“Two boys, two girls, and a Grandma.”

At the end of July the kids and I went to Rexburg for my sister, Kim, and sister-in-law, Amanda’s graduation from BYU-Idaho (yes, I realize how behind that makes me). It was a whirlwind adventure to say the least. My Mom went with us and I’m sure she’d attest to the fact that it was an exciting adventure. We also brought Kim back with us and she’s never had more fun in her life. Hunter described our dynamics on the way there as “two boys, two girls, and a grandma.” Apparently Grandmas aren’t girls. Who knew.

Anyway, I got to do 3 photo shoots while I was there…..maternity pics for Dan & Amanda, graduation pics for Kim, and pics of my nephew Evan and his cute parents. Let’s face it, I’m related to some good looking people. And you needn’t act surprised.

Graduation was great. I’m so proud of both of them….and they were relieved to be done. Thanks to my sweet brother-in-law, David, I was able to attend both parts of the graduation ceremony. He watched my kids during the first part because there were limited tickets. It went well for him until Tanner decided to scream and try to run away from him, all the while saying, “I don’t want to go with him! He’ll be mean to me!” It caused a wonderful scene and is doubly funny because I don’t think David could be mean if he tried. No offense, David.:) My kids were about as naughty as humanly possible during the second part, which I’m sure was entertaining for those watching.

I learned something on my trip….despite my best efforts I have zero control over my children. And not only that, but the things they say can render me speechless. Did you know that Hunter doesn’t want to get married or have children? His reasoning: he “hates kids.” When Kim explained to him that he was a kid himself. “Well, I hate OTHER kids.” Oh, well, can’t argue with that. In Wendy’s when I told Tanner to quit playing with his Frosty (which was absolutely everywhere), “I can’t! I’m building a temple!” What sort of argument is a parent supposed to come up with as to why their “innocent” child can’t build a religious symbol with their food? That’s right…..there isn’t one…..which is why he continued to make a mess. Prior to this incident my Mom and I suggested that we eat in the car. Kim couldn’t see any wisdom in this, but after 5 minutes in a public restaurant with my children, I’m positively certain that she became acutely aware of the error of her ways. She should’ve asked Matt. He’s been down this road before.

Did any of you know that no matter how many times you explain to your boys that they can’t pee in parking lots or in front of thousands of people, they still will? Apparently once you’ve allowed your children to be rednecks, the behavior is certain. When we got to our hotel in Idaho Falls, Hunter informed me that he had to pee. “Well, that’s great, you’ll have to wait a second while I unload our bags. We’ll be inside in a minute.” I turn around to wheel my suitcase inside only to find it sitting in a puddle of pee…..created by both boys they assured me. Luckily suitcases sit on wheels or no one would’ve wanted to ride in my car.

Not that anyone wanted to ride in my car anyway. Kim was a terrible judge of the amount of stuff she’d be bringing back (I should’ve brought my trailer) and we couldn’t have fit a feather in the Durango by the time I loaded it. This is all very odd considering the fact that she’s a math major…..aren’t math whizzes supposed to be good with numbers and volume and that sort of thing? Here’s me wedged in Tanner’s car seat trying to find more cracks to stuff things in. My mother was kind enough to take this photo.

She was also kind enough to take my photo while I was sleeping in the hotel. Just try and imagine sleeping next to Tanner. I dare you.

Anyway, all in all it was a fun, crazy trip. The boys said loads of funny things, which Kim texted me so I wouldn’t forget…..and then I accidentally deleted those texts. So sad…..my kids are ridiculously funny.