Our Big Boy ~Kaden~

Tonight we had a family picnic by the lake, then we took the kids for a bike ride on the lake trail. This was Kaden's first bike ride, he rode his tricycle, and did such a good job! I didn't know how it would go, but he got on his bike and knew what he needed to do. Addi needs constant support and encouragement to give her the confidence she needs to ride, even with her training wheels. Kaden showed no fear, and looked like he had been riding for years. He was doing fist pumps in the air after he rode down a hill. What a boy! We are going to find Kaden a big boy bike ASAP and he can learn to ride at the same time as his big sister! 

Today was so hot! The kids had their backyard water park up and running by 9 am!

Last night when I was watering the front yard, Kaden escaped and made his claim that in the summer time running through the sprinkler right before bedtime is perfectly acceptable.

Addi rides to the lake!

Yesterday afternoon Addi rode her bike to the lake for the first time. She was so proud of herself, and enjoyed hearing from Mom and Dad how proud we were as well. Once she realized riding to the lake is something she can do, she now wants to go have a picnic there everyday. I loved listening to her comments like, "What a beautiful day!" and "This is the best day ever!" as she rode along.

We rode along the side of the lake closest to our house, but before the snowfall I hope we will be doing the full loop around the lake. 

We stopped for a bit so she could, "Enjoy the Peace and Quiet", which was ironic because she didn't stop talking the entire time. :o) 

The last supper ;o)

On our last night in Poky we went to a barbecue at our friends Amber and Mikiya's. Amber, Shannon and I have been pals since high school and it is always so much fun when we are together.

Amber's youngest princess, Aliyah.

Tony's sister's family was there too so I got to love on my little niece one last time :o)

Da Boys :o)

It was the perfect way to end our trip. Good food and great company. We ended the night early because we were so exhausted from being gone and on the go for 9 days straight. The next morning we made that long drive back to Eastern Washington. When we finally made it home Addi dropped to her knees and screamed, "OH my HOME! MY Sweet, sweet, HOME!" And we all knew just how she felt!

Tony's 10 year high school reunion

Last weekend Tony had his ten year reunion for Marsh Valley High Class of 2001. On Friday night we had a Banquet at the Ramada. There was good food, and everyone seemed to have a great time catching up. After the Banquet almost everyone participated in Karaoke and the fun went on late into the night.

Mr. and Mrs. Tony Shaffer :o)

~Class photo~

The next day was the family picnic at OK Ward Park. There was a bounce castle, snow cone machine, and a delicious fried chicken lunch.

The Bounce Castle was a hit with the kids!

Kaden and Liam enjoying their snow cones.

"Um dude, you don't have any sweet stuff on yours!"

"What! How'd that happen?"

Addi and Lexi

Tony had a great time with his old friends. Here is the next generation of trouble makers! Tony grew up with Jen and Mandi, the Moms these boys belong to. :o)

The Muddy Place!

When we are in Poky we always stay at my best friend Shannon's house. Addi slept on the trampoline for the first time ever with Shannon and her daughter Lexi. Shannon and I always used to sleep on the tramp when we were kids. I am so happy that Addi and Lexi are making fun memories together. 

We went to our favorite swimming hole with a nice crew of friends and family. Last summer Addi named it "The Muddy Place" because she was filthy dirty by the time we left. The name stuck, and every summer visit to Southeast Idaho requires a visit to the Muddy Place. 

Two new babies, sleeping in the shade.

Baby Sayli and her new suit!

Tony took Kaden for a nice boat ride.

Addi's turn!

Besides the great swimming and rope swings, frog catching is best part about the Muddy Place.

What a perfect day in the sun! 

Later that evening Shannon's cousins watched the kids so we could have a dinner date!

Matching butts :o)