Oregon/Idaho Trip & Baptism

So far we are having a really good time. It is always nice to catch up with family that you don't always have the opportunity to see all the time. We left Harrisburg at 4:30 am Wednesday morning to get to Raleigh by 6:30-7:00am. Our plane left on time but it was a long one. Over four hours. The kids all did really well thankfully. We had a short layover in Las Vegas and ate at the Mexican Restaurant there. Just like we always do when flying thru there. It was still really good.

When we arrived in Boise, we rented a car and headed for Dad's house in Payette, Idaho which is right off of the Snake River. Dad was not home yet so we unpacked and headed to my cousin Nikki's because she was cooking dinner for all of us. Yummy. Dad, Grandma met us there later. We finally left around 9:00 pm which is 2 hours earlier than our time in North Carolina. So we were beat. The kids were filthy from playing at Nikki's. So we all needed baths too. Very late night.

My Mom had an even later night. She was supposed to fly in about 3 hours after us and my cousin Josh was going to pick her up and bring her to Nikki's. But she missed one flight, then the stand by one was full and so by the time she finally got to Boise and to a hotel it was 2am. So she had to rent a car and drive in. What a time. I hate when that happens. Just glad it wasn't us with all 3 kids. Sorry mom. But still glad you could be here for Connor's Birthday and Chandler's Baptism service.

Shane got up at 4:30 am and left with Nikki's husband, Kenny, my uncle Greg and cousin Josh to go on a golfing trip. They did 3 golf courses in 2 days. Shane hasn't been golfing but 2 times in the last year much less 3 in that amount of time. But he did really good. One game he got a 95 and he said, "Babe and that is an honest 95 no mulligans or anything." They seemed to have had a really good time for a guys trip. They came home Friday evening and we had Nachos at Dad's then we all had to get ready to go to Black Canyon the next day. We spent the Fourth of July out there from about 9:30 till 7:00pm. It was the perfect day. Nice breeze, not too hot, it was just a lot of fun. Later we went back to Nikki's to do fireworks. It doesn't get dark here until about 10:20 pm. So needless to say we had to wait a while. But the guys put on a good show for us. There was about 30 or so family there. Only about half of us but still a lot of fun. While they were doing the fireworks one of them tipped over and started shooting at us. Thankfully no one was seriously injured. My aunt Carolyn was burned on the back of her knee and then it landed in her legs and burnt her pants on both sides. Nikki asked her, "Are you going to sue us?" LOL She is too funny. But she is doing good other than our minor mishap.

Today we had church and Chandler has been asking for the last 6 months or so to be baptized so we decided while we were here we would let his Grandpa Kyle do the honor. The only hitch was he wanted to be baptized in the river like Jesus. So we went to the river after church and Grandpa Kyle baptized him in the precious name of Jesus. I think he was a little embarrassed because some of the people from church, who are long time friends of the family, came also but he did really good. We are so proud that he has made the decision that is so important to show he wants to live a Godly life. Connor wanted to also but when he got into the water he decided that it was too cold and got out and asked, "Can't we do this in the swimming pool where it is warm?" LOL Too funny little man. Maybe he wasn't as ready as he thought. Maybe next year. But the temperature did not detour Chandler in the least. He was determined he was going to be baptized.

Everyone is taking naps and Connor's birthday is today so he wanted Lemon Poppy Seed Cake so that is what I am up making. So Mommy is not getting a nap today. Oh well it will be worth it to see his face light up when he sees his cake. Technically we already did it but it is his actual 7th Birthday. How time flies!! I can't believe he has been with us for 7 years and yet it is hard to remember life before any of them. The are our life now.

We are going to Nikki's tonight and Uncle Greg is making homemade tacos and ice cream. Yummy!!!! I can't wait.

I have also heard back again from my plastic surgeon's office and they still have not come up with anything other than the 30th of July. They said they could do it on the 10th of July but I won't be there. And then I have to have a pre-op appointment before the surgery with the plastic surgeon and by the time I get home she is on vacation. So I still don't know what is going to happen. I hate this. That is why I planned and called and made the appointment months ago. Worse case scenario I will have to choose another plastic surgeon. Which I really do not want to do so we shall see what happens. I am going to call them Monday. So pray something works out that way it is supposed to.

Well I think that is all the updates for now. We are having a good time. Everyone here is surprised at how "well" I look. Not sickly at all. I am so thankful for that. Everyday.

I hope everyone had a safe & happy 4th of July weekend.

Love to all,

Rachael