Idaho Fun

Last week was such a fun time with my family in Idaho.  We spent nearly every day together as a family.  It was nice to not be in a rush and to be able to relax.  It seems that the only times we are together for an entire week is around Christmas, which is always crazy.  The unexpected week for Jeannes funeral brought us together at the perfect time.  Spring was in full bloom all around us and the weather was absolutely beautiful.

After the funeral on Monday Stella came over to play with Aidree and Bridget.  It is so fun to watch them develop friendships.  I'm who I am because of my cousins and the relationships we have together.  Of course later in the evening everyone else came over to mom and dads.  We have so much fun just being together.

Tuesday we all got our hair cut.  Tristen really cut hers and finally donated it!  Thanks girl.  It is cute. When I lost my hair to chemo I missed being able to get my hair done with my sisters.

Afterwards, we had lunch at our favorite Flat Bread and our cousin Des and Uncle Robert joined us.  The kids always have fun making pizza and watching them cook.  I won't mention how many times we had a fiasco with spilled chocolate milk, but I'm sure they will be mopping up that sticky mess for weeks to come.

Wednesday I read Dr. Seuss to my nieces

And then I had chemo.  Thankfully it wasn't so bad.  And of course hugs and a good cry always make it better.

That evening I felt good enough to teach the kids how to play kickball and we had fun playing a little volleyball, even though the balls kept being hit over into the pool area and I had to be the one to fish them out from the middle of the closed pool.  This evening was the best.  It was a beautiful evening and we all enjoyed sitting out on the porch chatting and watching the children.

We even got a picture of everyone smiling.

Thursday morning my brother Tony took me to the hospital to have an echocardiogram and a CT Scan.  I have yet to get the results.  It was fun to spend some time with him.  

Several times throughout the week we walked down to my grandparents to clean things up and to restock the pop fridge that grandpa always had full for us and our friends when we would come over.  When I was restocking the fridge, I swear I felt grandpa standing behind me, especially as I stocked it with coke.

Friday we got ready for Saturday morning.  We had a surprise baby shower for Danielle.  It was so fun, except the chemo side effects of nausea kicked in right as everyone was coming so I spent most of it in bed.  She got a bunch of really cute things.  We are so excited for another baby girl to join our family.

 We sure love our Grandma Betty.

Saturday evening we had a family party at Grandpa and Grandma Jeannes.  It was exactly how they would have wanted it; pizza, soda, licorice, rootbeer floats, conversations on the patio and some games of badminton and crochet.  The games didn't really happen, but the kids used the crochet game pieces in their backyard adventures.  My grandpa always had a beautiful yard.  I think he'd be disappointed that it has gone downhill.  This evening was one of my favorites while I was home.  It was fun to chat with cousins and siblings. 

That evening Tanner's girlfriend presented me with the most beautiful painting that she has been painting since October.  This girl is getting ready to apply to medical school so she is busy, but she made the time to think about me.  I love how she depicted OVC awareness and my love for MVY.  It looks awesome in my bedroom.  That night Tony's girlfriend also made me a fun OVC box of goodies with balloons and a sweet card from my family.  I'm such a lucky girl to have such an amazing support team.  I love them each dearly.

Sunday Tristen, the girls and I headed home.  Oh what fun we had and the memories we made.