The Simple Life

Life is good. Up until this month, life was too busy. Bryant was working late, I was training for a new charting system at work, and we had appointments scheduled almost daily. I have never felt so anxious, unhappy, and exhausted. That's when I decided life needed to change. I decided to simplify what I was doing, and so far life has been so much more enjoyable! The interesting thing is that Bryant came home one night and told me he wanted to simplify life. We both came up with the idea independently. We must have both been feeling the stress! We have decided to spend more time together as a family, I will be cutting my hours at work, and we have planned some simple, fun family trips for summer. I am also trying to take time to spend individually with each boy-especially Tripp. He really is needing that alone time with me, and up until this month he wasn't getting much of it because of my busy schedule. How sad...my life is all about my kids, and yet I was filling each day with things that don't matter! No wonder I was unhappy-my priorities were out of order. So now is the time to fix it. Our family has been having a wonderful time simply being together, spending time at home, and going on the occasional adventure. Here are some pictures from the last couple of months.

Easter egg dying with Aunt Macey

 They are all ready to be  missionaries---watching General Conference :)

 Tripp named this ladybug "Gamer"

 Tripp learned how to ride his bike!

 We do take the occasional trip to Burger King...this little guy loves his crowns!

 Chillin with Aunt Macey and Uncle Colin

 We bought a little fire pit for the backyard and we love to have campfires!

Trippster roasting marshmallows :)

 We took one last field trip to the zoo before Tripp graduated preschool:

 Chantz loved the geese!

 Tripp and his buddy Gabe

 Some of the gang playing "Magic" and enjoying a night at my parents' house

 What a doll baby!

 The cousins came over and played!

Bryant and I took a quick weekend trip to Sun Valley where we relaxed, shopped, ate and slept. It was much needed!

 I came home from work the other morning and found these guys. They have decided to share a bed instead of having separate bunks. :)

 Bryant and I took the boys bowling to Big Al's. They were in heaven! We bowled two games, ate a platter of nachos, and played arcade games. Chantz now wants a bowling birthday party later this month.

 Spiderman came to Toys R Us! Of course we had to stop in and get a picture and an autograph.

Here is my graduate. I was actually a bit tearful. He has grown so much and learned lots. I can't believe this chapter of his life is already over. Where did the time go?

 Me with my graduate

 The refreshments-yum!!

 We decided to have a half birthday party for Tripp the other day. We bought vanilla and strawberry milk, root beer, and popcorn and watched the movie "Balto." It was so much fun!

 Last Sunday we decided it was time to teach Lettie to swim. We found a perfect, shady spot along the Boise River to play catch with her. She's not the only one who had fun!

 This puppy is quite the swimmer! We were super impressed-and I think Bryant is even more excited to have a bird dog!

Here's my kids with their friends from our ward. Sometimes they play there while I sleep after work. Needless to say, they always have a good time!

 I spent a while outside the other night just enjoying the sunset. It was so beautiful. I am so thankful for all the days and evenings spent at home. I love my family so much and I am excited to continue to keep my life simple and enjoy every minute I have with them.