Brazil Bound

  I have to play a bit of catch up, I guess that's what happens when I forget to upload Loren's photos. Here's a few photos of Allie's birthday party at Hyrum Dam. 

  Nate and I took the boat out and when we came back we were barely above the water! It was exciting to say the least.

  And a few more pics of our Idaho trip.

  Hudson at four months. He loved the water!

  Allie LOVES her little brother. Hudson doesn't know much about personal space since he's never had any.

  These kids read could read with Grandma all day.

  I want to remember her like this forever.

  I decided to brave taking the kids to the Stokes Nature Center story time last Friday and it turned out to be a blast. The girls loved the book about bugs and then we had our own bug scavenger hunt. Allie was pretty proud of all the bugs she found.

  After that they played in the mud kitchen. I told Loren later how impressed with Lydia I was. She was so friendly to all the other kids and at one point I looked over and she had like seven kids following her around and playing with her. She loves making new friends, no matter who they are. I guess it's a lesson that I should learn too.

  Last Saturday Dad and Mom Peck dropped Aaron by for a few hours while they ran some errands. I was impressed with how much he helped me with the kids and the chores. He's a sweetheart!

  Atticus, Lydia and Allie spent pretty much the whole day building rivers and mountains in Grandma's sandbox. Summer is the best.

  Sarah made a quick trip to Utah for a wedding and the girls loved reading stories with her before she left. They sure adore her.

  Trout and Berry Days have come again! I feel like it represents the ending of summer and start of Fall. It was extra fun this year as we had Cam and Greyson with us. Here we are ready for the parade!

  The kids had a blast on the inflatables.

  Then it was time for the trout scramble. It was Allie's first year and she loved it. She mostly just stood in the water and squealed when a fish would touch her feet. It was pretty cute to watch. 

  Lydia, Greyson and Atticus did it too but I couldn't get a picture with Hudson in my hands. There's getting to be so many kids that I'm not sure how much longer we'll do it but it sure has been fun.

  After that we had a birthday party for my Dad and Greyson at our house. Cam and Mary had just made it back from Seattle right in time for Brayden's farewell talk the next day. They slept over at our house and we stayed up way too late playing Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes. It was a literal blast!

  I'm so sad I didn't get a single picture of Brayden's farewell. I don't even have an excuse since Hudson slept most the day. It was so good to catch up with some of my Searle family I haven't seen in years. Most all of my Searle aunts and uncles were there and even cousins. With the Rigby's and a few neighbors, there was around 70 people. Lydia and Greyson kept telling me, "It's SO crowded!" It was such a great day though and I was so incredible impressed with Brayden's talk. He's going to be such an amazing missionary. We missed Nate and Kiana who are in Arizona for school and Em and Tyson who are in St George.
  The day all mother's dread finally arrived. Lydia started Kindergarten this past week! I think it's a lot easier to let them go when they're super excited and Lydia definitely was that! She couldn't stop smiling the whole morning. Her teacher is Mrs. Ramsey and she was so excited about making new friends. She goes in the afternoon which is perfect because both Hudson and Lydia take naps while she's gone. I can actually get a few things done! Or just take a nap, and I'll be honest, it's usually the latter. It's going to be a great year!

  The other day I took the kids up to visit Kaleb. Mary's due date was a couple days ago. How her heart must ache. Sometimes it's hard to keep any hope through life's most painful trials. I'm grateful for the gospel and though nothing can touch the pain of a grieving parent, at least it can help soften the edge.

  These pictures are out of order but Loren, Chris, Landon, Aaron and their dad went on a camping/fishing trip back up to Cascade Lake for a couple days. They had a great time together and Loren even caught a few fish!

  After months of waiting and preparation, Brayden finally left on his mission to Brazil! Em and Tyson came for a couple days and we spent the time visiting, playing croquet, board games watching Brayden's last movie and just soaking in every minute we had left with him. I'm not really sure how I got this job, but I've been dubbed the designated missionary packer. I packed both Cam and Nate's suitcases and I guess, why stop tradition? Though after two hours of sorting, folding and smushing, I remember why I only do this once every few years. But we got it done and he's all ready to go!

  Brayden's blessing at his setting apart was so special. He's so humble, obedient and kind and I know the people of Brazil will feel of his sincerity. It's never easy to say goodbye but now that he can call every week, it doesn't feel so heart wrenching. We sure love him and can't wait to hear about all his experiences!