A Trip to Salmon and Kellogg

We recently returned from a wonderful trip to Salmon and Kellogg. It was a little strange to leave Cora behind so that she could dance from 9-4 everyday while we were gone. She had a great time though, and we had a blast even though we were missing her.

We swam in Salmon and visited the Sacajawea Center, ate old fashioned candy, and went out to lunch.

In Kellogg we stayed in a really beautiful condo and just enjoyed the outdoors and the indoor swimming park - truly impressive. I think we will add these places to our new favorite destination spots! We had such a wonderful time together and made some fun memories.

Swimming in Salmon

John is getting so brave in the water - so proud of my little man 

The Sacajawea Center

Kellogg has the most amazing indoor swimming park

Rick rode Lincoln around on his back for almost an hour. I love that man!

Rick trying to coach John into riding on the ride with him

Ropes course

John LOVED basketball

Sarah decided that swimming is for suckers

Rick's charms worked - John was brave enough to take a ride!

I 'll Be Your Huckleberry ...

This is a quote we have been saying a lot lately in our house. It is Huckleberry picking season!

We went out for Family Home Evening last night and had our very first huckleberry picking adventure. Our first step was to head to the hills where the berries are at their best. Thankfully we found some knowledgeable locals up there who were gracious enough to take us to the perfect spot and show us what huckleberry plants look like (helpful info!).

All of the kids had a great time, and each were able to fill up their cups to the top with the huckleberries.  I enjoyed it because my dad's side of the family lived around here - at least 3 generations back, so I have heard of huckleberry picking. I felt like I was connecting with my roots a little, and I liked it.

Update 8/22/14 - Although we thought we were picking huckleberries, we recently discovered that we were actually picking choke cherries - that information would have been helpful a few weeks ago - so funny!

A Fun Weekend With Cousins

My sister's family came up for the weekend. The kids line up perfectly in age and gender, and they have so much fun together. We basically did not hear from the kids the entire time. Luckily we were able to coax them out of their imagination games and get them to go on an ATV ride and get some ice cream. So much fun!

Love This Girl

Sarah is such a sweetie. She is adapting so beautifully to life in a big family. She adores her siblings, parents, and even our dog Jack Jack. Everyday, it seems like she makes some healthier food choices, and she really is a child who knows how to go with the flow.

One thing I have really learned from our girl is how to accept and give love freely. I think that is the key to her happiness. If we want to love on her, she accepts it. She also wants to give love, and we are all eagerly waiting to love on her more.

I think sometimes it is difficult to accept love easily. As adults we put up a lot of walls (I guess I speak for myself here).  Before I met Sarah, I think I would have said that I do accept love readily. But since I've had some time to observe this beautiful girl and her very loving ways, I have some adapting to do.

I am so very grateful that this little gift is part of our family. I am becoming a better person just from being around her.

Sunday Snap Shot - Sisters

Beautiful Moments

Home Two Weeks Today

It feels great to be home and sort of back to normal. Sarah has adjusted almost seamlessly. The only issue we have is sleeping and that just started this week. She loves having siblings. Even though she is tiny, she is not afraid to defend the down trodden. John and Kate got into some sort of disagreement, which left Kate feeling a little blue. Sarah promptly kissed her, grabbed Kate's hand and marched over to John, where she started yelling at him in her Chinese babble. It was so cute. Sarah is incredibly loving and has taught me the importance of giving and receiving love freely. We all just love and adore this little girl.

Brig and Sarah both celebrated their birthdays one day apart.  We felt so fortunate to be able to celebrate our girl turning two with her. So far I would have to say that her transition into family life is amazing!

Our 12-year old boy!

Celebrating our two-year old cutie - doesn't that look like a lot of people?

Cora made Brigham an Avengers cake and Sarah a cake that said Mei Mei in Chinese calligraphy

Sarah's new Grandma Kathy and Pop

Even Lincoln wanted in on the action of holding Sarah

Sisters!

John really likes being a big brother

Kate insists on being called Jie Jie - big sister

Tennis buddies

Our sweet Sarah