June 2019 in Review

With a sign in the front yard, our house officially went on the market June 1.  It's something we've considered doing off and on for a few years.  After finding and closing on a piece of property at the end of April, we decided to see what the summer real estate market would bring.  Besides a few showings and one low-ball offer, not much is happening at the moment.  We are slowly working on future house plans and have other projects going on so we will be patient.

The property we purchased is an old homestead above the river with this 1952 home on it. Initially, we considered renovating and renting out/VRBO/Airbnb, etc. but after taking two sets of contractors through the home, we decided it would be better to take the house down.  After getting the demolition bids, we contacted the fire department and have 'donated' the home for practice drills. The police and fire departments have been out there doing 'work' but we are still waiting for our official burn day.  In the meantime, Aaron and Jantzen removed all the carpets in the house (before the fire department accepted our project).  They have also worked at removing all the metal roofing because the demolition costs are significantly higher if they have to handle the metal.  There are several small buildings/fencing in the area that will also need to be cleaned up.  Good times ahead!

Bro. Denney in back w/blue shirt with wife/baby girl.

We are coming to the close of our second semester with Aaron's responsibilities on campus.  We have hosted many FHE groups in our home complete with dinner/lesson/dessert/activity.  The menu for winter semester was taco soup/salad bar and spring semester has been BBQ pork sandwiches, coleslaw, baked beans, watermelon.  Hallelujah for being able to order Blister's BBQ this time around.  Prepping dinner for that many people took me over 3 hours and I thought taco soup/salad bar would be quick and easy. For my own sanity, I keep the menu the same throughout a semester but my kids probably won't eat another BBQ pork sandwich for years to come.

Bro. Hurst - sitting at table

The students seem to enjoy coming to our home and it's often 30+ people since we double-up on the groups.  It's the only way we can get each FHE group over during the semester without having every single Monday night committed to students. There are also opening and closing socials each semester held on Monday nights along with a few ward temple nights (Thursdays).  Aaron meets with students on Sunday and Tuesday evenings and his schedule is always full.  A favorite activity has been the Q&A open forum session Aaron and I hold during Sunday school periodically.  We are grateful for his hard-working and committed counselors.

Not only did G-ma Ann celebrate her 89th birthday (June 4), but she announced her engagement to long-time friend, Harvey Tanner (age 85).

Quinn - #9

Quinn completed a fun baseball season where he especially enjoyed pitching and hitting and running into home.  His quirky, selfless coach encouraged the boys and made everything fun.

Quinn - kneeling second on left

Go Giants!

Jantzen #11

June is basketball month.  Jantzen was basically gone this entire month with various camps and tournaments.  He and Quinn both participated in the local Mickey D's camp (June 17-22) where Jantzen was an instructor for younger campers.  He also enjoyed the BYU camp with Braxton and Wyatt outside of the 'school team' (June 24-27).

Four generations - Happy Father's Day!

With the new missionary communication guidelines, we are able to talk/see Brinley often.  We especially enjoyed visiting with her on Father's Day.  She's doing well in Gilmer, TX and loves being a missionary along with her companion, Sister Judd.

I have no idea how the kids do this stuff - haha!

G-ma & G-pa P drove into town for a missionary gathering and brought the P. cousins along for an overnighter (June 21-22).  It was Tanner's first time seeing them since returning from his mission and he noticed how much they have all grown.

Jessica, Anna, Thomas, Tanner, Elsie, Cameron

The cousins came just in time for a serious cold snap. Aaron and I donned our winter wear for a morning bike ride (33 degrees at 6am).  Fortunately, it warmed up for the kids to pack in a variety of activities with the cousins.  I'm guessing they will not forget night games nor the sprinklers going off at 4am while the girls slept on the trampoline!

Jessica, Anna, Elsie

Thomas & Quinn

Cameron

 

Playing at the dunes.

It was a fast and furious trip but action-packed as the kids/cousins also helped us clean up at the property before returning to CV.  Elsie and Quinn tagged along since they were participating in Patriot Camp which started Monday morning (June 24-29).

The kids were rewarded for their hard work at the property mid-drive home with a quick stop.

Funny costume contest - Jessica, Thomas, Elsie, Quinn

Quinn & Thomas - lost same tooth on same day!

G-ma & G-pa P kept the kids busy while in CV.  Quinn and Elsie spent their mornings at Patriot Camp and the afternoon/evenings with outings, activities and lots of cousin time.  So happy they were able to help with a lemonade stand (now I don't have to!), wash cars, go to the water park, visit Promontory Point, etc.

Kyla M. 'pieing' Aaron

Anna enjoyed being my side-kick for the week while the house was 'quiet'.  She was able to complete her driver's ed online training, shop (online) for and celebrate her 'half-birthday' (no gifts in December), get to morning cross-country practices, hang with friends, help me clean the house and feel like an 'only child' for a few days.  She said it was awesome:).  She also attended the HCP employee party at the park and watched Aaron get pied in the face a few times (June 25).  He was a good sport!

Jane & Anna at Lagoon

Aaron and I drove Anna and her friend, Jane, to Lagoon on Friday (June 28) morning before picking up Quinn and Elsie at Patriot Camp in CV at noon.  We had plans to 'chill' in CV then get the older girls and drive back home that night.  An impromptu decision was made for me to take Quinn and Elsie to Lagoon in lieu of hosting Elsie's 12-year old birthday party the following week.  Aaron's broken toe is still recovering so he opted to get some work done and skipped out on walking around the amusement park. 

Aaron, Quinn, Elsie, Heather - Patriot Camp

Jameson and Quinn were the only cousin campers this summer.

Elsie (navy blue shirt) was a teen leader and enjoyed helping with the younger kids.

Quinn - awarded for completing the
"Patriot Challenge" again.

Our impromptu day at Lagoon.

Ironically, Quinn, Elsie and I ran into Anna and Jane at my favorite ride in the children's area - Lady Bug Bop.  The timing was perfect because we sneaked up on them just as Anna was telling Jane how much I loved that kiddie ride.  They were shocked to see us!  We did a few rides together but let them do their own thing until it was time to head out later that evening.

Jane & Anna - at The Rocket

The fact that it was "Aggie Day" at the park meant we received a worthwhile discount off our ticket prices.  As an added bonus, we enjoyed free Aggie ice cream at a specific pavilion.  There were over 1000 Aggies walking around so we noticed a LOT of school-pride apparel.

Quinn & Heather - on the Sky Tram

It was pretty awesome of Aaron to be our chauffeur for the day.  We dropped Jane off around 1am and happily slept in our own beds after a long day on the run in the sun.

Saturday morning Anna was packed and ready for Quickwater Camp (June 29-July 13). Aaron and I drove her up to Victor, ID where she met her group leader and a few other girls before we drove on for a mountain bike ride.  Too bad I thought I forgot my helmet (found it in the truck later).  At least I had a good book on hand and enjoyed the beautiful scenery at Targhee ski resort while waiting for Aaron to make the climb.

Aaron's new truck behind us.

Anna & Aaron - in the dining hall

What used to be large canvas tents have now become simple cabins with heat and electricity.  They've upped the program since Brinley came to Quickwater a few years ago.  Anna was thrilled with the upgrades!

Team leader - Elizabeth, Anna, Aaron, Heather

Erica, Bonnie, Heather

Extended family gathered when Bob and Janene gave their official mission report on Sunday, June 30. We also enjoyed our 4th annual Lotoja BBQ later that evening in the Smith's backyard.