Fishing, Hiking, and Jet Ski's, Oh My!

After Michael and Anne's wedding, we decided that they shouldn't be the only ones who got to go on a little vacation. The rest of the family needed a week off to recover. I mean, being the groom's sister is a lot of work, after all! (Any excuse for a vacation, right?!) We got to stay in a house big enough for all eleven of us in Midway, UT. With the few pictures I actually took, I'll let you in on some highlights...

• Fishing with Grandpa at Jordanelle Reservoir...the fish weren't very hungry the first day. Parker reeled in his Sponge Bob fishing pole every 3 seconds just to make sure.
• But at least one fish was hungry later that night in the pond by the house...and the Sponge Bob fishing pole caught him! Parker couldn't sleep all night because he was worried that his fish was in his room "wiggling." A poor, dying fish was almost more than Parker could handle.
• But that didn't stop him from going again. The next day, all the kids caught fish. We cooked all TEN for dinner! (They were yummy...but we had rotisserie chicken just in case!)
  
• We saw Park City and the Wasatch Mountains from way up high on The Flight of The Canyons gondola ride.
• We rented a jet ski at the windiest reservoir ever...Jordanelle! Luckily they let us come back another day after the weather turned for the worst on the first try. We tried to brave it out, but after Joe took me for a joy (death) ride through the choppy waves, I was done. Round 2 was much better...even Parker loved it! (But it didn't beat standing on the beach throwing rocks with Blake!)
  

• We cried, we laughed, we played lots of "Heck, Fire and Darnation," we went on morning walks and bike rides, and we ended the week even more sleep deprived than when it began (darn kids who don't know the meaning of sleeping in!).
• For me, the week was a solid reminder of just how much I love and need my family. My kids loved playing with their cousins and Grandpa and Nannu...and nothing made me happier than watching them play. (Too bad the newlyweds missed out and had to spend their time on a dang cruise!)

We love you guys! Come again soon!!!

Living Not Blogging...

So I guess I've been sort of absent from the blogging world. That's why I love summer...it's time to LIVE instead of just BLOG! Most of our pictures are on my brother's camera, but here's a preview of how we've been "living not blogging."

We've been looking at cool trains before watching mommy run in the Ogden 1/2 marathon...and not blogging.

We've been staining our hands, faces, clothes, and nostrils with popsicles...and not blogging.We've been running in special "Parker's 3rd Birthday Biathlons" and getting our own medals...and not blogging.
We've been fishing with daddy...and not blogging.

We've been happily splashing in the water...and not blogging.

We've been swimming like sharks...and not blogging.

We've been swimming like wannabe-swimmers...and not blogging.

We've been playing with friends...and not blogging. We've been running the Wasatch Back and Bear Lake Marathon...and blogging elsewhere.

We've been visiting the library to watch cool shows, but liking the fountains outside even better...and not blogging.
We've been jumping on trampolines (which mommy hates)...and not blogging.
We've been loving red wagons and cute cousins...and not blogging.

That's us. How have YOU been living and not blogging this summer? We've missed you!

We've Had Company!

Signs that Nannu's visiting...

1. Your kids' hands are always washed.
2. You're in the middle of a conversation and the vaccuum turns on.
3. Your bathtub sparkles.
4. Someone is following the brownie-eating children around with a bucket of water and a mop.
5. The fridge and pantry are fully stocked (with food, goodies, and Pepsi (thanks a lot, dad!)
6. Before leaving the house at 4:50 am to catch a flight, the sheets and towels are stuck in the washer.
7. When Parker can't find the majority of his toys, you finally find them loaded in a hamper tucked away in the guest bedroom.
8. Post-guest cleaning isn't necessary!

Thanks for taking such good care of me, mom and dad! We loved having you! (And you, and you!) We love you!

Paddle On!

I was scrolling through old posts from last summer trying to find one that portrayed just how much I HATED summer last year. I did a pretty good job at hiding how absolutely miserable I was. Apparently we had a pretty fun summer. So....just so you all know, I HATED last summer. Not because of all the cool things we did, but because our house was literally a sauna! If I were in Finland, that would have been great...but I was in hot, dry, deserty Utah. Sure we had fun, but I DREADED coming home. The heat is all I remember. We got our swamp cooler to work a few times, but it would last only a few hours before spewing water all over the place. Parker slept in a diaper. I won't tell you how we slept. Joe and I finally decided that central air was 100% necessary for my sanity as a stay-at-home mom, so last fall we got it. I dreamed ALL. COLD. WINTER. LONG. of the return of my normally favorite season--summer! Not a single day has gone by this summer that I haven't praised the heavens for central air. Walking into a cool house is the cherry on top of every hot, fun thing we do outside. Last year, I was thrilled to say goodbye to August and hello to a loooooong winter. This year couldn't be more opposite. I am holding on with every ounce of strength I can muster to the hot days of summer.

Last Monday night we went with Joe's parent's and grandma for a little paddle boat excursion. What I thought was going to be a relaxing ride around the lake turned into a hot, sweaty, crazy good workout! We had a blast! We came home tired, sore, and HOT! But thankfully the heat isn't really what we remember. We remember enjoying the beautiful, outdoorsy summer that living in Utah provides, along with great company! Thank goodness for WONDERFUL in-laws. And once again, praise the heavens for central air!

Come On, Let's Crawl....

One of my favorite movies of all time is Disney's Summer Magic (1963). The story of adjustment to simple life in Beulah, Maine is great, but I mostly just love the music!
Especially the song about the "Ugly Bug Ball." It's amazing how entertaining a song about crawling insects can be!
So when I heard that our library was hosting an "Ugly Bug Ball," I knew we had to be there! I had visions of Parker prancing to the ball in his home-made bug of sorts costume. But life happened, and Sunday night came. Still no costume. I considered using Parker's Nemo costume from Halloween, but couldn't stand the thoughts of embarrassment as my child showed up to the bug ball dressed as a bug-eating fish!

After some thought, however, I decided that having Parker dressed as a bug-eater would be better than not dressing up at all! After all, in a few years, Parker will be the one horrified at the thought of not wearing the right thing.

So off to the ugly bug ball we went! We met up with Ellie the Ladybug, Ammon the Bumblebee, and Ella the Butterfly. Luckily they embraced their friend, Parker the Fish...he decided not to eat them for lunch! We had a ball!

Once a lonely caterpillar sat and cried,
to a sympathetic beetle by his side.
"I've got nobody to hug,
I'm such an ugly bug."

Then a spider and a dragon fly replied,
"If you're serious and want to win a bride,
come along with us,
to the glorious annual ugly bug ball."

Come on let's crawl, (gotta crawl, gotta crawl)
to the ugly bug ball (to the ball, to the ball)
and a happy time we'll have there
one and all, at the ugly bug ball!

While the crickets clicked their tricky melodies
all the ants were fancy-dancing with the fleas
then up from under the ground
the worms came squirming around

Oh they danced until their legs were nearly lame
every little crawling creature you could name
everyone was glad,
what a time they had,
they were so happy they came!

Everyone was glad!
What a time they had!
They were so happy they came!

Come on let's crawl (gotta crawl, gotta crawl)
to the ugly bug ball(to the ball, to the ball)
and a happy time we'll have there
one and all!
at the ugly bug ball.

Then our caterpillar saw a pretty queen
she was beautiful in yellow, black and green
he said, "Would you care to dance?"
their dancing led to romance.

and she sat upon his caterpillar knees
and he gave his caterpillar queen a squeeze
soon they'll honeymoon
build a big cocoon
thanks to the ugly bug ball.

Come on let's crawl (gotta crawl, gotta crawl),
to the ugly bug ball (to the ball, to the ball)
and a happy time we'll have there
one and all!
at the ugly bug ball!

Happy Birthday To Me!

Camping...

Overheard (last Thursday):

Marci: So, what are you guys doing today?

Robyn: Well, I'm not sure. We were thinking about going camping, but it's the last day of the month, so Joe probably won't be able to get off early enough.

Marci: What? You're going camping? By yourselves? Weren't you going to invite us?

Robyn: Well...we weren't sure if we were even going. But if we were to say, invite you, would you come?

Marci: Uh, yeah!

Robyn: OK, so do you want to go camping with us for a few nights?

Marci: Sure! We'd love to! I'll tell Marcus to get some firewood and take tomorrow off. We need to do something spontaneous! I'll leave right now to get a spot!

Robyn: Sounds good!

(a few minutes later...)

Robyn: So, I guess we're going camping.

Joe: Really? Well, I won't be off until at least 7 (which will turn out to be 8), so we'll probably have to set up camp in the dark!

Robyn: Well, Marci already went to get us a spot, so we have to go!

Joe: Alright! See you at 7! (Make that 8). Wait, what? Marci's coming?

Robyn: Yep! She talked me into it!

____________________________

So turns out we went camping for my 28th birthday celebration! When I married Joe, he informed me that we were going to be a camping family. I'm a shower-and-wash-my-hair-every-day kind of a girl, so I wasn't too sure I'd let his plan succeed. But as things turn out, it's kind of fun to get dirty every once in a while.

Camping highlights:

• Forgetting to put batteries in the lantern before leaving.
• Marci and Marcus forgetting batteries for theirs as well!
• Setting up our tent in the dark.
• Joe's trip down the canyon the next day for the essentials I'd forgotten (including batteries, his contact solution, and deodorant).
• MY BIRTHDAY!
• Walking around Silver Lake.
• Jacob falling in!
• Parker throwing a tantrum on the boardwalk.
• Laying next to Parker as he fell asleep in the tent. Each time I thought he was out, I'd try to sneak away quietly. He'd pop up every time (the kid has serious mommy radar) and say, "Mommy, stay. I want you stay." Me: "I'm just going to go potty, Parker." Parker: "Mommy, no goin' potty. I want you to stay." Me: "OK, I'll stay!" Such a sweet boy!

  

• Great meals! Marci and I did pretty great for having a 5-minute over-the-phone planning session!
• Even better snacks! Mmmmm....smores!
• MY BIRTHDAY!
• My surprise B-day Cake!
• Lots of walks to get Avery and Tate to sleep!

  

• The beauty of having NOTHING to do!
• Jacob getting sick.
• Jacob and Marci leaving in the middle of our game of Settlers (since we actually had working lanterns on the second night) so that Jacob could sleep in his own bed.
• Parker and Avery waking up WAAAAAY too early.
• Marci returning early to gather her also-sick husband, tired baby, and stuff!
• Parker falling off the picnic bench as Joe and I were folding the tent...onto his head!
• Parker being OK!
• Feeling so grateful for my little family...there's just something magical about being in the great outdoors together! I loved having all four of us crammed into our two-man tent! (But if we're really going to be a camping family...it's time to upgrade!)

Pioneer Day Highlights

Pioneer Day Highlights

We decided to commemorate Pioneer Day with a firework show with Art and Evelyn and kids. Everything felt how summer should feel. It was warm and shady. The sun was slowly setting. The kids were laughing and playing. Slowly, more neighbors trickled out of their homes to join in on the fun. Another neighbor decided to join in--the neighbor's dog! He couldn't wait to get his paws on the fireworks. He was in such a hurry--he made a mad dash from the garage door to the sparkling box of fire. He didn't bother sniffing or exploring. He saw what he wanted, he grabbed it with his jaws, then he madly ran back towards the house to enjoy the hot treat. We all started screaming in horror, and Parker and Ellie started crying hysterically. The neighbor's brother (or someone) got the firework out of the dog's mouth and threw it back to the street before the lawn caught fire. The dog went for it AGAIN! This time I got a picture. The guy got it from the dog again, and got the dog with the now melted fur back in the house. We reassured our crying children that the dog was OK, and spent the rest of the night slapping ourselves for not turning on the video camera...it would've been a serious candidate for America's Funniest Home Video.

The next night, we turned on the baby monitors and went outside to light a few more. I think Joe and Art were seriously hoping for a reenactment. When we were done, Joe had the brilliant idea of lighting the firework box and creating a bonfire. Firework-flavored roasted marshmallows...yummy!

Are you as dumb as me?

QUIZ

Answer YES or NO to the following questions to determine if you are as dumb as I am....

1. When you find out that the race packets for the Deseret Morning News 10 K that you are running in have to be picked up downtown, will you decide to take TRAX rather than drive?


2. Since you'll be doing a lot of walking downtown, will you decide to take your bulky, awkward double stroller?
   
3. Will you assume that your train will have handicapped access to get on the train with said double stroller?
4. When you realize that there is NO RAMP when you open the first door, will you run madly from one door to the next in a futile attempt to find a stupid ramp?
5. Will you accept help from a stranger to lift the stroller (with your unbuckled baby) up the narrow stairway?
6. Will you block the aisle for most of the journey with your stroller?
7. Will you (and your friend Kandis who was smart enough to bring only a small umbrella stroller) experience anxiety during the course of the trip downtown thinking about getting the stupid stroller back off the train?
8. Will you meet several nice people who will take pity on you and the spectacle you've become and offer assistance?
9. Will you be grateful that you have the stroller to use as a time-out spot to restrain Parker from picking the flowers at Temple Square?
10. When you arrive at the Energy Solutions Arena to pick up your packets, (and discover that once again, there are lots of stairs and no elevators to the underground level you need to be at), will you carry the stroller with your now sleeping baby down the long flight?
11. Will you once again accept assistance back up the stairs?
12. Will you dread getting on the now packed-with-passengers TRAX train?
13. Will you bark orders at your 2-year old to run up the stairs so you and another helping hand can get the stroller up?
14. Will you stand awkwardly as he freezes mid-climb crying and unsure of what he's supposed to do?
15. Will you watch with horror as the "helper" assumes you are holding onto the stroller as he lifts his end, tipping your (luckily buckled) baby forward?
16. Will you sigh with relief as you walk back to your parked car after creating your last deboarding spectacle?
17. Will you wake up at 4:45 the next morning to go downtown to run 6.2 miles?
18. Will you drive?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you might be as dumb as me. If you answered "yes" to #18, atleast you're a quick learner!

Scales and Tales

Last night for FHE, we went to the local library for a reptile show by Scales and Tales of Utah with our good friends Colby and Kandis and Art and Evelyn. Parker was actually pretty interested in the giant turtle, iguana, and snake...from afar! He wasn't so excited at the end of the show, however, when we tried to chase him and the animals around the room to get a stinkin' picture! I totally remember going to a show like this when I was little, and volunteering to have the giant boa constrictor strung around my neck! I was hoping Parker would be brave and follow suit...he wasn't. He finally consented to the smaller snake being strung around him and Joe. He wasn't about to touch it (or pretend to be excited about it for the picture)!

Avery pretty much screamed through the whole thing...poor tired, sick, ornery baby! (Who by the way is allergic to amoxicillin!) Anyway, she finally passed out in my arms at the end, which was a good thing before we attempted holding the snake. She would've eaten it for dinner!

the real reason...

OK, so my house looks like a tornado hit, but oh well. We've been busy, and I'm tired! Here's the real reason for the unfolded laundry, ungrown garden, and uncooked meals....

In the past week, I have:

gone to 1 concert in the park,
run 22 miles,
taken the kids to 1 story time at the library,
driven up the canyon 2 times,
gone on 1 hike with the kids (while Joe biked),
visited 1 camping family for hot dogs and smores,
eaten approximately 10 smores and 2 hot dogs,
hosted 2 playdates,
attended 1 playgroup activity,
gone to 1 birthday party (Happy 31st Bday, Dave),
had 1 crazy girl's night out,
made 1 trip to Brigham City,
used approximately 17.4 gallons of gas,
written 1 song for tomorrow's family reunion,
watched 2 "So You Think You Can Dance" episodes,
cried after 1 baby fell off the bed,
read at least 50 blog posts,
had 1 sick baby which resulted in 1 all-nighter,
cancelled 2 more playdates.


still to come as we finish the week:

1 doctor's appointment (and probably at least 1 ear infection),
1 5K race,
1 family reunion,
1 80th birthday party (Happy B-day Grandma B!),
1 wedding reception.
2 tickets to The Dark Knight!


what's missing?

1 nap!

The BEST holiday of the year!

TOP 10 REASONS THE 4TH OF JULY IS MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY OF THE YEAR!

1. Who wouldn't want to celebrate the day after their anniversary every year with fireworks? (4 years and counting...I love you, Joe! Thanks for the surprise date to Rusty's--the finest Cedar City has to offer...)

2. An excuse to buy cute, matching, red, white & blue outfits for everybody...

...especially my All-American Princess!

3. An even better excuse to go on a road trip to visit my also-passionate-about-the-4th sister.

(Bonus: She is now only 1/2 a gas tank away! (We no longer measure by distance, but rather by how much gas we'll need to get there and back...)

4. Playing at the park and swimming ALL. DAY. LONG.

(Down-side: It was an indoor pool (although fabulous)...what's the 4th of July without a nice sunburn for the fireworks show? 5. Pre-fireworks naps! 6. Watching their faces light up with every explosion.

7. Sleeping Avery...she missed the big show, which turned out to be a GREAT thing. She HATED our own show the next night!

8. Patriotic music. I LOVE IT! God Bless the USA has to be one of my all-time favorite songs.

9. Watching the grand finale through the rear-view mirrors as we drove down from Brianhead (Bryce Canyon)? What was up with the 5-minute intermission? Oh well...next time we'll know that if the grand finale doesn't seem so grand, it's probably not really the end!

10. I'M PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!

Summer Fun and Signs of Road Rage

For Avery's 5-MONTH BIRTHDAY yesterday (I know...I can't believe it, either), we decided to celebrate with some outdoor fun.

Avery did some rolling around on the grass (yes...she's rolling BOTH ways now!)

Parker, Jacob and Tate did some slipping, sliding, and splashing!

Everyone had a great time until they ventured over to the vehicles. Parker drove like an old lady, and Jacob exhibited the first signs of road rage. GET OUT OF THE WAY!!!!!

I think they're still friends....

What kind of mom are you?

In my normal, perfectly scheduled routine life, this is the kind of mom that I am...

I'm the "make sure I'm home by noon so the kids can eat lunch and be down for naps by 1:00" kind of mom.

I'm also the "pack a million snacks just in case you get hungry while we're out" kind of mom.

And the "sit next to you while you're eating so I can wipe your hands after every messy bite" kind of mom.

The "hurry and feed Avery before I leave and only be gone until she needs to eat again" kind of mom.

The "never stay out late so you're in bed by 8:00" kind of mom.

I'm also usually the "wait for the weekend so I don't have to go on crazy adventures without an extra set of hands" kind of mom.

And the "enjoy the destination, not the journey, hurry to get where I'm going without stopping to smell the flowers" kind of mom.

However, this week has forced me to be a somewhat different kind of mom. Thanks to friends who keep me busy, I've changed some of my ways.

I've been the "take the kids to a Bee's Baseball game and stay out WAY past their bedtime" kind of mom. (Luckily Joe was there this time!)

And the "let you play in the dirt at Wheeler Farm without wiping your hands or face even once" kind of mom.

I've been the "take the kids on a super long hike around silver lake with a baby in a backpack and an exploring, filthy toddler (without the hubby's extra set of hands)" kind of mom. During this same hike, I was the "forget to pack a lunch for the 6-hour excursion...thank goodness for lots of snacks" kind of mom.

And the "nurse the baby on the dirt trail while Parker splashes in the water and dozens of hikers walk by" kind of mom.

And the "stay out hiking until 3 pm and let Parker nap until 6 thus pushing his bedtime WAY past normal" kind of mom.

And the "stop and smell the flowers because we're hiking at a toddler's pace" kind of mom.

As a result of these long, dirty excursions, I've discovered that not only do I enjoy being this new kind of mom, but I am also the "find great satisfaction in giving a bath to a filthy, exhausted toddler" kind of mom.