seventh anniversary

Thanks to Grandma Pat and Aunt Liss we snuck away to Park City for 16 hours of long needed us time.  A little shopping, a lot of eating, a little hike, a cold swim, even a little Jane Austen.  Josh worked his magic on a beautiful suite at the Hyatt.  I felt a little guilty having all that space without the kids (but not too).  It's always fun to talk about the past and think about what is yet to come in our relationship and family.  I certainly couldn't have dreamed the many blessings we have had thus far.  Here's to forever.

for the birds

We used a groupon to the Tracy Aviary last Saturday.  We started at the SLC farmers market and got some YUMMY pastries and fresh produce.  Then we headed over to the aviary for some quality, educational family time.  It was loverly...shady, quiet, no crowds, most the birds out and about.  I would totally recommend it (esp. with the groupon $10 bucks that covered the whole family and 50% of the gift shop).  Mr. Bald Eagle was hiding out behind a large rock to just make sure we make another visit to see him.  I loved the owl forest (I'm such a sucker for that pine, woodsy smell I grew up with).  Good times.

giddy up

Our next door neighbors have about six horses that we love to visit, feed, and watch.  On the forth of July the kids got to ride them as well.  They have had a lot of experience riding ponies at Thanksgiving Point but I had no idea if that would translate to huge horses in an open pasture with unfamiliar adults riding with or guiding them.  To my pleasant surprise, they LOVED it and were SO BRAVE.  I am so grateful they get a touch of a rural lifestyle living in a city suburb.  I definately see a 4-H in our future.  Now can we get the chickens dear?

swimsuit fashion show, summer collection '11

July, July

Swimming, freedom festival, hot-flushed faces, tantrums, prizes, joy, sleepover, balloons, naps,  fireworks, parades, bbq's, family, horseback rides, sparklers, 10+ hrs of sleep.  Overall a GREAT weekend!  Thank you America.

artichokes

 

Finally, a vegetable we can all agree on.  We love them.  We have had them about 10 times this season...thanks to some great sales and the decent price at Costco.  It was a major treat as a child, we would of course have to share.  My kids have followed in my footsteps and enjoy theirs dipped in a butter, lemon sauce.  (Josh hasn't even broken out the mayo in recent years and converted to it as well.)  They love the process of me preparing the heart.  Clara eats the stem and all and still manages to wiggle a few bites of Josh or I's heart.  It's funny (mostly gross), at the start of the season I  would go back over the kids leaves to not waste any (mom, I so remember you doing it when we were little as well!).  The last time I actually went to the heart first and didn't finish all my leaves (gasp!).  Josh and I really were meant to be, we both loved them as children and have passed that love on.  I hope you have had the chance to enjoy one this season as well. 

Hello, anyone still there?

More about my excuse for being MIA in a minute. I couldn't let Clara's party go undocumented...I don't know when I will be able to be that ambitious again. Think woodland, fairy tea party....it turned out AMAZING, truly magical. Clara Jane has never been so happy, so sweet, so gratious. She placed little treats for the fairies in nutshells and checked to make sure they were eating them. There was dancing, fairy/bird house making, treats, and merriment enjoyed by all. I swiped these shots (with permission) straight from Ms. pinkpeachcake(Darcie).

Now to the other news...let's call it a Mother's Day miracle to share and my excuse for not blogging. Baby #4 is coming our way in late october. We have been laughing in that "wow, we are still trying to figure out managing our three!". We have already had many miracles and know this is what is meant for our cute, all be it, crazy family. So, 65 shots down...only 300+ to go (miracle #1 I didn't have any pulmonary embolisms the first six weeks I was unknowingly pregnant.  miracle #2 the shots went to generic in the past 6 months which takes them from our out of pocket cost of $1,000 a month to $10!). I'm praying for an easier 2nd trimester otherwise I can't promise the blogging will be any better (I've been in complete survival mode...really come over and take a seat on a pile of laundry and you'll see!) Despite some of the challenges we are SUPER excited...and that's right Noah will be in Kindergarten then Clara 3, Rowan 1, +newborn!!!