teenage boys

Remember when I mentioned the fun energy of teenage boys? Let me provide evidence here of what I mean.

They thought it would be pretty hilarious to show up at a party dressed like this:

So they did. They questioned their decision when I dropped them off, but they owned it. And it was a night they won’t soon forget.

These four boys have been together nonstop the first two weeks of summer. Mostly they swim and blow their money at Taco Bell or Dairy Queen. But they have also done plenty of babysitting of each others siblings (because apparently it takes four of them to babysit). And then they spend a lot of time sharpening up their natural skills, like their throw a hat and catch it on your head skills. And whatever else they do.

They have also been known to show up at the door delivering French fries to each other when one of them is in “solitary confinement.” 

They did willingly jump up and make a bunch of lunches for the homeless (our ward has the opportunity to serve the homeless every month).

And the afternoon that Kyler and Kacin had to stay home to put together their new ikea dresser, the other two boys just happened to show up at our house. And then were convinced to spend hours building the dresser. (Kyler is just pretending mad for the photo. He thrives at building things.)

See, I told you teenage boys are pretty great to have around.

the first week of summer

The older boys went to AP camp during the first week of summer break. Oh my goodness, I missed them around here. And not just because it meant I had to do dishes by myself. Teenage boys, especially my Kyler and Kacin, have a fun energy about them and the house feels so different without them. But I knew they were off having grand adventures. Adventures that I wish I could have joined them on, but I was glad they got to experience them even if I couldn’t be there to see it. 

I’ll count myself lucky that I got these blurry pictures to document some of what they did. But their week included hiking, slide rock, wake boarding, ropes and zip line course, swimming at NAU, games, devotionals, lots of food, and more.

While the boys were gone, Layla and Brinna and I had a few of our own adventures (Perry is gone during the day at his day camp for kids with special needs). Slightly tamer than what they old boys were off doing— We went to the zoo and the science center, swam in our pool, and read lots of books.

We got to watch them training the alligators!

We also had a stomach bug pass through our family and some friends we had spent some time with. Once Layla was feeling better she made this sign to help cheer the rest of us on as we recovered.

Family Reunification Day

Being involved in foster care is one of my biggest blessings. I have led such a sheltered and privileged life in so many respects so I’m grateful how being a foster parent has opened my eyes and my mind to the world. Sometimes that means seeing a lot of sadness and pain and horrible things and sometimes it means a lot of hope, resiliency and watching a beautiful fight and seeing the deep strength to overcome. 

Eric and I recently volunteered at a Family Reunification event. 

There were 13 families there who received recognition in overcoming some big challenges and successfully reuniting with their children in 2018.

We were assigned as hosts to a mom and her three kids. We took her around to get a family picture, face painting, balloon animals, and to eat lunch. This mom was shy, but strong. She told me that last May the children’s dad passed away the day before their parental rights were going to be severed. Thankfully the judge gave her a second chance and she was able to work hard and turn her life around and get her three children back. Beauty from ashes. I think she is pretty incredible. It was powerful seeing each family walk up onto that stage and receive a recognition. Many of them took a few minutes to say thank you to many people who supported and encouraged them. Because we all need someone. Sometimes that person was just God. But knowing you have God with you obviously makes a pretty big difference. 

It was such a beautiful experience to see these families honored. I felt blessed to be in their presence.

The next day we found the news article with pictures online from the event. You can see Eric’s back quite nicely. And I am behind him. Our claim to fame right there.

“The family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.” (The Family: a Proclamation to the World)

down by the river

On the first day of summer we joined some friends at the Verde river.

The boys have joined these friends a few times here at this river, but this was the first time I joined in with the little kids.

Brinny did just fine in the cold water and once Perry accepted the life jacket he was golden, too. 

Brinna makes this cute little face a lot—right before she breaks out into a huge grin. And I was happy I captured Layla’s genuine smile. L loves being a big sister!

There was a good group of older boys that spent a lot of time jumping in the river and exploring upstream and floating back down.

Kyler and Ben were pretty amazing big brothers (Ben is around enough he’s like a big brother) and took Layla and Perry on rides down the river.

There was plenty of yummy snacks for B.

It always cracks me up when she mimics my actions. I was squatting down to take their picture. So she did, too.

While there were plenty of friends her age, Layla gravitated towards these sweet big girls. They are just lovely, kind girls so I understand why. So kind of them to include her.

Brinny loved spending time with one of her second mom’s (yeah, there are a lot of my friends from the ward who she loves and goes right to) and her little friend, Alexis.

And this is when I had to yell to Kyler that, as kind as it was, no he could not jump with Perry in his arms.

The moms! 

Sweet teenagers giving Brinna some attention. I love these girls!

My friend had to jump in the river three times to help kids who went down without a paddle get over to the side of the river. She wins as best lifeguard!

I’m so glad Kacin has found such good friends.

Kyler’s last jump for the day. 

Too cool. And that’s a wrap on our day at the river.