Catching up

We made it thru all the wedding planning and then the big event and now we are just catching up on life and getting used to what is now our new normal. It has been tough having Shyloh gone, especially for a couple of our kiddos. The week she was on her honeymoon we had originally planned on going camping and none of the kids wanted to go because Shyloh wasn't here. We ended up just hanging out around the house and working on a few projects here.
One of the first things on our list to do was to re-bid chores. Chores are bid on an RHIP basis. That stands for Rank Has Its Privilege. Since we didn't think Shyloh wanted to come over every Saturday to help with Saturday chores and we didn't think she would want to come clean our bathroom as well as her own, we had to re-bid. Everyone has bumped up a bit, even Poppet, who now is in charge of keeping the toilet paper stocked.
Shelbie is now the new "top dog" around here so I expected to see her bid out of a couple of her less pleasant duties but she surprised us by sticking with cleaning the "farm area" each Saturday. That includes cleaning the chicken coop and the bunny cages.
Shaylah has bumped up to alternating making dinner with Shelbie and Shayden is now in training to take over making breakfast. We'll see how that actually goes. What looks good on paper doesn't always pan out in real life.
Since Shyloh and Jeff have returned home we have managed to have a day at the lake with them, Micah, Lynette, and Grammy. Last weekend we went camping with Micah and Lynette. Jeff and Shyloh joined us too. We had such a relaxing time just hanging out with each other. Uncle Micah took the boys on several "snake hikes". Have I ever mentioned my extreme fear of snakes? Well somehow I now have three little boys who love snakes. (Thanks Micah!)
Last Friday Jeff and Shyloh joined us for a trip to the ocean. The weather was wonderful! We hung out at the beach and played in the water, caught sand crabs, and had fried chicken. Then we cleaned up and headed to the Monterey Aquarium for member night. Love, love, love having season passes there. (Thanks Grandpa and Grandma!)
We are slowing returning to a new normal without Shyloh. We are so very blessed to have her and Jeff live so close. We have still seen her daily since they have come back from their honeymoon, even if only for a few minutes. She is very sweet about inviting one or two of her siblings over to visit with her while Jeff is at work. It makes it so much easier for their little hearts as they miss her so much. This week Poppet and Lolly got to go over to her house. She came and picked them up and I heard all about how much fun they had watching a movie, eating popcorn, and playing with "Lolo's" new kitty. Shyloh looked a bit tired when she returned them home several hours later. Yesterday Shyloh called up and requested Shylie for the afternoon. Shylie was a bit unsure of her new surroundings, but after she was introduced to ice cream she was fine. ;o)
I am sad that summer is already coming to an end. It just wasn't long enough this year. Now it's time to shift gears and get ready to open the windows and enjoy the smell of fall in the air,chilly nights, hot chocolate and apple cider, time hanging around the bonfire, and cozy evenings by the fireplace.
Hopefully we get the wedding pictures back soon and I can get some up here. (I know you are probably waiting for those Papa and Nana!) Until then here is a slide show of pics from our month.