Playtime with the Dildine Family

The biggest difference with this move from the others is that I have adults and kids that I feel instantly comfortable with since I'm related to them! It's been nice to have people to get together with for just a quick visit or a longer get-together sometimes even without much advanced planning.

A few times, my sister has planned an activity or an outing for her family and has invited us to come along. It's been great for the kids to have instant friends!

One day, my sister, Jennie, invited us over to help build a tent in her family room. She wanted it to take over the entire room. I was a bit skeptical, but through some creative uses of sheets, clamps, clothespins and other various things, we got the job done.

The kids and and the massive tent.

The kids could stand up inside the tent. Pretty cool!

One a different day we went bowling. I love Wes' reaction in this picture. I think he just knocked down some pins - not even all of them - but it was still super exciting! :)

The kids watching the score board.

Snack time!

Sydney loved the little fan and apparently decided she needed to cool off her tummy.

Sydney was insistent she have the pink ball even if it was heavier than the green ones. She used her little muscles to do it all by herself though!

All the kids with their bowling balls (except Ruby didn't bowl). I think my kids were struggling to keep theirs from falling. Maybe we need to start incorporating some arm-strengthening exercises in the Hanks house. :)

Another morning we went to the Boise Zoo. I tried to get Ruby to look at me, but apparently something else was more fascinating.

The kiddos in the play Jeep.

We got to see a Wallaby up close and personal.

The kids enjoyed watching the penguins as well.

And, to top off their morning, they got to go down a life-size giraffe slide!

Weekend Trip to Utah

We went down to Utah over the weekend of July 13th mostly to visit Naomi and her kiddos since they were in town from Chicago, but we also got to hang out with Janna, Tyler, and Audrey and of course, Grandma and Grandpa Hanks. 

 I also got to have lunch with my sister, aunts and cousins that I don't get to see too often. It's always fun to visit Utah and it's nice that it's a much shorter drive now!

Little Miss Lily and her bright eyes. She wouldn't smile for me, but she still looks beautiful!

The kids all took turns helping fill up the pool.

Brooklyn and Sydney were obviously having a fabulous time playing!

I can't remember what Brooklyn and Wes were pretending to do with the towels on the trampoline, but of course, they were having fun!

One evening we started with an outdoor picnic for dinner. About 5 minutes after I took this picture there was a sudden and huge gust of wind that started blowing in some stormy looking weather and we all high-tailed it inside.

Kid percussion time with Grandma on the piano!

The big kids had story time with Grandma.

And for some reason, the little girls wanted me to read to them. It's always fun to snuggle with my nieces!

The last time we were in Utah, Grandma Hanks bought a BYU piggy bank for Sydney and Grandpa Hanks loaded her up with a bunch of change. This time Grandpa decided Wes needed a bank too, so they painted this train one and then, of course, Wes got plenty of change to fill it.

Another night, Grandma planned an outdoor movie complete with popcorn. The kids had a great time!