THE BEST KIND OF BUSY

This past month has been one of those beautiful, memory-filled seasons that reminds me just how blessed we are as a family.

One of the highlights was gathering together as Sheila and Tyer were sealed in the Boise temple. There is something incredibly special about watching families come together for such a sacred occasion. It was wonderful to have so many relatives travel to celebrate with us. The laughter, hugs, catching up, and simply being together made the entire weekend unforgettable. Moments like these remind me that families truly are eternal.

Scott, Mr. Rydalch, Mrs. Rydalch, Me
I sure do love these two!
Congratulations, Tyler and Sheila!

Proud Grandpa with his grands: Red Skittle, Mango and Red Jellybean

Berry and Red Skittle

Me and Red Jellybean - GJ and Peanut
Our youngest grandsons!

Meet the youngest grandbabies:
Red Jellybean - Grapes - Peanut

Red Skittle LOVES his brother!

We also had the tremendous joy of spending an entire week with our grandson. Every day was filled with adventures: working on puzzles, creating fun crafts, watching movies together, and curling up with a good book. We read Harry Potter, and we LOVED it! There's nothing quite like seeing the world through the eyes of a red-headed, 7-year-old!

Playing Chess with Grandma

Putting together Legos with Grandpa

Crafts with Grandma and Grandpa

Putting together a puzzle while watching soccer

Happiness is a red-headed grandson!

Meanwhile, our family text thread has been absolutely exploding as we've all been cheering on the World Cup! Even though we're scattered across different cities, it has felt like we're watching every match together. Every exciting goal, unbelievable save, and questionable referee call has generated dozens of messages within seconds. (Scott is extremely passionate about the games.) Even the grandkids are in on the action! Technology really is a wonderful thing when it helps families stay connected and share the excitement, no matter the distance.

How do the Browns watch soccer?
While putting together Legos!

Red Skittle brought his action figures to watch the game.
It's hard to tell, but included are Harry, Hermione and Ron!

Even Red Jellybean was enthralled.

Scott and I also enjoyed a memorable evening with my sister and her husband at You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Mother Nature decided to add her own special effects by sending plenty of rain, but not even the weather could dampen our spirits. The performance was delightful, the company was even better, and sometimes those slightly soggy adventures become the ones you remember the longest.

Before the show we splurged by eating at Texas Roadhouse.
Those rolls are the bomb!

The show was SOOOO fun!

Pictures before the show...

Don't rain on our parade!

Not every event this month was planned. Cody gave us quite a scare when he had to undergo an emergency appendectomy. Thankfully, everything went well, and he is recovering nicely. We are so grateful for skilled doctors, answered prayers, and the blessing of healing.

Recovering with his son....

And my Uncle Rocky and his family came to town for a wedding. We got to catch up with all of our White cousins for a couple of hours. What fun! I loved visiting with them and finding out what they were all up to. I wish we could have moments like these more often.

Looking through the many miscellaneous photos we've taken this month, I'm reminded that life isn't made up only of the big milestones. It's the snapshots of everyday life (our children smiling, grandchildren playing, family gatherings, little adventures, and ordinary moments) that tell the real story. Each picture captures a blessing, a memory, and another reason to be thankful.

Mango is Humor Personified

Red Skittle is the "King of the World"

Nothing but Chubby Smiles for my Red Jellybean

If I had to choose 3 women who I truly admire the most... It would be my sisters!
I can't wait to spend an entire week with GJ, Tara and Kristi next week!

I think this might be one of my favorite photos ever - because of the shirts and the smiles!

The family that swings together...

A new swing set and Mango is obsessed!

Waiting for swim lessons.
He is actually excited... which is a huge accomplishment for my red-head.

Mango loves it when her cousin reads to her!

Isn't she totes adorbs?!

The family that hikes together...

Grandma's Angels!

Swimming Fun

Our lives may be busy, our family may be spread across many places, and sometimes unexpected challenges come our way, but through it all, love continues to bind us together. What a wonderful month it has been, and what a blessing it is to call this incredible group of people my family.