the pond

Our friends family owns some property by a small lake which they refer to as "the pond".  We spent a couple of weekends there water skiing on their water ski course (Keith and I both got all 6 buoys), riding the zip line, swimming, eating great food, tubing and kayaking.  Drew did his first solo (not being attached to one of our boats by a strap) kayak trip down the Teton River which flows into this little lake and he did a great job.  Drew also learned the basics of water skiing.  Keith eased him into it as you can see from the video.  He got up behind the jet ski for a bit too but we didn't get any pics because we were both helping in the water.  Oh well, next time.  Neil just loves to play in the sand and swim swim swim.  That boy never gets sick of swimming and doesn't ever seem to get cold.  Drew loves to swim but always seems to be cold.  Neil must be mine and Drew must be Keith's.  Thanks Summers for some great play time at the pond with you and your fun kids!

 

school

Drew started school on Wednesday. The night before school started the school decided to add a new kindergarten class because there were so many kids. Drew's class room and teacher changed so I asked if he wanted me to take him so he could find his new class.
Drew: "No, I can figure it out."
Me: "I can just come for a minute and point it out to you."
Drew: "I can find it. Don't worry Mom. I think I know where it is."
Me: "Okay, I'll just walk you to the bus stop."
Drew: "I know where that is too. But, if you want to come you can."

So we got to wave goodbye to Drew and I was brave and figured he couldn't get too lost at the elementary school. And just as he knew he didn't get lost, he loves school and LOVES riding the bus. Here are a few pics of Drew's first morning, Neil being super excited for Drew, and Drew giving us a huge smile (or maybe just lots of teeth).

harvest begins

Harvest time in Rexburg is always exciting. There are many farmers in the community and wheat is the first crop to be harvested. Our rental is across from a wheat field so the kids loved watching the combine and then the balers bale the straw.

onions

These are my huge beautiful sweet Walla Wallas. I just had to take a picture of them even if it was a self portrait. I have been making many things with them including delicious salsa. The picture below is my 20 quart pot of it.
My Zinas this year are also quite beautiful.

cousin visit

We had a great few days at April's home this week.  Everyone had so much fun hiking, tubing in the river, playing in sprinklers, slip and sliding, maneuvering obstacle courses, crafts, toy guns, toy cars, playing make believe dogs and all sorts of fun.  I wish I had a picture of Aunt Michelle in her darling red polka dot swim suit running the obstacle course with the kiddos!  

Drew got his first two bee stings.   He got one the first day, another the second day, and then after noticing a pattern was a little worried about day three.  However, he managed to avoid another encounter due to Uncle Scott's handy work with the torch.  

All of the cousins wanted to shout out to Grandma and Grandpa and Sonora wanted to give a wave.  Summer is coming to a close.  We've got to hustle to fit everything in!

bike ride

Last week Neil learned how to ride with pedals so we took a family trip to Warm River.  There is used to be a railroad there but now it is only a perfectly graded dirt trail 3 miles downhill with no more than a 4% grade. It is an ideal place for kids to learn to ride off road.  We then waded in the liquid ice "Warm River" to cool off.  What a great day!