Laundry Day

Yep. That was the most exciting order of business today. We got it all done. I had to dry a separate load for all of the boys' socks that got left behind in the transfer from the washer to the dryer but they all made it in in the end. 

Sharpie went insane with the rain I had to pick her up and rock her. Poor thing. I don't know what we are going to do with her when she is as big as I am...

Then she peed on the rug and I threw it away. I just can't handle that. (I'm a little confused because she does so well ringing her bell and then she goes and does that???)

The kids broke out the remote control cars and drones today so that was super fun but endlessly frustrating and ended in tears.

Then are now shopping for new ones to make all their dreams come true.

Anchor got accidentally hit by a drone (being flown by Brevick) so he stayed inside after that.

And yep, that's my naky baby in the window but at least he made it out of his pajamas right?

*Is he not adorable?*

We had pizza for dinner because William found out today that his football season this fall is cancelled.

He is DEVASTATED!! 

And MAD

I feel super bad for him. I need to figure out what to do with it. Now he wants to plan a trip to somewhere which could be fun or dangerous with everything that is going on right now.

All in all, I am really glad this day is over.

Oh Monday, Here we are again

Well, today was a lovely 47 degrees when we woke up and since I left the windows open all night our house was a little chipper.

This resulted in blanket skirts for everyone.

We did some house cleaning.

We did some computer time.

We did some running in the rain.

We had soup for dinner and Brevick actually liked it?

We had cookies for dessert so that was delicious.

We played a lot with the dogs.

So far, they are a good investment.

William was doing some obedience training.

1 pupil has it down.

The other one... well she just wants a treat.

 Fancy was offering her advice on Emmerlyn's math problems. *actually, she was just absorbing Emmerlyn's tears when she thought she couldn't do it."

 They were coming over to help me write. You can't see it but Anchor even has a pencil in his hand.

 Anchor was desperately trying to talk one of these dogs into going on a walk.

 He finally gave up and took himself.

In the rain.

I Forgot Friday

Yeah, it was one of those nights where you wake up in the middle of the night remembering what it was you had forgotten.

I forgot you my little blog.

I will mix yesterday and today so we can be back on track.

Yesterday was hot.

Like 90*

That's when I really love our AC. I cannot live without it.

Fancy had to go to the vet to get spayed and shaved. I am disappointed with the shave. I am going to call them and get my money back. (That's the problem with having to pay over the phone before you get your pet back. Poor little thing, if she wasn't post op I think she would be mortified.)

She was pretty tired and spent the rest of the day dozing.

Emmerlyn is taking great care of her and keeping her stitches covered so she doesn't lick them.

Anchor destroyed my bathroom while I was getting ready for the day so that was super nice.

He eventually picked it all back up and put it in the decorative bowl that goes on the coffee table. (We don't have a coffee table so it is sitting on an end table in my room, but still.)

I put it all back away after I put him down for a nap.

The kids had some fun tablet time with their puppies while Ben and I went on a date to Rexburg to visit. 

We were disappointed in the drive however due to the constant state of road construction.

Saturday was a rest day. We needed one of those.

People slept in. 

People watched movies.

People took naps. Not the people that really needed to take them (aka Brevick)

People sat outside and watched the dogs play.

William is still doing good with his puppy. Today was a long day for him and she had a potty accident so he is feeling a little frustrated. I think this is really a growing experience for him and I think it is a good one.

Brevick came up telling me he was locked and loaded with his Pokemon card clipped to his belt and his beyblade on the color of his shirt (look close)

This is his favorite Pokemon.

He wanted a picture of it for posterity

(Also I love his face)

We enjoyed a quick visit from Grandma and Grandpa Allen and their box of donuts 

And we are REALLY excited that Sallee is home.

The kids have missed her.

We told her to brush up on her car knowledge so she can spar with William.

We topped off the day with putting an exhausted Anchor to bed at 6:30 so he could wake up at 7:45 

Thankfully we had already finished our ice cream so we didn't have to worry about him getting sticky.

After prepping the kids tablets with movie downloads in preparation for our road construction littered drive to Hyrum and Laura's house tomorrow we sent everyone down to bed.

Brevick asked if he could stay up for a few more minutes.

I said absolutely not. That kid is on his last drop of energy.

Thunderstorm Thursday

Did you know that the weather for this week 90* for 6/7 days. Everyday except Thursday, our Bear Lake day.

Due to in-climate weather we decided instead to go...

to the ZOO!!

 (Anchor was pretty nervous with these animal statues. He was NOT happy) 

I think when you see the real thing up and walking around it is a little more intimidating.

It was a little drizzly but not too bad.

It was so fun to see the animals and since it was cooler, they were all up and moving.

There otters were not out and about. They never are. So lame.

The kids really loved the monkeys because they were swinging right up to the window.

Emmerlyn was so excited to see the penguins 

The sloth bears still paced along the fence but they did not bark and William was not afraid.

Anchor loved watching the animals especially the birds and lions.

Brevick was nervous about seeing gorillas. Thankfully for him there were no gorillas. 

He was also a little disappointed when the whole Lion King gang was not included in the zoo.

Charley liked carrying the map and pondering the whole setup.

Anchor did NOT like the hand dryer in the bathroom. He started screaming bloody murder when it kicked on. We will drip dry next time.

After the zoo we played at the park for awhile and that was so fun.

I really love our family time on Thursdays.

We ate lots of snacks on the way home and then had pizza for, in the words of Emmerlyn "dunch" 

We played with the dogs. for hours. 

Sharpie lost her mind when I pulled up my hair into a bun. I'm not sure why...

She is doing really good and loves to play with the family.

We got a potty training bell today from our best friend Amazon and she is already using it to let us know she wants to go out (I can't believe how smart she is)

We lounged this afternoon and that felt so good.

After 1,000 dog walks we sent the cute kids to bed.

Emmerlyn had the whole yard in her hair so she had to take a long luxurious shower to get all the grass out so it was a long process.

Pop Day

Pop Day is always a happy day at our house.

Well, actually it isn't. 

Sometimes though it's at least happy for a minute.

We started off on a hard note however because we were in fact...

out of pop.

Except for Allyn's Dr. Pepper but we didn't dare drink that.

We decided to get ready for the day and then we would worry about it.

Anchor got his teeth all brushed.

*I am in love with his pudgy bod in this cute little outfit. I just adore him.

Then Anchor, Brevick, and I solved the pop problem by dropping Emmerlyn off at gymnastics and then going to the store to get some.

They were a happy bunch when we got home.

Emmerlyn hates pop so she made herself a protein shake because she had just gotten done working out.

The kids had mini corn dogs for lunch and Anchor peeled off all of the corn and just ate the dogs.

I am ok with that though because he ate food.

He also loved the cucumbers. 

With a gallon of ranch in each bite.

He took a good nap and everyone else relaxed.

William was so excited to chat with Dora Jean that he missed tablet time.

When Anchor came out of his bed and saw that the baby was gone he looked all over the living room for him. He was calling "baby??" and even looked under the pillows and blankets. *Thankfully there were no babies under the pillows*. He is always confused when his friends are here when he goes down and gone when he gets up.

After dinner we spent the evening outside enjoying the amazing weather. It was lovely.

Anchor leashed Fancy up and took her for a stroll. 

He did a great job but Fancy walks a little too fast for his tiny legs. She got away once. (Thankfully, she is a great dog and doesn't run away. You just have to call her back.)

He fell down coming up the steps when it was time to go into bed and received his first *non-immunization related band-aid*. He was pretty concerned about it.

So was Sharpie

They all went to bed really well because they are super excited to go out and play again tomorrow.

I love evenings like this.

Time on Tuesday

Yesterday was super busy.

Today we had a little more time.

Time to get all of the laundry done.

Time to go play at the park.

It was pretty lame, the poor school children that attend Gate City Elementary must be so disappointed every time they go out for recess. 

We didn't waste much of our time there.

Time for Lunch...(yep, you should Youtube the time for lunch bubble guppies song. Your life will not be complete with that soundtrack going through your head every. single. day. until you die.)

The kids upgraded their soggy school chicken sandwiches by cooking them in the toaster oven. They came out perfectly.

Anchor took some time out of his day for a nap.

So did Sharpie.

(She's laying on the AC vent. smart puppy)

William learned just how much time a new puppy takes.

A Lot.

I took some time to meet Allyn after she got off work at TJ Maxx so I could return an item. I forgot to bring the item with me and did not have time to go back home and get it. Naturally.

Time for sidewalk chalk.

Time to spray people with the hose.

Time for Charley, Emmerlyn, and William to put together a yummy fruit salad for dinner.

and finally, just enough time after dinner to play a game as a family,

Now...

It's time for sleep.

Over It.

I think I am ending the Corona Chronologies.  I will still be keeping up to date on her but we are going to have to come up with some new titling. So for now, here is a day in our lives Monday edition.

I heard the doggies moving around at 0500 and didn't want to risk a mess so I got up and took them out (or maybe just Sharpie, I can't remember). Then I laid in bed and wished for sleep to come back to me.

It didn't.

We at breakfast to the background music of Sharpie crying because we wouldn't let her upstairs. Poor puppy did not want to be left behind. 

She spent some time outside with the kids and really loved it. Especially when she ran through the hose water while they were filling up her dish.

She came inside and slept for about 4 hours after her field trip. 

Anchor stayed busy today by handing Sharpie toys, shredding his sandwich and throwing it on the floor so Fancy could eat it and coloring on his blanket.

He also enjoyed running outside every time the door opened and then refusing to get off the tramp when it was time to come inside and go to bed.

He did thankfully take a good afternoon nap so that was nice.

Brevick and Charley had their well child checks today. Charley is 4' 8.5" and in the 65% and weighs 72 lbs putting him in the 45%. Brevick is 4' 2" and off the chart and weighs 50.5 lbs putting him in the 74%. I can't believe how big they are getting.

They had to wear masks and they were not impressed. Brevick really didn't like his at all so I let him take it off while we were waiting in the room for the Dr. 

Brevick had a really hard time not answering all of the questions that the Dr was asking Charley. At one point he was physically holding his mouth shut with his hand. I am proud of him for letting Charley have a turn. I was a bit mortified when I looked down and Brevick was wearing a black and grey no show sock on one foot and a blue rocket ship above the ankle sock on the other foot in addition to his black on black long sleeve/long pant ensemble he was sporting in this lovely 90* weather. Someday we will work on fashion.

Right before bed we all took the dogs out to play and when we were done they came right back in. Anchor on the other hand had to be carried kickin' and screamin' and rock throwin' the whole way. Needless to say he was way over tired and not nearly ready to come back inside.

The pups were worn out though.

(I seem to be one of those people that writes about their dog. I guess this is the new me.)

The 14th weekend

Sunday we had home church again which was a little late getting started due to all of the excitement on Saturday. We also played a fun game of Duck Duck Goose!! on the lawn. It was a great evening.

Anchor saw the puppy sleeping in her bed so he got himself a pillow so he could go in and snuggle with her.

This is a match made in heaven.

 Emmerlyn organized the baby books library style and they looked so nice. She then handed out library cards to everyone and said you had to check the books out and then back in so she could maintain order.

I like the way she thinks.

Baby Sharpie!!!

This guy had to test out the puppy condo. He likes it. A lot. He kept going in there and shutting the door and waving bye to everyone. Including the dog.

He was taking the puppy on a little jaunt to see the fish at Petco.

That's the only reason he has ever gone to that store.

We are starting a new life. 

She is a perfect for our family.

As we were walking away with her Charley said to Ben "I am so happy I feel like I am going to cry"

That's a good parenting moment right there.

Corona Chronologies Day 69

Sallee is here for a visit!!!!

We are so excited to see her. 

We have been chatting and now we are all exhausted.

I was exhausted anyway because last night the mouse returned to my room.

He also brought a friend with him.

A moth.

I totally lost my mind. Screaming and crying.

Thankfully I only woke up Ben and Allyn with my hysteria.

We are vermin free now so I am hoping for a bit of rest tonight.

Although, I will admit I am a little jumpy.

Anchor was still nursing a grudge for her leaving in the first place until she shared her Captain Crunch with him. That brought him around. 

He started on her lap.

Then he wanted to sit in his own chair.

Then he went and retrieved his own bowl so he could eat at his own pace.

He also enjoyed flicking his milk at her after the cereal was all gone.

Emmerlyn found a new mode of transportation for the dog today.

It worked pretty well.

I attempted to put Anchor down for a nap this morning at about 11. He was super tired and then he could get a good long rest in before the day really hit. 

I rocked him and wrapped him and laid him down and left the room.

He started to cry a couple of minutes later and it wasn't a yelling mad cry but a sobbing, heartbreaking cry. 

I went in to check on him and he was sobbing "bug, bug. fly, fly?" There was a little fly buzzing around in his room and he was terrified. 

*I couldn't fault him for that, he seems to come by it naturally*

I got him out and we went and found the fly swatter and searched the room. The fly was gone but he was not going to risk it coming back.

He refused to even go back in there for the rest of the day.

#nonap

We went fishing/swimming when Ben got off work this afternoon. The kids had lots of fun. Anchor was a little nervous and totally hit the deck when William pulled the pump out of his paddle board and it made that air woosh sound. As soon as it was over he jumped up and ran to get back in the car.

He got into throwing rocks and loved that but he also tried to run out into the water and also to run away down the road. I was truly chasing him the whole time.

He loved watching the kids on the paddle board and waited patiently for his turn.

I let him sit on it and he just floated while I held it for awhile. 

When it was someone else's turn he yelled at them for a good 5 minutes saying "MINE, MINE turn" 

Sorry buddy. 

It really isn't yours.

The kids tried to catch minnows in a bucket but had no luck.

Ben (who did not stay near us while we were swimming) did not get a single bite. At least that was not our fault.

We came home and Anchor clobbered Sallee while he waited for his pancakes to be done.

After eating and poking William with his fork we sent them all to bed.

Corona Chronologies Day 68

So today was Bear Lake Thursday which we were SUPER excited for. Unfortunately, the weather was predicting a high of 65 which is a little chilly to be swimming in a mountain lake. I think if it wasn't almost 2 hours away we would go anyway but to go all that way and only swim for a couple of minutes would not really be worth it. So we opted not to go.

Brevick reminded me a week or so ago that we had talked about going to the place where we could see the rocks like we learned about in the Dinosaur Encyclopedia (remember we are religiously reading that book.) So we decided that today would be the perfect day for that field trip.

We headed off at about 10 and I am so glad we did. 

It was SO fun and the weather was perfect.

Emmerlyn tripped once and of course her hat fell off into the stream so it was nice and muddy.

William was attempting to put Anchor's hat back on while Anchor was riding in the backpack and he tripped and we almost ALL went down (that got my heart pounding!!!)

Ben preemptively put band-aids on his ankles so there were no blisters to be found.

All in All though, we did pretty good. 

We hiked about 3 miles at various point and the kids got lots of climbing in.

We saw a few of these. *Anchor LOVED them and wanted to touch them*

They climbed high enough that I was stressin'. It is so hard to find that balance of safety and exploration. 

Bigfoot's Pancakes

Everything the kids found seemed to relate back to Bigfoot. We found his bed, his footprints, his chair, his bath, etc. 

You can only see the top but from the side, this particular pile of rocks literally looked like a stack of pancakes. All of our stomachs were growling.

Emmerlyn's view from the top of Bigfoot's Pancakes.

This one is Bigfoot's Dinosaur

Can you see the lizard in the picture above and below?

It's easier to see in Emmerlyn's bottom picture but the mud in this stream I swear has gold flecks in it. It was beautiful.

  Emmerlyn is our budding photographer. It also helps her to have a happy attitude when we go hiking because she is searching for the beauty. I love to look through her pictures and see what catches her eye.

Obviously she loves flowers, especially ones that match her shoes. We had a good drive home where the boys postulated on the the theory that because the North Pole is actually not on land that Santa must then live in a Submarine under the ice (a yellow one of course) That ballooned into the possibility that Santa is actually Davy Jones from Pirates of the Caribbean Octopus face and all. As they told Emmerlyn their thoughts she turned away and mumbled. "Great, now you've taken Christmas from me and made it creepy."

Thank heaven's for brothers and sassy sisters. 

Anchor spent the first 10 minutes of the ride kicking Charley in the ribs before we got him set up with a movie and he eventually fell asleep which was lovely. Brevick fell asleep probably 16 seconds after he finished saying that he wasn't tired at all except for his legs. They were tired from all that climbing around. *they probably were because he climbed around like a monkey.*

We spent the evening relaxing and eating leftover rolls for dinner and then everybody went right to sleep. Because we are all tired, more than just our legs.