Boise!

Shad and I took a trip to visit my family the week before last.  Jeff was supposed to have Scout Camp all week so it seemed like the perfect opportunity.  We had a ball and Shad got some quality time with his grandparents. 

Shad did good in the car for the first few hours, but the last hour was miserable.  We finally made it to Meridian, Shad screaming and me with a headache, around 5:30pm on Monday August 8th.   I was so glad to finally get there, and glad that there wasn't any rush hour traffic to delay our arrival.  

When I pulled up Tanner was singing/ playing his guitar in the garage, true to form.  My dad was just coming out and came to greet us and help carry stuff in, and I walked inside to see my mom.  She was cooking dinner, and had a birthday present and peanut butter bars (my favorite!) on the table for me!  I love that my mom has always done what she could to make our birthdays special!  (Even when belated!)

Each morning we were there my parents had a new birthday surprise out for me on the counter.  It was so fun!  They included:

Red Robin cup filled with peanut butter m'n'ms, with a note to celebrate with lunch at Red Robin! 

A syrup pourer (cause we really need one and are tired of using jars) with peanut butter cups in it 

A mother's journal for me to write special thoughts for Shad in, with a notepad and magnet

Bag of kettle corn with a note for a red box rental

Note to look in their closet where they gave me their horse harness mirror that I've always loved!  

We spent most of the week chilling and chatting. We didn't have any big plans, but it was actually nice to just hangout and relax.  

(LOVE this picture of my Mom and Shad)

Tuesday we went to Red Robin, and I went shopping with my mom to exchange a shirt she got me.  We ended up being able to get 2 instead because of some great sales and discounts!  Sweet!  

 

Wednesday we went to the splash pad at a cool big park near my parents house, Settler's Park.  I wanted to see if Shad would enjoy it since he loves the bath and shower.  And I think he liked it, at least on his belly and feet, even though it was cold.  He would kick his legs and feet when I put them in the water like he does when he's excited.  

Shad and Bo were really curious about each other the whole week, as Shad has never been around dogs and Bo hasn't been allowed to check out any babies.  It was really fun to watch them together as they tried to figure each other out!

(This isn't an upset face... Shad would squint whenever Bo sniffed his face)

Thursday night I was able to get together with two of my closest friends from high school, Kylie and Chrissy.  It was so good to see them!  And fun to see Chrissy's new house.  Chrissy made us her famous Baker cookies and we just talked and caught up, both through small talk and some deeper conversations.  I really enjoyed our time together.  I love these girls!

Friday we were able to visit a few people in the ward that I wanted to see while in town.  

Throughout the week we also watched a few movies and went for a bunch of walks with Shad and Bo.

This is how Tanner and Bo go for walks, it's awesome:

  

As mentioned before, Shad falls asleep to a swaddle now... Every time!  New favorite trick... thanks Dad!

Sunday we went to my parents ward.  Even though I don't know most of their ward, there are a good number of people left that I wanted to see.  I also was able to get Shad to sleep during Sunday School so I could listen to my mom's lesson, since we tend to spend a good portion of church in the halls...

 (Showing off his cute new church shoes)

We headed back home Monday morning.  We stopped in Ogden for a few minutes to visit with my grandparents.  Shad did better on this trip, though still had a few screaming spells.  (Just shorter than on the way up.)  I had to pump in the car both directions, and on the way home it was less stressful since he slept through most of it this time.

 I realized while in Boise that I hadn't been there in about two years!  That's a long time!  I've seen my family numerous times in those two years, but it's been from my family coming to Utah for various events.  It was good to be home and spend a whole week with my parents and Tanner!  It's just too bad Nate and Jeff couldn't be there... 

Jeff's summer work party was Monday evening in Salt Lake, so we had to be in Salt Lake by 6:30pm to meet Jeff.  The party was a Salt Lake Bees game and BBQ.  We arrived at almost the exact same time Jeff did from Provo.  We enjoyed the BBQ and game, chatting with co-workers until Shad got too tired and hungry for us to stay.  (It was probably good since we hadn't been home yet and still had to drive back to Springville.) 

Thanks Mom and Dad for everything.  We had a lot of fun and it was good to see you!