Week 3 was a Breeze

It was such a breeze that Colt nor I could remember what we did. I had to upload and look through all the pictures to refresh my memory. Now that I am all caught up I can tell you we had a wonderful week! Full of exploration, new friends, art, knowledge and entertainment!

The river by far is still our favorite place to play and explore. The kids just love to watch the water flow. While we were there CJ found a rock that he just loved! He thought it looked like a chicken leg. He got a little worried when he set it down to pick up another rock and then he couldn't find it because it "blended in". It was right behind him, but I could totally see how it could be over looked. He also picked up a rock that he exclaimed was "The most beautiful rock I  have ever seen!" We found a lot of other cool shaped rocks that we snapped pictures of. (note to kids: Look for and find the beauty in this earth that God has created.)

chicken leg

heart

"the most beautiful"

We are making Boise "home" even if it is only for a couple quick months. We are also so thankful when those around us help to make us feel like we will be here forever! Making new friends is always the best part of going to new places. We had a blast at a BBQ with a couple of families from church. (note to kids: Always try your very hardest and go out of your way to make new people feel welcome and loved. It will mean more to them than you may ever realize. Oh and when it is you that is new go out of your way to meet new people and always look for the good in everyone.) We have already baby sat and plan on helping with their home improvements. New friends are great, I love getting to know new people.















Here in downtown Boise they have this ongoing event called "First Thursday" and like the name, many things in downtown are FREE on the first Thursday of the month! We made it to the Boise Art museum. It was also where Malayan was meeting for activity day girls. She went off with her group to learn and discuss talents, while the rest of us went on to see all the beautiful art. They had a section for kids to make their own masks like the ones we saw in the museum. I think Colt enjoyed the mask making the most! We ran in to Malayna and her group there with all there masks. It was a wonderful evening. (note to kids: Find an art form you love to do and do it. It doesn't matter if it is art, or music or dance, try them all at least one will bring you happiness.)








Oh the things we can learn. Personally my favorite subject in school was history and coming in second was government. So I had so much fun at the state Capitol building. The craftsmanship of that place was amazing! Seeing all the different gifts that were given to Idaho from our country and even from other countries was interesting. Reading the little plaques with all the history of the building and of Idaho and of the people who settled this state was so cool.(note to kids: Learn all you can about the past, history will repeat itself and if you don't know what happened, you wont know what can happen.)


 

 We also spent one morning at a building work shop. The kids got to build bird feeders. They had so much fun. They were all saying, "Dad, help me next. Dad, what do I do now?" (note to kids: Your Dad loves you all so much, he will always be there to help you and give you instructions on what to do next. The same goes for your Father in Heaven.)

I love the movies! If you know me than you know that I love going to the movies for the whole "movie experience" popcorn, drinks, nachos and all! Our kids have all seen and love Jurassic park and when we found out it was going to be released again in 3D we couldn't wait to take them. We went to a downtown theater for the first showing and we pretty much had the place to ourselves. We bought tickets and ordered a ton of food then found some seats. The staff must have been really board because they brought us our food to our seats. It was so fun. (note to kids: have fun and do something crazy once in a while, like taking 5 kids to movie..lol)

I am so glad that we get to be on this adventure and share it with you who want to read it and save it for the ones whom I want to remember it. Until next time. I love you Colt, Malayan, Bobby CJ, Eva and Lindy.

Easter 2013

Well to finish off the last post....

Saturday- We woke up bright and early. After a quick breakfast we headed out to the church. Not for a fun Easter egg hunt but for a fun filled morning of service. We joined about 25 others (at least 10 were primary kids) and spent the morning cleaning up the church building. All the kids scrubbed every toy, chair, and wall in the nursery. The adults cleaned every window, door, bathroom, classroom, chalk board, vacuumed and mopped every where. It was a lot a work but a wonderful heart warming morning of service.

The afternoon took us to the park where we did our mini story of Christ Easter egg hunt. (http://www.sugardoodle.net/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4342). After the kids found the 12 eggs we sat down at a picnic table and opened each egg in order. It was such a sweet spiritual moment for our family. The amount of deep discussion we were able to have with our children (even our 3 year old) about Christ's life, the atonement, his sacrifice for our sins, and the resurrection was by far the very best part of our Easter celebration. After we were finished answering every question that was asked and after sharing our feelings about Christ we folded our arms, closed our eyes, and bowed our heads and prayed together as a family right in the middle of the park.

We made our way back to our "hometel" where 5 little simple Easter baskets were waiting for them. They at first didn't even notice them. It was a very low key Easter and I think it was our best ever!!

 

Sunday- We had a wonderful day at church. Once again studying and learning about the true reason we celebrate Easter. We tried to get a few pictures of our Easter outfits but that didn't work out so well.

They got the Easter egg lesson in primary. They were so excited that they knew the whole thing.

Week two flew!

We had a very busy week, which is why it felt like it flew by. Where to start? I guess we can go by days of the week.

Monday-After school time the kids and I spent the rest of the after noon at the pool! We are soooo glad that our "home"tel has an indoor pool! It has been such a great way to get out the kids energy. It has also helped them work and grow their swimming skills.

Tuesday- After school time the kids and I went to check out the mall. While we were there we came across a store that had everything Idaho! Grandma Stevens told us about a hundred times to eat a Idaho Spud. After looking for a whole week we finally found the candy bar she was talking about. So we pick up one for each of us. After Colt got home from work we all got to try this tasty treat. You would really like it if you like chocolate, coconut, and some sort of chocolaty marshmallow stuff (we were split).

Wednesday- After school time the kids and I headed out to Barber Park. It was not what we were expecting. No play ground to be found, but there was some walking trails. We found out that this was the place people start their float down the river. The kids couldn't help themselves and just begged and begged to put there feet in the water. Since I am such a "fun mom" I said sure. They were taken back by how COLD the water was. I think the board said 54*.

 

Thursday- After school time the kids and I walked on over to what they call "our park" (Ann Morrison). They played and played with lots of kids. It was spring break here in Idaho so the play ground was very full.

Friday- After school time Colt, the kids and I had a very fun filled day. We walked on down to Julia Davis park and spent some time around there checking out all the outsides of the museums. Then we headed over to the Anne Frank monument. Which was a hi-light for me because I love learning about WWII. Then we walked along the river. After a quick rest, we ventured on a little walk up the hill to Boise Depot. We all had so much fun there. playing on the tracks was the best part. We were told that they are not really used anymore but I guess they were wrong. I heard and saw two trains go by today!

 

 

 
 

  

Saturday and Sunday- I will save for another post (hopefully tomorrow). All about our Easter.

Until next time. I love you Colt, Malayna, Bobby, CJ, Eva, and Lindy.