Salmon

We went to Salmon last weekend for my best friend's wedding. It was a crazy few days leading up to the big day, but everything came together perfectly, and the wedding was so beautiful. Thursday night while I was at the bridal shower, Cahl took the kids down to a paint ball tournament. Tristan and Jasen joined their friends' team and had a lot of fun. They made it several rounds, but at the end Tristan was on his own, and he finally got out. He took several hits, and one on his leg was pretty intense. It hit his jeans hard enough to break the skin underneath, and he had a huge bruise for a few days. Hunter was too young for the paint balls, but they had a laser tag event for his age group, and he loved it.

The bride with her bridesmaids at the shower

Friday we spent almost all day setting up and decorating for the reception. Once that was taken care of, it was time for the rehearsal and dinner. Both went well, and the dinner was a really nice BBQ at the groom's parents house. Hunter even lost a tooth in the car on the way to dinner. He was so excited!

Saturday was another long day. We started early setting up all the chairs and everything else for the ceremony, and then the girls were off to start getting hair done. Cahl was so wonderful the whole time, patiently taking all of the kids fishing and keeping them occupied. Once my hair was done, I left the other girls at the salon while I ran some last minute errands, picking up and dropping off stuff, setting up more stuff, delivering food back to the salon. It was somewhat hectic, but it worked out fine. After all the girls' hair was done, we all met at the wedding site to start getting dressed and makeup done, and having the photos taken. The time seemed to fly by, and before we knew it, it was time to load into the carriage to go to the ceremony. The ride was so fun, and the ceremony was amazing. I felt like I had put everything into, and focused on nothing but this wedding for many many months, and it all turned out so amazingly. I am so honored to have been asked to be a part of it all, and it was very special in so many ways. This girl has been in my life since I was just a few years old. Gabrielle is my best friend, and much more than that. She is my family. I love her with all my heart, and I simply adore her new husband Jared and stepson Cole, who is the same age as Tristan. I have also known them for many years, and watched Cole grow, and my heart is so happy for them and this new chapter in their family's story.

Oregon

The beginning of August, we took a quick weekend trip to Oregon to see Cahl's mom. She just bought a new house, so Cahl helped install some things around the house, including her beloved peace sign, and planted some trees.

Swim Party

Our scout  pack here in Idaho don't do scouts during the summer, which is something we've had to adjust to, but this month they had a swimming party for the scouts. It was a nice evening and the kids all had fun with their friends.

Dentist

This year Brinley went to the dentist for the first time. I was a bit nervous about her going, since she didn't take to kindly to the new doctor here in Idaho. But she was super excited to go to the dentist, and she did so great! She sat very still, kept her mouth open wide, and even did a fluoride treatment with no problems. Her teeth are all healthy and fine, and she loved going so much she keeps asking to go back.

Scout Camp

Last week Tristan went to his first real Scout Camp. They went to Camp Morrison, which is near McCall, right on Lake Payette. His troop left early Monday morning, and came home Saturday. There were 13 kids in his troop, and 3 leaders. The whole camp had over 30 troops, and well over 200 scouts, including 2 that came all the way from Ireland. Cahl went up Thursday evening, and stayed until Saturday. They both had a great time. Tristan earned 4 merit badges- Emergency Preparedness, Rifle Shooting, Shotgun Shooting, and Wilderness Survival. He also partially completed 3 other merit badges, so he should be finishing those up soon. At their campsite, 3 little bucks decided to camp with them. They just hung out and wandered through their camp with them all week! At the end of the week, Tristan's troop won the "Bull of the Woods" award, which recognizes the best troop at camp! He is really happy he went, and is already looking forward to next year's camp. He has also decided he wants to me a camp counselor when he gets a little older.