Backyard, & Kayaks

Here is an update on our backyard. First, the porch. We have the start to a frame. Yea! 

Next, here are two before pics. Look at the play set, slide, concrete tube, and wood. 

Now, here is RB cutting down the play set. 

Done. 

Now onto the concrete tube. 

Oops, I broke the hammer. 

Finished. For now. Now, we are looking at getting a bigger shed to fit right here. 

My kids are such great helpers. The older girls really helped with the backyard, and mowing the lawn. The younger helped with dinner. 

We tired them out. Yes, two sleeping children on me. I don't know how the Em-A-Nator sleeps like she does. 

We decided we needed some water kayaks for ourselves. We found some online that were kind of expensive. Then we found some at Al's for a lot cheaper. So we were able to get some. We have taken them out twice now, and have loved it every time! 

Can't wait to go camping with them! 

Ms M Turns 6, Swim Lessons, Grandmas Home, Triathlon

Our last July birthday has come and gone. Ms M is officially 6! We had a fun and crazy day. RB ended up going to scout camp since they needed another leader so he was gone for the day. MJ and Lil were at their cousins. So we didn't have a lot of family there. But with the two friends that came, and with our neighbor friends over, it ended up being a good sized group. My coworkers had a a day at the beach. We had fun kayaking in others kayaks, and playing in the sand. 

When we got home we opened presents and had cake. 

The family bean bag came too. Super big, and super excited to have here for the fun dungeon! 

Movie on the big bag. 

Ms M's big ball got a hole in it the first day she had it. We had fun turning it into a swim cap, or gloves. It was funny! 

We had our annual family get together for the 24th of July fireworks. We were able to have some friends come with us too this year. Plus we got to get our daughters and a cousin to come home with us. It was a great day evening. Perfect weather! 

The next day, Wednesday, we had swim lessons, our neighbors that moved came to visit, and the kids played and played. 

14 kids all at our house. Crazy fun! 

The next day the cousins went to grandmas. There they played at the splash pad, and went on a hike. They did a lot of service for grandma too which is great. 

On Friday I got ready for my triathlon and we got to see some old college friends. They were in town visiting family and we were able to have a big picnic at the park. I didn't get any pictures but it was good to see old friends and get caught up with them. 

Then Saturday, RB and I got up EARLY and were off to Burley, ID for my third triathlon. My only goal was to beat my old times and I did. The 26 mile bike ride HURT! I wanted to quit and cry and quit again. But I kept going. I made it! I was happy with my 11 avg mile for my run. I had a potty stop and that messed with my actual race time, but my watch said most of my miles were in between 10 1/2 and 11 min. In all of my trainings I was between 11-12 min. So I made it. I lived. RB was a HUGE support, cheering me on, and being there at the finish line for me. 

Lastly, RB finally got his burger picture hung. It looks good on our wall!