2020

Four silly kids in a hammock.  I have seriously loved watching these 4 play together in our yard all summer.  It's no wonder Bolton and Abe are content to stay in North Dakota more than the rest of us.  They have had a lot of perfect childhood playing, lounging, jumping, climbing, growing, digging, etc. in the back yard.  

I got restless to make some improvements in our bathrooms one day.  So I went and bought some paint (the poor guy at the paint counter had to mix like 15 samples for me) and got right to it.  Here are the before pictures.  I feel like it was just like a cave.

I followed a tutorial from Vintage Revivals and created this mural... this was taken before I completed the rest of the walls.

It's still dark, but so much brighter than it was.  I'm still not convinced the cabinet is a good fit.  But it will work for now.

The bathroom was sorely lacking in good towel storage before.  These hooks are perfect for the kids to hand their towels.

When we left Utah/Idaho, we left Bryant and Levi behind.  While there Ethan's dad helped us purchase a car for Bryant to drive back to ND.  But I was nervous about him making the drive by himself... so were my parents.  So, they loaded up their truck and came for a quick visit!  My oldest brother, Dennis, joined them so both cars making the trek would have two drivers.  

Of course, we were all beyond thrilled to have them!

And Bryant brought lots more treasures from Great Grandpa W's house.  (He worked really hard with Ethan's parents on cleaning out the house and they made a lot of progress while he was there).

We really just hung out at our house while they were here.  We did visit a few local shops (quilt, soap, and candy) and drive through the sugar beet farms.  My dad told me that his grandpa was a sugar beet farmer in Lewiston, UT.  I had no idea.  I've since learned that my grandma wasn't very happy as a farmer's daughter.  She did not like picking sugar beets!

The time, like it always does, passed too quickly.  It was time to say goodbye.

Look how gigantic Jonas is.

We finally got a barbell and weights and Bryant was eager to put it to the test!

Bubble wrap is so much fun.

I love this photo.

Our family scripture study has been going really well lately.  I feel like we're able to have a little bit better discussions with the kids than we ever have.  I love that we have this daily habit.  

One of my 40 by 40 is to make 40 different chocolate chip cookie recipes... the kids are loving it.  Especially this guy.

We finally had a Saturday where none of the boys were working so we made a trip to Itasca State Park, home of the headwaters of the Mississippi River.

The kids were eager to cross Old Muddy.

They had a lot of fun playing in the headwaters.

Fisher and Jonas weren't interested in getting in the water. So we made our own fun on the sidelines while we waited.

Petting friendly dogs is always a good thing.

He makes my heart skip a beat.

Pooping.  I need to get him potty trained. Ugh.

Fisher and I made a trek back to the car to change his diaper.   Along the way we had to stop for lots of pictures.

When we got back, they were still loving the water.

This ferry was a fun site as the kids were getting out.

More kids taking a turn crossing the Mississippi.

Levi decided he didn't want to get out up at the headwaters, he wanted to float down to this crossing.  If you zoom in, you can see him coming.

Patiently waiting for everyone to get out of the water.

I love learning about other cultures and beliefs and traditions.

From the headwaters, we headed to the lake.  It was a stunningly beautiful day.

Kayak fun!  We paddled across the river.  Levi thought he was funny by rocking the kayak once we reached the other side.  He really wanted to jump in, but I was a Nervous Nelly and didn't know what would happen to the boat if he jumped off it, so I wouldn't let him.  What can I say, I'm I total killjoy.

Ethan went out with Eliza and Fisher...

But really, that didn't last long.  Fisher might have made it as far as the end of the swimming area and was ready to get back to shore.  He must get his water anxiety from me.  Abe was thrilled that he got to jump aboard sooner than later.

Jonas and Bryant just hung out at the playground with Fisher the rest of the time.

Levi, Bolton, Abe, and Eliza all love playing in the water too much to stay out of it.

Fisher loves playing at the park.  Sometimes I forget that I used to take my oldest kids to the park so much.  Poor Fisher has other blessings in his life, but park time is definitely not happening as much as he'd like.

We had a really fabulous time at the State Park and will hopefully visit again!  We stopped for Dairy Queen dinner on the way home.  They had seating outside on the lawn and we enjoyed the last bit of daylight.

Something else Fisher really loves is reading.  He is so happy anytime anyone is willing to sit and read to him.  As soon as I finish reading a book to him, he takes it in his hands and says, "Now it's my turn."  And begins to flip pages.

We have been talking about doing tie dye for ages, but it took me quite a while to get something for everyone.  Finally, I had shirts and socks and I bought a large die.  We had a lot of fun trying out new designs. 

Ethan and I found a new route we loved on our bikes.  It was a glorious day!

For several reasons, we opted to withdraw the younger kids from school and do legit homeschool.  We were all eager to get started.  Our first science unit was fun as we learned about water.  This water surface tension lesson was pretty exciting for everyone.

We are looking forward to more exciting learning adventures as the school year proceeds.  I sure love my kids.  Having them home all the time is fun, even if it means I never have any time for myself. Ha.  I sure do love them.