A Quick Escape

With our opposite work schedules, it's not often we spend time together so we were excited when Ryan's parents gifted us with tickets to the Boise State Game on Saturday. We located a last-minute babysitter and headed downtown!

It was a perfect afternoon and a great way to spend a few hours together.

It goes to say; Boise State Bronco fans are loud and crazy!

Both of our new career paths are still going well and we feel blessed for the opportunities that have been placed along our path. Change is always a constant and keeps us on our toes. 

Between Ayla, work, church callings, volunteer work and family activities, it's an adventure and time is flying fast. Hard to believe another year is almost finished...but what a year it has been!    

Goodbye Shade Tree

On Labor Day we decided to cut down the ginormous willow/weed tree in our back yard.

This tree was fabulous for shade but had grown heavy and  two of the main branches had cracked so it was time for it to go!

Before:

 It was a large "project" and fortunately, we had the needed help of family and a neighbor with the clean-up and mess...and what a "mess" it was!

The picture below is what we warn little boys against doing....seriously, do not climb atop a high ladder with a chainsaw and hang precariously while cutting branches.

I finally had to stop watching and resort to the safety of closed blinds so I wouldn't have a heart attack- after a quick check to confirm the insurance policies were current....

In the picture below, Ryan mentioned he could see over our entire street from that view. Yikes!

Blessedly, no major accidents but as one brother-in-law mentioned, "Ryan must be good with God because that's just crazy!"

It took an entire day and 6 yards of chipped wood to the dump before the task was complete.

The next step is the grind the trunk and roots but that can wait a bit.

Those branches too large to fit into the chipper are cut and neatly stacked against the backside of our house.

Firewood, anyone? We certainly don't need it!

3rd Annual Batz Reunion

This year we celebrated the 3rd Annual Batz Reunion in Stanley, Idaho. It was great to see the family from Wisconsin, California and Utah gathered together for a few days. The days were gorgeous and we spent Saturday at Redfish Lake enjoying the beautiful view of the mountains, visiting and kayaking (thanks to Amy & Tim!).

There was plenty of food, fun and "do you remember...." storytelling around the campfire. Wish these days could last a bit longer!

        View from the beach.....

 The 'Bonita Quatro Amiga's' having fun at the lake playing in the sand and sun!

 Tim and Amy enjoying a mid-day brunch- ChEeSe!

Carrie, Justine and I soaking up the sun and enjoying the lakeside view!

 Grandpa Batz and Ayla.

Dad taught her how to throw rocks into the water and make a big "splash" 

 Ryan and I out on the kayaks for a quick trip on the lake.......

We all crashed/stayed at Aunt Janet's in their cabins located in lower Stanley next to the river. The scenery was gorgeous and it was the perfect place to lounge and visit.  

Apparently, the game of Domino's became intense and required much deep thought for Mason.....

 Roasting Smore's and Starbursts- YUM!

 Here are the 'Batz' girls and Seth! Only missing Barry and Jodi and this sibling picture would be complete.....

Dad and I sitting around the campfire enjoying the peace and quiet (HaHa!) of being surrounded by family.

Dad brought his hand-crafted fresh goat cheese from the farm in Wisconsin which was delicious! 

Normally I am not a fan of Goat anything but this cheese was awesome!  

 Think the beds inside the cabins were comfy? Ayla and Ryan agreed!

 The last day (boooo!)

Pictures with Grandpa Batz before heading home to Wisconsin.

 Carrie and me- love my sista! WHY do you have to live SO FAR AWAY???

Mason, Carrie, me, Aundrey, Ryan and Ayla- we miss you !

The Batz Reunion is hosted every 2 years and next time it'll be held in Wisconsin. Not often enough to see my family living in Wisconsin but it makes for an awesome time when we do gather. 

I have such a cool family and am blessed that we have a good relationship and keep in touch- until next time!