Old Habits Die Hard

Brian works with a lady who, went on a vacation, went into a gift shop, and unintentionally found a gift for Ashlyn that she couldn't pass up:

When Ashlyn found it on the counter this morning, she was delighted!

As I opened the gift for her, I explained that it wasn't real dog food but just cookies and candy that looked like dog food. She was a little disappointed.

But still, the prospect of candy before breakfast got the better of her and lead her to try the "non-dog-food" dog food.

First, the dog bone, which she found to be quite tasty.

And then the dog food, which had a lot to live up to.

And how did it compare to the real thing? Well, in Ashlyn's exact words, "It tastes a little teeny tiny bit gross."

So, I tasted one. I thought it was pretty good. Tasted like cinnamon. But just one piece was enough for her.

And the saga continues...

Saying Goodbye

I really am a lucky woman. I was raised by two incredible people, I have siblings and in-laws that I call my best friends, I have a very supportive and loyal husband, and I have three great kids. And I am surrounded by all these great people who bless and enrich my life on a daily and weekly basis. Unfortunately, I had two say goodbye to two of my best friends last night. It was the hardest thing I have had to do in a long, long time.

I have been dreading Aaron and Monica's moving day for months. I knew it would rock my world, and it did. No more stopping by their house on a whim, unannounced. No more yummy monthly cupcakes from Monica. No more weekly Sunday dinners with the whole family. No more play dates with Ben and Maggie. No more long talks with Aaron at his kitchen table.

But I am so proud of them. This move involves a lot of sacrifice and ambition for both of them, and don't think I could have done it. I have long-admired Aaron's love of learning. He is going to make a fine doctor. And I am going to hold Monica to her promise of returning to Utah one day. That will be a very, very happy day for me.

Charmer

When I found out I was pregnant with our third child, I wondered if three children would prove to be a crowd or a charm. Here is my answer: the third time is definitely a charm! Luke is such a sweet, good baby.

My favorite thing about this boy right now is that he is a cuddler. I just love to hold him. He conforms his tiny body next to mine, cuddles right up to me, and is as content as can be.

And even though they say it doesn't happen this early, I swear I have gotten some genuine smiles from him.

(I have to document how much hair he has now before it all falls out.)

One month has already passed since Luke entered this world. I am really trying to cherish this time while he is so small. Too soon he will be sitting up, crawling, walking, running, and getting into all sorts of mischief with his big brother.

And his big sister.

It is crazy how fast time goes by. It seems like just yesterday that it was Ashlyn who was cradled in my arms, and it was Ashlyn's tiny hand that was wrapped around my finger. Now Ashlyn cradles Luke in her arms and Luke wraps his tiny hand around Ashlyn's finger.

The only thing I can to to stop time is to document it as best I can, and to hold him as much as possible.

Water Fun

What is summer without water? Pretty dry. So, we have spent many hours getting soaked by hoses, pools, and other things that spray and squirt.

Brian was in the backyard water the plants one night and the kids just happened to get in the way, so the clothes came off...more came off for some than others.

It was actually a little chilly that night and the kids may have suffered from a little hypothermia, but they didn't seem to mind too much.

We have made several trips to the splash park, which is just a few minutes from our home. I have taken my camera each time, but never got it out until our last trip on Saturday. We went with the Lifferths and I just had to snap a few shots since it would be our last time going with them for awhile. I am sure going to miss seeing these cute faces on a regular basis.

Isn't she beautiful? -

And nothing beats a day in the water, then a nice cold popsicle and some cousins to share them with.

With more hot days ahead, I am sure that these activities will be repeated multiple times, so feel free to join us!

Fourth Weekend

The main event of the fourth of July was the blessing of Luke, but plenty of other festivities filled our time during the three-day weekend. It was a fun-filled holiday. We started out Saturday morning by going to a birthday party for Addi Andersen, and I got to spend some time with two of my long-time friends - Jamie & Julie.

I don't usually notice how short I am until I see pictures of myself and realize that I am always the shortest one of the bunch! Oh well. Sunday night we had a hot dog roast in my parents back yard, followed by fireworks in the front yard.

Ashlyn loved the fireworks, but they scared Trent to the point of tears and he went inside after just a few minutes. We had a family camp out that night and the kids thought it was the neatest thing to sleep in Grandpa's backyard. I thought it was just as neat to sleep inside!

We had a yummy breakfast outside the next morning - egg casserole, muffins, hash browns, grapes, and chocolate milk. The weather was perfect.

Monday afternoon we headed up to Ann & Joe's cabin for a potluck lunch. The scenery was beautiful, the food delicious, and the company delightful. Trent had a grand time swinging in the tire swing, exploring, and throwing pine cones in the stream.

Ashlyn loved it too.

After the cabin we drove a little further up Provo canyon to Wasatch State Park with the Eyres to do a little fishing...

Funny little story about that. Ashlyn was thrilled with her new pet fish that uncle Marty caught for her and she giggled and petted that fish and almost had it named until Marty wacked it over the head to kill it, which then sent her into hysterics and confusion. Why did uncle Marty kill it? Why can't we keep it in our bathtub? Not long after, another fish was caught, which Marty let Ashlyn reel in. To our shock and amusement, as soon as it came out of the water, Ashlyn shouted, "Kill it! Kill it!" The tables turned quickly. Brian grilled up two of the caught fish the next night and Ashlyn gobbled 'em up.

I had not been to Wasatch State Park since I was a kid and have no recollection of the place. It was beautiful and the kids had a blast. They didn't just get to fish, they threw rocks in the pond, played on the play ground, did summersaults,

did some war painting with mud,

took their pet fish on a walk,

and pushed their little brother into the pond.

Ashlyn was pretty pleased with herself, and luckily Trent didn't seem to mind either. It was such a fun weekend with family and friends and I was sad to see it end.