Everyday Stuff - June 2013 Edition

"Smile, Jack."

Luke isn't the only one who enjoyed the baby swing we borrowed from our neighbors.  

Eliza + Daddy's Puffy Coat = Squishy Landing Pad

Back yard summer fun.

Doesn't Eliza look great in my (wedding) crinoline?

Meanwhile, Jack was enjoying all things Boy. 

Happy Birthday, Daddy.
("Smile, Jack.")

Just another trip to the grocery store with Daddy.
(This store happens to have huge ice cream cones for 50 cents.)

After multiple tries, Cat finally achieved the desired "eruption" of a baking soda & vinegar volcano.
Yes, we were cleaning that stuff off of the ceiling.  And, yes, after this, we did it outside.

Happy Father's Day, Daddy.
(Click on the picture to see it bigger.)

One of my favorite summer memories: taking Cat to see Utah Shakespeare In the Park performing
"A Midsummer Night's Dream."  The troupe did a wonderful job!  Cat and I had talked about the
story before we arrived that evening so that it would be easier for her to follow, but she probably
would have enjoyed it without the briefing.  We both had a blast.

One day Eliza put on a pair of Cabbage Patch shoes and started walking around in them.
The way she had to walk on her toes immediately reminded me of the llamas in Anna Dewdney's
Llama Llama books (see below), so we started referring to the little plastic doll shoes as Llama Shoes.
Eliza walked miles in these Cabbage Patch shoes, and sometimes still prefers to wear them.
One day in November she insisted on wearing them out when we were running errands.

At Springville's Children's Art Festival, the kids enjoyed the art AND the playground.

One thing on our Utah bucket list (since we thought we were leaving) was to
have donuts at this place in Pleasant Grove.  It was a fun morning excursion,
with cool Pez dispensers and yummy donuts to boot.

  

This is one of Eliza's favorite things to do, much to Ben's annoyance.

My {Digital} Bookworm.

  

Reason #246 To Love Luke:
He makes shiny beads look even better.

Jack spent months saving up for this Coca-Cola model truck he spotted at Hobby Lobby.
It cost $18 after the coupon.  He was so thrilled to finally have enough money to buy it himself!
Then he treated it like a toy car.... and it was broken beyond repair within 48 hours.

Waving to one of many floats of city beauty pageant royalty
at the Orem Summerfest parade.

Caption not necessary.

What's wrong with this picture?

Play dough free-for-all as Mom tries to get more packing done.

My sleeping sons and me.

Cat gets such a kick out of carrying Luke in the Baby Bjorn.

Jack insisted on sleeping like this for a few nights in a row.

  

The last visit from our very cool home teachers.
Cat took the bottom two pictures.

Right before we moved, Cat and I tackled a project of making reusable baby wipes for my sister.
She assured me she didn't mind me using old flannel blankets, so.... that's what we did.

Jack enjoyed helping out at moving time.

A fun "farewell" outing with my cousin's wife and kids - lunch and
play time at awesome Liberty Park in Salt Lake.  Now we know we'll
be able to do it again next summer.