Bubbles

My mom just got a bubble machine for the grandkids. Next week the whole family gets together for the week, so this should provide some great entertainment. Every new toy needs a trial run before a big audience, right? Last night we gave it a go. The 3 grandkids around old enough to appreciate it surely did just that. And I enjoyed snapping away. Here are my favorites.

This machine looks like a winner--it's Gazzillion Bubbles brand, and came from amazon.com.

Does your kid . . .

hug other random-stranger kids walking around in the park?

At least the feeling was mutual. The other kid actually hugged Guy first, and over a span of about 30 minutes of independent play there were 3 different hugging moments when they crossed paths.

So so excited

A former schoolmate of Rob's (Cristina) took some photos of Guy last 4th of July. Shortly after that, she and her husband moved to D.C.--before I could get copies. Just this past week I was able to get in touch with her (thanks, Rachel), and we used Dropbox.com to transfer the photo files (really wonderful internet application that you should learn about if you don't already know about it). These are some of my favorite photos of Guy ever, I just really love them. It makes my day to get these, and more (but I'll spare you).It's fun to see how much he's changed (grown up). Again, Cristina, thanks so much!!!

Water Time

Guy has a pretty difficult time trying new things. Yesterday it was a beach ball sprinkler thing. It took hims about an hour to warm up to this idea of fun.
Thankfully he finally got into it, and really started playing.

I'm glad it finally feels like summer so that we can do things like this, wear him out, and get a 2.5 hour nap in afterwards (for him, not me).

He's ALL Boy

Rough and tumble - that bump was huge and it's still quite a bruise

And the kid loves dirt--especially potting soil, unfortunately.

Photos: More of "the usual"

I'm probably having too much fun learning all of the capabilities of my new camera. Hopefully you aren't too tired of seeing Guy's many photo shoots. He plays, I photograph, we walk, I photograph, you get the point. I'm worse than most first moms, I know--but it's because I lack other subjects. Anyone want to bring your kids over for some camera time? Seriously . . . let me know.

B&W or color, what's your preference?

. . .

Cloudy weather today . . . so nice for photography.

Guy's Favorite Hiding Place--for things

There are a few place Guy likes to hide himself, and those are cute, but this one, not so much. Today Rob tried to stop Guy BEFORE he threw my contact case (WITH contacts) in this hole (a cut out for radiant heat plumbing/access).With the help of this (duct tape and a towel rod):In retrieving what I expected to just be contacts, I got all of this:And this. There are some parts of growing stages I'll never miss.

The Zoo

On Saturday Rob had a work picnic at Hogle Zoo. Unfortunately the timing coincided with my last day of work. If it hadn't been my last day, I would have tried to switch it with somebody else, but oh well. We'll go to the zoo again sometime, and maybe next time he won't be scared of the noisy parrot or monkey (also noisy). Eden joined Rob and Guy with the extra ticket I couldn't use. Here are some of my favorite photos they took.

Ode to the Donut--One Week Late

I know, I know. National Donut Day was LAST Friday. And I still want to try a donut recipe from one friend's blog.

However, my secret isn't that you can get a free donut at pretty much every donut place one day each year. I feel like Rob has his own Donut Day celebration every other week.

Since being in Utah, Rob has sorely missed Dunkin' Donuts. Krispy Kreme just isn't his thing (yet another example of how two almost polar opposite people can happily coexist in a great marital relationship). While his true donut love is completely inaccessible he's settled. At first it surprised me--sometimes we're kind of food snobs (we love to cook, but more so love to appreciate fine foods of every kind), so who would have guessed that his next loyalty would develop towards Smith's. Yep, the "marketplace."

One shopping day (Rob does almost all the grocery shopping for us), while salivating over the pastry counter at the bakery, Rob noticed that on a nightly basis all of the donuts are cleared out--really, shoved into donut boxes--marked as surplus for $2.99, and left on top of the glass display cases of the darkened bakery to satisfy any late night cravings--or at least the cravings of those that get there first. More often than not when Rob brings such a box home there are more than a dozen donuts. I think his biggest score number wise was 15 (for $2.99, remember?). Sometimes Rob chooses a box with a maple one in it because he knows those are my favorites. This summer all but one of those have gone uneaten, but not unappreciated.

What donut, for that price, wouldn't be good? The thing is, they really are decent donuts, I promise. The bakery closes at 6 pm in Draper, and I'll admit it, once we made it there at 6:03.

Happy eating. :)

Picnic in the Park

Ironically, the title seems like it's quite the opposite of what our summer has been like, so far. Rob's been incredibly busy this summer working his "normal" 8-5 job--the one that gives us insurance and benefits. But then there's his 6-10pm job on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. On those nights he's either doing therapy with clients, or leading a 12-step addiction group (and "earning" hours for his LCSW--and getting paid). Basically he's gone that whole long day, with the exception on Wednesday and Thursday being that I've talked him into stopping home for dinner (sometimes less than 20 minutes). That means I have dinner ready for us when he comes, and either clean up while cooking or after he's gone. It's been a little tough. Because of this schedule, I'm trying to make an effort for us to get out more and enjoy the time that we have together when he is around.
Last Thursday I made some homemade french bread (my sister-in-law, Sara's fabulous recipe). On Friday I made one loaf into a big sandwich, some great sides, and cupcakes for dessert, then we went to Provo where we had aforementioned picnic, then watched my brother Harper's intramural softball game. It was a beautiful evening, and I'm always grateful for the relaxing time we get to have together.

I love this one because Guy was waving at Harper. The smile was because he'd just foud/recognized him.

My latest quilt

We've got a new nephew coming. I decided that for a second child, when mom and dad already have so many basics, it's always fun to have something new to cuddle the baby with. This should be particularly comfortable, as the back is a nice cozy fleece.

The other day I found some of my old dresses from growing up--they're not too wonderful looking, but the colors are fun. I think my next quilt project will be to reinvent a new look out of those fabrics.

Chocolate

Guy got his first beater duty while I was making cupcakes last week. I wish I looked as cute while messy.

So, so wrong . . . don't you think?

He does this by himself. And the funny thing is that sometimes it looks like he is actually looking for something to eat. Really, though, I don't think he has a clue of what he's doing--and I promise, it's not a mimicked behavior (I've lost weight this summer!).

Vegas!

Last weekend, for the Memorial Day holiday, Rob and I went to Vegas. My sister, Eden, graciously had Guy for the weekend (THANKS AGAIN!). Side note on that, I think I missed Guy more than he missed me. He was happy as ever when we got home, but our absence never seemed to phase him. I should leave more often!

We went to Red Rock on Saturday morning, where we hiked a hike that I hiked quite a few times in high school (Ice Box Canyon). When I hiked it in high school, there was water, but not so much any more (if your lucky it's possible January through March).

It was beautiful there--I loved it so much!

First, the lookout area--with the good camera.

Rob did some parkour (remember that Office episode?)--climing/jumping all over the rocks around. I should have gotten an action shot.Our bests attempt at a photo of both of us--so hard to do!

Rob had to get the true Vegas experience and eat at one buffet.

I caught up with many old friends, and enjoyed all of that. Thanks, Emily, for letting us stay!

As always, Rob was a hit with the kiddos.

Buffet: 1

Fatburger: 2

Saturday and Monday we ate at Fatburger--and well, the name fits the food, but it IS delicious.

We discovered greatness!

Rob ate this 1.5 lb. burger in less than 20 min.

Beating the challenge--donned with a certificate (nice gimmick for a $10 burger)

And after this trip, it's been busy stuff ever since. On Tuesday college friends that now live in DC came for lunch with their to kids (but it was quick and busy, and I forgot to snap photos).

Then last night we had Rob's aunt and uncle here overnight. We introduced them to Astro Burger, heard the Mormon Tabernacle Choir rehearse, and walked through Temple Square. So much fun visiting! Anyone else coming through this summer, please let us know.