July~

Our July was all about work hard - play hard. Justin began work over 50 hours a week. We had unloading and unpacking to do, and lots of time enjoying the summer sun. 

Here is a little peak of some of the things we have loved and admired. A little of life, summer, and fun in CdA. 

I love this view of the mountain and church from our front yard. I'll never get tired of the endless tall pine. Our street and neighborhood have a good feel. 

The family went to Island Park for a reunion shortly after our move. Due to our many hours on the road, we weren't able to join them this go round. But, we were sent fun pictures like this of all the cousins while we were aways. We love these sweet kids!

From the moment we arrived in Coeur d'Alene the Lakes were calling our name! We signed up for swimming lessons through the local rec center, and swam and played our summer away on the beaches of Hayden Lake. aka My happy place. 

We never tired of endless fun and hours in the sun. 

If we weren't at the lake, then we were in our teeny tiny backyard playing with the hose or in the small swimming pool. 

Hayden Lake~~ A little piece of heaven on earth~~~

Enjoying the peaceful feeling of the sunrise on my morning walk through our community. 

Scotlin was rewarded with this 'seat pet' something he has been wanting for a very long time. He immediately named it 'Max' after his best friend in Salt Lake. Max went everywhere with Dooey this summer. Scotlin tucked him in for naps and bedtime and always made sure everyone in the house was quiet while Max was sleeping. I think this was a way that helped Scotlin cope with all the changes and deal with the withdrawals of missing his favorite buddy. They used to play together everyday, so I think it was a major switch for him. 

Family fun night to the playground and splash pad...

Afterward, there was a concert in the park. The kids got out there and danced the night away. I don't know who was more fun to watch.. them, or all the adults who had had too much to drink. At any rate, everyone out there knew how to shake it!! :) 

Taking long Sunday drives dreaming of owning land somewhere in the country.. Meeting our neighbors...
Beautiful, beautiful North Idaho~

A little piece of swimming lessons... 

Miley was a fish all summer. She loved it! It was often hard to get her out of the water. Some days, it would be overcast, cold and grey, but she didn't care. She would be the ONLY person in the lake. 

Scotlin did well too, but would often complain of being cold, and want to sit on the beach and play rather than swim. Loren lasted about an hour each time we went to the beach and the rest of the time she would beg to go home! It's a job trying to keep everyone happy. 

It's also a big job getting out to the lake everyday, all geared up and ready to go. My van took a beating from the constant sand, and the kids had a couple sunburns, but all in all, I am super glad we did it. It made for great memories, and by the end of the summer the kids could swim. Mission accomplished!

Loren Elaine ~ Always doing her splits!!

Running, playing, screaming backyard play in undies. Summer lovin!