Family Time

Last night we taught Wes how to stick cheerios to his tongue, I'm not sure if it was a good idea or not, but it was fun. He didn't master the technique quite like John did but I think he enjoyed watching us and eating cheerios.

Kitchen

Ok here are the photos, it's finally done (almost). It took so much longer than we expected but it looks so good! I thought I could do it myself originally in a weekend and just rough sand and then do a clear coat but the old stain wasn't coming off so John had to spray everything which took about a week and a half (He saved the day). It took justs as long prepping everything and put everything back together. Then I painted the walls while Wes was taking a nap on Wednesday (which went much faster than I thought) and I have been moving everything back in this week. So question: what do I put on top of the cupboards, I feel like it needs something. The only cute option I have seen are Hill's cute cake platters but I don't have a good collection like that, any suggestions? I'm glad it's done and am happy with how it looks.

Good Things

Wes has been having a hard time obeying lately and we have really been working/struggling with him but since we have been back from our trips he has been such a good boy! Today he helped me go around the house and put all the garbage in the trash can and then he picked up all of his toys and put them in the bin. He randomly goes around giving me and John hugs and kisses and he has been listening much better. I think being home and back on schedule makes a big difference. He has learned a ton of new words lately including most farm animal noises and please (which has made a huge difference) but my favorite one has been birdie which he pronounces dirdy, it makes me laugh every time. When we were in Jackson Hole this week in the park Wes chased all the birds around the park saying "Dirdy, dirdy, dirdy!".

The Farm

We drove up to Idaho straight from the airport to head to the Farm for the Petersen/Suzuki reunion. Joel and Natalie blessed Lauren at the Petersens and then we headed up to Driggs to the Farm. The farm house it pretty old, check out the chimney. We had a weenie roast and huckleberry cheesecake, delicious traditions. Wes loved the horses and pigs and the tire swing.

Minnesota

We had a quick trip to Minnesota and Wisconsin for our first ever Mixa family reunion. It was fun to see some relatives that we had never met and some we hadn't seen in a very long time. Here are a few pictures of our family swim night at the hotel pool and a visit to the cemetery on the 4th where some of our ancestors are.

Well Spent

I have to say that yes, I do like to shop, but I really do appreciate finding a bargain, especially when it is something that we end up using a lot. I have been thinking about money and budgets and being frugal lately and that has made me think about all the things that we have purchased that we have definitely got our money's worth from. Not that possessions are everything but these things have definitely made life easier and more enjoyable.


Our Van, the best vehicle I have ever owned, which isn't saying much, but I absolutely love it, and would recommend owning one to anyone.


The Whirley Pop that I gave to John for Easter two years ago, probably the most used gift I have ever given him. $12


Our paint sprayer from ebay, we have already beautified many things with it and have many more projects planned. $11


Finally we have a clock in the house, maybe it will help us be on time, either way I love it and it was only $3.


My favorite picture frame with some of my favorite pictures in it. $1


We lived the first 2.5 summers without air conditioning and our swamp cooler is every bit worth the $400.


Thank You Rose for introducing me to the Mom Agendas, couldn't live without one. $30?


This high chair is one of the best things we own. cheap, plastic and keeps Wes in one place. $25

I don't know how many cans of Sugar White have been used in our house, it matches with everything.


This gate keeps Wes from playing in the toilet, a miracle in itself. $9


I love our house, all the work we have done, and the memories we have made, I will miss it someday when we have to move.


I got John our camera a few Christmases ago and am sure glad I did, I feel like our life is more beautiful and well documented.

There are many other things I have that are free or priceless or hard to name which I am grateful for, but we will have to save those for another time, Wes needs a diaper change.

Summer Fun

Beth was here with us for two weeks and we had such a blast. We went to Seven Peaks, Morinda Gardens, hiked to Bridal Veil Falls, had a pick nick at Rock Canyon Park, toured BYU campus, took a Salt Lake shopping trip and Beth watched Wes while me and John went on a date to dinner and a movie.

We have also been redoing our kitchen and Beth watched Wes while me and John worked just about every evening, it is taking a lot longer than we thought but we are almost done!

Tomorrow we leave for Minnesota and then will be in Idaho for the next week, more family reunions, I'm excited!