Claire turns 10!

 Claire is 10!!!

She was so excited for her birthday. She talked about it and was excited for days! I took donuts to her class on Friday, and she loved that – they celebrated her and she was so impressed with all the cards she got at writing time. Then I surprised her with a HUGE balloon when she got home off the bus and she was thrilled! On Saturday she picked to go to a waterpark for her activity – so before it opened, we had opened all her gifts. She got a lot of things to do – she loves crafts and clay and painting and stamping, and also got 3 Mark Rober science experiences from Chase, a stuffed bunny from Grant, and a desk for her room! 

After opening gifts we spent all day at the waterpark and had so much fun. We went to Whatabuger afterwards and then came home and ate her brookie she picked for me to make – half brownie, half chocolate chip cookie.

We had so much fun celebrating her. She is so kind and fun and love bunnies and kittiens. She loves crafts and started volleyball which she says is now her favorite sport. She loves swimming and playing with friends, and is so good at making new friends. She thinks of others all the time – is always making cards or buying something for someone. She always remembers what people like and is quick to share. She still loves to read, and will spend hours reading. She loves her blankets and stuffed animals and still likes to wear her hair in two braids. She is just the cutest, so adventurous and couragoeus. She’s confident, loud, talkative, and creative. I hope she had a fabulous day! Happy birthday Claire! 

Grant turns 20!

 Oh my goodness....20!!!!!!!!! I can't believe we have a kid that is 20!!! 

Grant wasn't home for his birthday, which was sooo sad. We planned on him coming home to pick up his car, but then decided that he needed his car earlier for jobs, so he came down in May and we drove it back up then instead of August. So he was in Idaho working, though he had his birthday off. 😀  We had so much fun picking out gifts and sending them to him. We sent him treats too! We all called him and he opened his gifts over the phone. He got clothes and shoes, and some smart glasses, and other stuff he needed. It was hard with him being so far away, but we can't wait for the holiday season where we'll get to see him much more. 

He's working and hanging out in beautiful Idaho for the summer. We can't believe he's living on his own with roommates, attending college, dating a great girl, and making lots of friends. We miss him so much, but love all the life experiences that he's having. And of course we're always counting down the days until we can see him again! 

We love and miss you Grant! We're exited to see where life takes you. We're so proud of all you are accomplishing. It's not easy to be out on your own trying to learn how to be an adult, with things like paying bills, holding a job, doing homework, and managing life on your own. We're so grateful for the moments we get with you and for the opportunity we had to help you grow up. We can't wait to see what the future holds! Happy birthday!!!

First Day of School

 First day of school!! 😭  So sad to see summer ending. 

And they grow up just too fast! Breaks my heart.

Counting down the days until the first break!

Yosemite!

 Last trip for the summer, and most looked forward to was Yosemite National Park and Northern California. The best part was that Grant flew in from Idaho for the week! YAY! 

We had a fabulous time in Yosemite. The pictures just don't do it justice. The mountains, trees, crisp air, all of it was just breathtaking. We saw deer, a bear family, chipmunks and squirrels, a skunk, and an owl! We hiked and hiked and got wet in the freezing water and just had a fabulous time. We also saw the giant sequoias and the coastal redwoods and Chase got to take surfing lessons in Half Moon Bay. We saw the Santa Cruz sea lions, woke up early to see the tide pools, and rode an open-air train. It was an epic week and a great way to end the summer.