Surgery, Soccer, Sunsets & Such

I'm really not a fan of back log on the family blog.  It starts to feel like a chore rather than a family history adventure when I get a month behind.  Something is better than nothing!

The details about Elsie's eye condition were recorded in an earlier post.  Her surgery took place the morning of July 7th (day after her 8th b-day and day before cousin campout began).  She was a real trooper and didn't even flinch when the nurse put the IV in her hand.  She even claims to enjoy getting shots:).  Let's just say she is one of a kind and this great attitude did much to alleviate the typical stress associated with such events.  Needless to say, she recovered quickly and we felt very blessed.  It was fortunate because her surgery was sandwiched in between a whole lot of stuff.  We had concerns about her participating in her first ever cousin camp-out the very next day but it all worked out well enough.

Hair-braiding train - Brinley, Sariah, Anna, Lillian, Allison, Elsie

The kids look forward to spending time with M. cousins ages 8+ for a few days each summer.  G-ma and G-pa M. have hosted this event for many years and the cousins have built great memories with each other and their grandparents.  We recognize the seasons of life are shifting and don't know how long this tradition will continue.  Elsie was really happy to get a chance to join the older cousins for a few days.

Grant, Isaac, Garrett, Tanner, Brinley, Alison
Elsie, Anna, Lillian, Sariah

It was especially fun to have the Hawaii cousins around this year though Breanna and Jameson were missed (mission/work).  Plans were altered when G-pa ended up in the hospital just hours after the cousins arrived.  He had two new stints put in around his heart so he was in the hospital or home recovering.  We teased him that he went to extreme lengths to avoid the "camp-out" this year.  Jared & Stephanie were in the area on an anniversary trip so they came back early to help 'entertain' the crew while Janene was helping Bob.  It was a unique cousin campout and the kids made the most of their time together.  We were all very grateful G-pa was okay.

July was soccer month for Quinn.  

Elsie also signed up to play this summer but due to her surgery, her season was cut short.  She did play the last game on Quinn's team and scored her first goal (they were short on players).

Words cannot express...

...this kids' passion on the field.

He had fun last summer but took it all up a notch this go around.  Watching his older siblings play soccer has inspired him big time.  He was all over the field and scored 7 goals in the final game.

Quinn, Brock, Collin, Gavin, Hannah, Aiden with Coach Nielson

Quinn is quite happy with a stack of paper and a box of markers and/or crayons.   

I love how easily he can entertain himself!

Summer sunsets - always a treat.

This 5-dot drill mat represents just one of the many interesting things parents do for their kids.  

Thank you Cal-Ranch for selling stuff I never planned on needing.  Our neighbor had a template and spray-painted the dots for us.  All part of Jantzen's summer HIT Camp experience that ended when the football season began.  He attended twice a week for an hour and worked his guts out.  There were all kinds of exercises (including 5-dot drills) he was assigned to do at home as well.  Our summer commitment level to anything/everything wanes a bit but I think Jantzen did his 'homework'.

As for projects, I finally got around to recovering the seat of this bench that now sits in our entryway. Once I decided on and purchased the right fabric and borrowed a staple gun from my neighbor, it took all of about 20 minutes to complete.  Why is it that such simple tasks sometimes take the longest to get around to?

The kids were in good hands with G-ma and G-pa P while Aaron and I were in Cancun for a week.  We made reservations for their 'babysitting services' nearly a year ago since they keep such busy work/travel schedules themselves.

 Jantzen left Monday (July 13) to spend the week at Treasure Mountain for scout camp.

 G-pa P drove back up from CV to get Jantzen on Friday afternoon.  Jantzen had plenty of stories to tell about the multiple bear scares that happened throughout the week.  In fact, Treasure Mountain closed down the following week until the bear situation was under control again.  I don't think Jantzen will forget this scout camp in the years to come.

International Dance Festival Parade on Main Street

 Tif and Abigail were in town for Elsie's baptism so perhaps by default they were committed to sticking around since G-ma and G-pa P were their transportation.  No doubt the extra help was appreciated during the week and Abigail got a big dose of what life with siblings could be like.  Hehehe....

 Evidence of their hard work pulling weeds - thanks everybody!

 After Elsie's follow-up eye appointment on Wednesday, the crew departed to spend the rest of the week in CV.  Change of scenery is always a nice thing.  Love the views from G-ma and G-pa P's back deck.  More cousins and more playtime.

Quinn & Will - 5 months apart in age

 July was party central in CV with family members coming and going all month long.  Jen, Will and June arrived soon after so Quinn and Will were able to play together.

Quinn eating treat cereal - one happy boy.

It was reported that mealtimes were always a big to do.  Yep, I couldn't agree more.
I feel 'the pain' on a daily basis.

G-ma, Tanner, Elsie, Britton

It was fortunate the kids were finally able to use the season passes they received for Christmas.  Twice in one week.
We're still working to get our money's worth with the passes but my guess is that they were helpful to have during our absence.  Going with grandparents/cousins is the best way to go.  Everybody can find a buddy to team up with.

Quinn and Will on the rides together.

Jen, Hilary, Jameson, June, Korinne, Abigail, Brinley

Silly faces!

Along with playing at the amusement park on two different days, the kids enjoyed swimming at the CV aquatic center and participating in the local stake Pioneer Day celebrations.

Jameson, Elsie, Abigail, Korinne, Anna, June, Will 

June, Brinley, Jameson, Will

G-pa P, Tanner, Tiffany, Hilary, Jen, Brinley
Jameson, June, Will

A good time was had by all...thanks Mom and Dad and Tif for helping out!

We've made a real dent in our summer bucket list which included playing at Rigby Lake.  The younger four each chose a friend to bring along and we squeezed into the Yukon for an afternoon.

Anna, Landon, Kenli,Case

 Three of the friends invited were siblings so that made pick-ups easier.  While I would have welcomed having another mom to sit and chat with, I was on my own for this one.

Kenli, Anna, Jantzen, Max

Our car was at full capacity by the time we loaded all the tubes, sand toys, noodles, life jackets, towels, snacks, chairs and kids!

Jantzen and Max

Landon and Elsie 

Elsie and Quinn

The kids were occupied for hours building moats and tunnels and towers in the sand.  The older kids swam out and jumped off the docks and slides and floated around on tubes.

Along with dental appointments, friend birthday parties (lots of them), babysitting jobs, foot zone appointments, orthodontist appointments, visiting teaching, activity days, scouts and the rest of the summer stuff, July was a fantastic month!