Life is Good in Idaho

School started a few weeks ago and the kids are adjusting well. At back to school night 5 days before school started Molli got a new schedule that included Spanish. She didn't sign up for Spanish and we were a bit worried as to how she would get from one class to another having to switch buildings and what not, but it all worked out and she is actually having a good time in Spanish. However, if anyone is willing to help her out every once in a while, don't hesitate to let me know. I open my mouth to speak Spanish and Tagalog pops out.

Evan loves Kindergarten and loves the computer even more. I need to find learning games on the computer so I at least feel he is understanding what is being taught in Kindergarten. He will run home and tell me what letter he learned about that day so he can play on the computer right away. The other day he couldn't remember the letter but he knew it started the word Iguana. I wouldn't give in, he needed to give me the right letter. After many tears, his siblings helped him and he was able to play on the computer.

The others are doing fine, I guess. I haven't heard too much complaining. I am no longer PTO president (YEA!) so I don't hang out at the elementary school as much. I spent a few days helping in the middle school orchestra instead. I really enjoyed it. I am playing my violin more and I am officially a member of the Idaho Falls Symphony, not a substitute anymore. I also play in the Teton Chamber Orchestra and in little things here and there.

Robert is busy at work and is heading to Washington DC next month for about a week. He is still enjoying his time as a member of the Iona Bonneville Sewer District. We went on a four wheeling trip a few weeks ago and had a good time. I was the driver so he could take pictures. He took a lot of pictures, but I am sure most of the time he was hanging on for dear life :) . The pictures below are not in chronological order, but it is things we did in the past few months.

PS - In the last post I mentioned about Michael's broken foot, Well, he did break it, but the specialist was not worried about it at all. Michael expressed how angry he was when we left the dr's office that he had psyched himself up for surgery or a cast or something... but nothing. He had mentally prepared himself and now was angry that it didn't happen. I understand where he is coming from, but I am sure glad he didn't need a cast or surgery.


We live in this beautiful part of the country, we might as well enjoy it



Getting ready to float the river in the rain

Molli's first time at the Temple doing baptisms for the dead



At the Zoo



Jacob is a happy baby



First day of school 2014



Jonathan didn't like the idea of them all leaving for school



My first thumb sucker



Jonathan is happy, too



Michael really was stuck, but he got free

A present from Grandma and Grandpa and Aunt Rebecca

Tired after a day of 4 wheeling in Island Park and West Yellowstone

Molli with her hair all braided

He wants to go to school, too





We are still alive and well

I guess I should really post more here in case some people still read it and it is somewhat of a family history. I haven't posted lately because we have had a doozy of a 2014 so far and our other camera is inoperable at the moment so all of my pictures I want to post are on my phone and I haven't downloaded them yet - I don't know how would be a good excuse.

I will catch up more on past events later when I have pictures, but for now, I will say that Michael broke his foot the other day while helping Papa set up for the 4th of July festivities in Utah. We didn't know it was broken so he walked on it for two days with a limp until I took him to the doctor yesterday and they say a part of bone broke off and he has a torn ligament. We will be seeing an orthopedic surgeon tomorrow to find out what action will need to be taken. He may just need a cast, but he may need surgery to put a pin in his foot. Worse case scenario we do nothing and his bones fall away from where they are supposed to be and the words of the radiologist "that would be catastrophic."

He has been a trooper and hasn't complained too much. He is on crutches now, but the doctor said no walking on it.

Other than that, no real news on the Esplin front. I had a good time playing in the orchestra before the fireworks the other day at the river. Jacob is sleeping through the night most nights now and I am not so nervous when he does so. He is a good baby and the kids love him very much. Jonathan will even share his favorite blanket with him.

Jonathan has tried nursery a few times, but I have been there with him except for once and Robert was there. He does a pretty good job, but just when he gets used to it we will be missing our own ward for two weeks in a row.

Molli is looking forward to Activity Day girls day camp and then Young Women camp over her birthday. Hannah, just finished summer school and I think she will miss it, but summer can now begin. Michael has a robot lego camp coming up and He is excited for that.  Hyrum and Evan finished t-ball last week and both of them enjoyed it the whole time. Playing in the dirt is inevitable, but they still had fun.

Robert is still plugging away at work and might go to a conference in October in Washington,  DC (perhaps). 

Life is good.