Movie in the park

Today's movie in the park we were on our own. That always bums the kids out when no one else can come, but we try to make the best out of it. When we got to the park, we set up our chairs and just chilled while waiting for the time to pass. The boys ran off to play while Gabbi read a book. After some time had passed Owen came running over, he told me that a friend from when he was at North Ogden Elementary was there and he actually remembered him. They played together until it was time for the show to start. 

When they started the movie, the kids situated themselves with their drinks, a snack, and a blanket. Tonight we were watching Up. We've seen Up before, but it has been a long time since we saw it.  

Lost Tooth

Another lost tooth for William. That makes it  # 5 and it came out while we were at school lunch. H handed it to me to hold for him while he went and played with the rest of the kids. the next thing I know it was time to go and I completely forgot about his tooth sitting on my lap. It fell off and into the grass. I felt so bad, we stayed there for a while to look for it with no luck. It was lost for good. I told him not to worry about it and that we could leave a note for the Tooth Fairy explaining the mishap. 

Luckily the Tooth Fairy excepted his note and William woke with a dollar bill on the counter for him. He was so relieved after having been worried that she wouldn't like the note.

Birthday dinner

A couple weeks ago Beth sent me a text inviting us to a special Birthday party for Annie at their place. Since everyone has crazy schedules, she planned it for a Sunday. Luckily it wasn't a family dinner Sunday and we were all for some birthday fun. After church, we headed that way so we could help get things ready for the fun.

We had the normal BBQ items; hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken, all sorts of sides, and then dessert. Everyone pitched in and brought items to make our BBQ delicious. Everyone seemed to enjoy the smorgasbord of food because there wasn't much left once all was said and done.

Went it was time for gifts, the kids all ran over so they could see Grandma open them. We gave Annie more flags to go on the stand we gave her for Christmas. I loved the reaction on her face when she opened them. It was the best.

Game night

The kids have missed their dad and wanted to do something with him. After bouncing a few ideas around with Ben we decided on a game night over Zoom. In preparation, the kids and I went and got some new games and got them ready to go for when Ben logged on. We got Jurassic Park Monopoly, Kids Trivial Pursuit, and Hedbanz. 

When Ben logged on, the kids got super excited and were almost jumping up and down. It brought a smile to Ben's face which made this activity tonight completely worth it. After catching up on things that have kept us busy, the kids asked Ben what game he wanted to play. He asked them what we had and they told him about the new games we had bought. Ben told them that we would have to do the Jurassic Park Monopoly when we could all be together and decided on the Kids Trivial Pursuit. 

Each of us had a little pie to fill up with the different colored slices. We earned colored slices by answering different questions all from different topics. They had adult questions and kid questions to make sure it was fair and possible for all ages. Some of the questions, whether adult or kid, stumped us all. Some even made us laugh. It was a fun game and our first winner was....William.

When the game was over the kids wanted to play again, but since there was a 2 hour time difference between Utah and South Carolina, Ben had to say goodnight. After saying goodbye and goodnight to Ben, we continued our game night and played a few more games. We played another round of Kids Trivial Pursuit and a few rounds of Hedbanz. It was a really fun game night, especially since we could do so with Ben using Zoom.

Movie in the park

Today's movie in the park was at Harrisville Park. It was a perfect ending to the fun we have had the last little bit. We had school lunch yesterday, the kids stayed the night, we had school lunch today, a playdate, dinner tonight, and now we were finishing it off with a movie on a grand scale. Once at the park, we set up chairs and blankets and sat down to wait for the movie to start. The kids of course ran over to the park to play while we just talked, but when the movie got started the kids came running. 

Tonight's movie was a classic, Sandlot. The kids of course have seen it, but it's still good and entertaining. It was at least entertaining enough that all of the kids were sitting and watching the movie instead of moving and messing around. When it was over we cleaned up our area and then headed home.

Sleepy

Last night we had some fun with the Long's. We were invited over for dinner and the kids were invited to stay the night. They had been begging since we got back from Provo and now it was officially happening. When the kids and I got there, they all quickly ran off while Shantelle and I got things ready for dinner. Shantelle was making mini meatloaf's with different sides to go with them. While she did the meatloaf, I did the sides. When everything was done all the kids came up to eat.

When dinner was done and cleaned up the kids ran off to continue playing. When it was time for me to head out, we set things up for them to watch a movie before laying down for the night. We gave them some popcorn and surprisingly they all sat down to watch the show. Once they all looked like they were set for the night, I said goodnight, gave my kids a kiss; and headed home.

Once I was up and ready for the day, I checked in to see how everything went last night after I left. Shantelle sent me a picture of Gabbi asleep on the couch with the little. They apparently didn't sleep much last night and there were currently taking a power nap. It made me laugh and asked when she wanted me to head her way. She said I could come whenever. I went and ran an errand before heading up to their place to pick them up.

BBB

I have always seen the post regarding the BBBs in Mom and Dad's ward. I thought it was a pretty amazing opportunity that the youth get to take part in. BBB stands for Breakfast Baptism Bishopric, maybe not in that order. The youth get together early in the morning and go and do baptisms. When they're done they head back to the Bishop's house for breakfast and a little devotional.

Today Gabbi got to be a part of that. She wasn't too excited about having to get up so early, but she was excited about the rest. When she was ready, I dropped her off at the Bishop's and headed home.

After a couple hours, I got a call from Gabbi saying they were done and that I could come and pick her up. On the way home I asked her how it went and she said I loved it and couldn't wait for the next one. She loved doing the baptisms and the breakfast was so delicious. That didn't surprise me at all considering that the Bishop's wife has her own bakery business. I asked her if it was worth getting up so early for, and without hesitation, she said yes. I was so proud of her.

Doctor

After school lunch today, we went over to the Long's to play. We were trying to stay away from the house so Papa could get some sleep after working last night. After some time of them playing, William came in to show me what he was playing. He said that he was a Doctor and was giving everyone check-ups. He then asked if he could give me a check-up. I said sure and he opened his bag. He checked my temperature, my reflexes, my heartbeat, and even gave me a shot. After he was done, he gave me a thumbs up and ran off. I couldn't help but laugh.

Movie in the park

This week there were 2 movies in the park, one on Monday and one on Friday. Tonight was the first one at North Ogden Park. They were showing The Mighty Ducks. The kids like the movie, but prefer the new TV series remake. I have to admit the remake is pretty good.

When we got to the park, we of course the first ones there, although that didn't surprise me. With our stuff set up, the kids ran off to play at the park while they waited for their friends to arrive. When they finally got there, they ran off again to play, this time with a football. at some point, the younger kids came back because the older kids weren't letting them play. After figuring out the issue, they ran off again.

When they were done playing, they came back to the blankets to relax and cool off before the movie started. To bide a little more time, they brought some coloring books and they did that until the movie started. Once it did, they were all on the screen watching the movie. It was a good night and fun to hang out with friends.

Father's Day

Ben wasn't home to celebrate Father's Day with us, but we still had things for him. Both of the boys made an All about Dad paper for him while in Primary and were given a gift for him from the ward. When we got home we sent him a text wishing him a Happy Father's day and asked him to call us when he had some free time.

He was finally able to call us after dinner. We were able to facetime him from his hotel room. He surprised the kids with a box. The kids had no idea that I had ordered a gift for him and had it delivered to his hotel. I was super glad that it actually made it to him and with time to spare. Ben asked the kids if they wanted him to open it and they of course yelled yes. He did so very slowly and one piece or tape at a time. When he finally got through all  of the box and plastic wrap, he found a picture with some very special faces.

The kids loved it, Ben had a big smile on his face and now he had something to put on his desk that helped him feel that he was not alone even though we weren't all there together. We talked for a little bit longer and then it was time to say goodbye. We said our "I love you's" and then hung up until next time.

Temple Trip

Today was a very special day and I'm grateful that I could be a part of it. It would have been better if Ben were home and could attend too, but this would have to do. I made sure to bring him with me (in my locket) so it was like he was there. 

When we got there we found Brian outside on a bench waiting. We sat down and joined him until it was time to go inside. When that time came, we went inside and got dressed and ready for the session. When we walked into the ordinance room, it was so sweet to Miranda sitting there with her mom and with the biggest grin on her face. You could tell how happy she was and ready for the next chapter of her life. We were all excited for her too.

The session was beautiful and the spirit was so strong. It had been a while since I had been to the temple last and I could tell. When we were done we all went outside and took some pictures. While taking those pictures Miranda invited everyone to join her for lunch at Kneaders. Not everyone came but those that did, we were able to visit with Miranda and then give her our well wishes as it comes closer for her to leave on her mission. Now armed with the these special covenants, she is ready and will do amazing things as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Sagez get together

With Ben being gone, it was up to me to make sure that we still visited with both Annie and Nelson and Deann. Today was an opportunity to visit with Nelson and Deann especially for Father's Day. I made sure to ask Ben what he wanted me to get Nelson for Father's Day and then what to write in the card. It wasn't the same coming from him, but this would have to do while he couldn't be home.

I texted Deann to find out what their plans were and between her and I we were able to make plans for a get together. Neither of us knew if anyone else would come, but we left it open for them to come if they could. We planned to have dinner and dessert at their house. We kept to tradition and did hot dogs with sides and s'mores for dessert. 

When we got there Nelson was already in the backyard getting things ready to get the fire going. The kids ran in and gave them both a hug and then got distracted by the dogs. They sat down and played with them which kind of surprised me. Normally the dogs stay pretty close to Deann, but since they were outside, they roamed and happily came up to the kids. They were on cloud 9 for as long as it lasted. When the dogs walked away, they ran off to go play with the bikes and/or in the sandbox. Owen first went and helped Nelson with the fire. They worked together and got a good fire going to cook the hotdogs over.

When it was time to eat, Nelson happily made the hotdogs for everyone. That was always Ben's job and I was grateful that Nelson was willing to step in. When they were ready to go, we all sat down to eat. Everything was simple and good. Something that everyone likes and never gets old. After we were done eating Nelson pulled out the Corn hole game and the kids played over and over again. Eventually the adults hopped in the mix and played a few games as well.

After our arms were sufficiently tired from throwing bean bags back and forth, it was time for s'mores. The kids ran over to the table to get a stick and a marshmallow and then went over to the fire. They each made a s'more and absolutely downed it when it was assembled. It was yummy enough (as always) that each of them had another. They asked for another after that, but I drew a line. That would have been too much sugar so close to the end of the day. I still wanted them to go to sleep when we got home.

As the time went on, it was time to head home. We slowly made our way to the front and for some reason, the kids finally saw the swing. They each wanted a turn even though I was trying to wrangle them up to get in the van. When Grandpa went on the swing to show them all how it was done, I couldn't say no. They each had a turn and absolutely loved it. When they were finally all done, we said goodbye and loaded in the van to head home.