{I know}

Just to make it known, I do acknowledge the fact that sometimes I am a little extreme when it comes to planning things. This was one of those times. It started out when I decided to make a cute wreath for an upcoming baby shower I am planning. The picture of the fabric below only total 1/3 of what I used. I traced, and cut, and glued, and then pinned cirlces only to find out the 12 or so hours I spent on this thing, could have been drastically less, IF I had known Olfa makes circle cutters!!! Lesson learned for the next third time (ok, that is embarassing, I made another wreath out of felt for Valentines one year, a heart).

 

 I also made these little balls to add more color. I used some foam (which are a rip off) and some plastic bags that I taped to be smaller for size variation.

Lastly, see this rosette ball? DO NOT make one! I expect it to take 10 hours- IF I finish it! This portion took me 4 hours. If I could re-do it (but I won't, I was going to make 3, no I may not finish one), I would use fabric because it is far more durable and quicker than this crepe paper.  

{thank you}

Thanks Naomie for the trip to ID and thanks Jamie for hosting! I am so lucky!

{Day 2: Rexburg}

We flew into Boise on Thursday AM. Spent time with Michelle, drove 4 hours to Idaho Falls, had dinner with Naomi's twin and her husband, and then arrive shortly after 9 pm at the Tonks.

 On Friday we visited the temple, toured BYU- Idaho, shopped, and had dinner in Idaho Falls.

 We also visited a candy shop with fine chocolates.

Texas Roadhouse is the best in ID Falls!

That night Aaron took the kids to his folks for the night, and we slept in till 8! We are l-a-z-y!

{Day 1 & 5: Boise}

It happened again... Another friend ditched "us," and for Idaho! But, who could blame them for the little rain, and for the big beautiful homes, and nature which consume the state!

 Michelle left as quickly as she bought this home! In lightening speed. But, we are so excited for their family and all the new changes!

 I couldn't tell Ry I would be going because he just stopped talking about following Eli to Idaho. He did love his tractor picture that I  brought home though (thanks Eli, you thoughtful boy)!

We ate out at some great places too and likely gained 15 lbs. The scale only says 3, but I will work all week to lose it. It WAS worth it!

 Strawberry stuffed french toast

 Banana custard stuffed french toast

 One HUGE burger (the scale just doesn't look right)

 Hot butter cake (tasted like dutch oven)

Michelle, it wasn't long enough, but it was great to see you and I miss you already!

{Day 4: Rigby}

Day 4 included a visit to the Tonks' ward and a trip to the hot springs in Rigby. We also went back to Idaho Falls to visit some of Naomi's friends. The first night in ID we also visited her twin and spouse. On Sat. Lisa introduced us to some long time friends, and so we certainly came away with some connections!

 

 Naomi

 It was hot, and we smelt like sulfur, but it was certainly relaxing.

This frozen custard was a treat from the night before. I had lemon.

{Day 3: Rexburg}

Day three  was beautiful! We took the rain with us, and hail, but this day the sun came out! We headed to Mesa Falls.

 On the way to the falls we stopped at the coolest fish feeding area. All the shadows which look like rocks, are a school of fish. There were about 15 of them waiting for bread. It was so neat, I wanted to reach in and grab them.

Afterwards we went and walked around the falls. We also visited inside this old cabin where there were tons of animals skins and skulls.

 This ledge was right over the falls. I didn't use zoom, and it was a lot closer than it looks. The rainbow at the bottom was also hard to catch on camera.

 This lady looks dang good for getting ready to deliver baby number 4 in 5 weeks!

 We all shared this MONSTER burger for lunch!

 Followed by dessert at the cupcake shop (we visited their 2 times)!

{The Shabby House}

This is one cool shop. Actually, there were about 8 shops open out behind the place, and several that weren't. It is a shop full or all things shabby, just how I like it! 

{End of the year}

Like most families, we've been doing the end of the year programs.

Ryley just finished year 1 of pre-school. We will be doing the "Smart Cookies" co-op next year. That was the plan for this year, but he was a bit timid in the Fall and didn't seem ready in the Spring when I needed to commit. I am very excited for the opportunity, since I have always wanted to teach.

It was hard to take good pics, but dad video taped the whole thing so we are covered.

{Ryley}

 We have had several water days lately, surprisingly.

 Singing at the assisted living home with preschool. He had such a good time and said, "Mom, I liked singing to the Grandpa's, and I want to go back." He wore his "Happy Hearts Preschool" shirt

 for his last field trip. He only has 2 days left of school for the year. He is going to miss it tons, even if it was only 5 hours a week.  

 Some of the kiddo's

At the park after the field trip.

The same day Chad went on a 7 hour field trip with Maisey's class around Portland with a tour guide. They really enjoyed it and talked about it all night.

I am so thankful for flexible schedules. Chad is always volunteering since he's on the home front but I certainly get my time too. We always go with Ry and the kids are so fun. I am really looking forward to the preschool co-op next year!!!

{Beach}

Like hundreds of other people, we headed to the beach to celebrate Mother's Day. It was so nice and warm! Half of my body ended up with a sun burn, but it was well worth it!

 HayStack Rock at Cannon Beach

 Grabbed a treat at the best little candy shop in Cannon Beach.

We loved all the creatures during low tide! It was even cooler to see all the tourist who commented that they had never seen anything like it. My grandparents lived on the beach most my life and I never appreciated it until I realized so many people (many from Utah even), had never been to the coast!

We went with the Williams and it was perfect because we enjoy the company of good friends as much as we can get it!