365+1 Week 30

What a BUSY week we just had, full of all kinds of excitement.  This next week is a stresser as well, while we get ready for not one - but TWO - family reunions back to back, wish us luck!!

Photo's #204-210:

Sunday afternoon bike ride.  It is a true fact that Paul works exactly 1.5 miles from our house.  It is really pretty fantastic for many reasons- one being that we can ride our bikes there.  I am the lucky one that gets to be the maid service for his office and the girls like to come with me and then leave notes and drawings for their Dad and Grandpa to find. Riding our bikes to and from just makes for a fun outing together.

As Abby's soccer team prepped for the upcoming tournament this week, Liv and Eva made themselves useful by building a nest out of grass.  They think that some animal will stumble upon it's beautiful design and decide to take up residence- maybe...

July 24th.  We didn't have much as far as plans to celebrate our beloved State being settled back in 1847.  It was decided that to commemorate our pioneer ancestors we too would cook over a "fire" although I doubt they ever had personal grilled margarita pizza's on the menu!  Delicious!! Also a little Strawberry Shortcake with home made whip topping was in order- you know, just like they used to make it :)

Bubble Beard- nuff said!!!

Ice Cream Cones.  The flavor of choice today was Chocolate with Chocolate Swirls and Chocolate Peanut butter cups.  Anyone like chocolate much?  Also I didn't even notice until I downloaded, but these cones totally coordinate with their outfits- SWEET!!

Back to school shopping officially kicked off in our house!  How many days until they are all back in school?  I mean, we have been having a great time together this summer, but I am not even trying to hide my ear to ear grin!! ALL THREE GIRLS IN ONE SCHOOL TOGETHER!!!

Abby's soccer team had been involved in the Utah Invitational Soccer Tournament for the last three days. It was intense, nerve wracking, HOT, and completely exciting to watch.  They came out in the end undefeated clinching the #1 spot and taking home the GOLD medals!!! Abby was so overjoyed at this outcome that she wouldn't take off her uniform for the rest of the day and then continued to wear that medal around her neck for the remainder of the weekend.  Way to go CELTIC STORM!

365+1 Week 29

This week has totally run away from me- but I decided that getting a post up this week, even late is better than nothing!  So here you go- and then I must be off again, out having some more summer fun!!

Photo's #197-203:

This is what happens at our house on a Sunday afternoon when Paul and I both fall asleep and the girls are left to their own devices for 2 hours!! Liv says to me when I can into the room "I just love crafting Mom."

Oh, and yes- those are paper shoes on Eva's feet that she had created!!! Only in my house I tell ya!!

Swim lessons continue- despite the fact that it started to downpour just as we were pulling out to drive over! I have decided that it doesn't matter when I sign the girls up in the summer, it will definitely be the week of rain.  Lucky for us even though it does rain, it has been quick and moved on each night without making us cancel the fun.

Olivia is continuing to make progress with her dog walking challenge.  Maggie is such a sweet patient little thing! Best result so far- when we are out (especially at the soccer park) and she sees another dog in the area she no longer screams and cries and runs away in total panic.  She just sits and smiles. Progress!!

"Jump" was my prompt today.  This has been happening pretty much non-stop for the last two weeks!

We finished our swim session today!  Abby worked so hard and made a real breakthrough with her side breathing and breaststroke skills.  She finally passed!!! Eva also made a tremendous stride and finally passed level 2 and she was so proud!  Olivia wouldn't let me take her picture because she was sad that she needs to repeat level 4.  She did very well and I was so proud of her as well- side breathing is a hard concept to get at first, as is that pesky frog leg kick!! She will get it next time!

We packed up and took an overnight with some friends up American Fork canyon.  It just wouldn't be a camp out without a roaring fire and marshmallows to roast.  Abby likes to set them on fire and then peal off the charred layer to eat and then send it back into the flames for more.  Olivia likes a golden toasted to perfection one- she has become quite good at it.  Eva doesn't like them toasted at all, just straight from the package, and she could eat the entire bag if I would let her!!

Also, just so you know, Little Mill Campground is a hot spot for snail catching activity! That bowl had about 20 in it by then end of our trip and these three kept trying to escape!

"Junk Food" Did you know that July 21st is National Junk Food day? Well it is, and we celebrated by eating a couple of our favorites while out to see a show with some friends- movie popcorn and Sour Patch Kids- Yummy!! What is your favorite show watching treat?

365+1 Week 28

This last week was busy but fun- isn't that what I always say though!!  Most of my photo a day's turned out to be 2 photo's a day, but that is ok- you don't mind do you!!

Photo's #190-196:

Sunday Evening Drive- does it get any more relaxing than this? Watching my three girls play together, laugh together, discover together, and find real joy and happiness in each other.  Not to mention- nearly seven months out and that jeep is STILL the go to for playtime enjoyment. Best thing we ever bought!!

This afternoon Abby NEEDED to get over to Grandpa's garden and check in on her plants.  Here she is with one of the three Giant Sunflowers, and check out her Giant Pumpkin plant.  It is HUGE!! Plants just love Grandpa over there :)

Tuesday is story time at the library day.  This morning they had lots of fun talking and reading stories about pets and then they got out the perennial favorite of all children- the parachute.  Eva had a wonderful time launching all the little stuffed animals in the air and then diving underneath to recover all those that had escaped.

7-11-2012  Did you get yourself down to the local Sev's to enjoy the annual free Slurpee's to the masses?  It's a fun tradition, everyone gets their favorite flavor and the 7.11 oz cup is just the right size for little tummies.  By the way, Pina Colada is still the reigning champion in my book :)

Swim Lessons.  They started this week, so every evening we are at the pool.  In our usual fashion we go 30 minutes before and then stay 30-45 or so minutes after.  It works out to be the perfect amount of time when you are going over everyday for two weeks.  This year Olivia has caught up with Abby who has been stalled out in Level 4 for some time.  I have discovered that sibling rivalry is working it's magic and there is NO WAY Abby is going to let Liv pass before her!! Eva is in Level 2, again, for the third time.  I have spoken with her instructor and she is really working and pushing her to do what we all know she is capable of doing. I have been very proud of her and we will cross our fingers and see if she can move on finally!!!

Seven Peaks.  After warming up at lessons all week, our planned day to the water park was a great ending.  Only we are totally jinxed when it comes to rain and swimming.  Yes, it was totally cloudy, overcast and had on and off again summer showers throughout our day. But being the ones to look on the bright side- non of us got sunburned, there were only half the usual amount of people, so there were no lines!  Slide after slide after thrilling slide was had by all, with no waiting.  However, I think Eva and Liv loved the wave pool best of all- I could barely get them out of there!!  Thanks Shamae and Brooklyn for joining us- it made for a really fun day.

For date night Paul and I went to dinner and then we thought AF Steele Day's was going on and wanted to take in some Farris Wheel rides together (you know, the smooching with your sweetie on the top kind of ride!) but we were miss informed and the carnival was coming into town the next week. But, we did stumble upon the Annual Car Cruise down Main Street!  Lot of fun old beautifully restored cars, with a few exotics mixed in.  We sat, we watched, we walked hand in hand down the boulevard enjoying all the fun and each others company.

365+1 Week 27

Photo's #183-189:

"Half" These Perler beads have been a favorite pass time for many years.  This week they were rediscovered and lived in an open mess on our kitchen table for days.  I am always amazed at the hours spent as they meticulously place each bead one by one onto the forms without getting bored of it!

The girls love love LOVE to sell things in a "stand" on our front lawn.  As soon as school was out they started begging to have one again.  Really, what is summer with out it, right?  They decorated their stands and made the signs while I baked- because you can't just sell lemonade- it is the baked goods that really draw in the crowds!! It was decided that after the success of cookies in previous ventures they wanted to try cupcakes this time.  It was also decided that since it was July 3rd we would go with a patriotic theme (girls that we are!). Let it be known that we have some FABULOUS neighbors that are always willing to succumb to the smiling giddy faces of my girls!! In under 45 minutes they had sold out!! So it was back to the kitchen to make brownies this time- which too sold out and they came in with $19- not too bad for one afternoon!!!

Abby's soccer team competed in the Freedom Festival Soccer Tournament again this year.  It is a two day event and they did really well considering the competition.  They finished in fourth place overall, but first place out of the U9 girls- So way to go Abby!! I like this picture because you know it was HOT- near 100 degrees both days- when there are this many umbrella's lining the field seeking some bit of relief!!

Happy Fourth of July!!! We went up to the Davis' to celebrate this year with family and we had a wonderful time.

I did the girls up in this patriotic "Star" hairdo

and they wore the fun shirts I had sewn (following this example) and were sporting these terrific light up glasses!! Don't ever tell us we don't love our country!!! P-L-EASE!! The patriotism oozes out of our bones!!!

And this one is for my mother-in-law- just in case she wants it :)

The next morning we awoke to rain- and lots of it- a downpour really the entire day.  It came to much relief for several of our friends and family that live close to the Alpine fire that was scorching the mountain next to their homes.  Also- who doesn't love a summer storm bike ride through puddles?

Several months ago I introduced Abby to the fine art of Latch Hook.  I remember with much enjoyment when I learned how to do this in 5th grade.  I had to dig deep into the recesses of my brain to remember the correct procedure, but once it was tapped, it was like being transported in time!! Today she had one canvas completely finished and was now ready to make it into a pillow.  We had a little sewing machine 101 and sat together while she learned how this was done.  I think it is pretty cute, and she is already more than half way done with another one.

Abby's seeds have been growing like crazy over in grandpa's garden and today he picked her first batch of Sugar Snap Peas! She was much pleased and we have been dipping and dunking and enjoying them ever since. YUM!!

365+1 Week 26

This last Sunday I hit the half way mark in my photo a day project!!! 183 photo's!!! When I first started, it was such a chore to get that photo taken each day.  I had to really think about what I wanted to document.  Now, it just seems like a part of my everyday life.  My camera now lives on the counter in my kitchen, instead of packed away in it's case downstairs.  My day doesn't seem complete until I have snapped and captured at least one thing.  As I was contemplating this change in my life, so small, so simple- how it has changed my outlook on my life. It really is a "gratitude" journal.  Each and every day I look, and always find, something in my life that makes me happy. Something that I am grateful for right then.  It has made me look on the bright side so many times these last six months and it really has made me a happier person!  I never thought when I started that this would be the outcome when I hit the half way mark, but I am having such a good time!  I already know now that these next six months are going to be a blast!!

Thanks for coming along for the ride!!!

Photo's #176-182:

As you already know, every Sunday evening we are over at my parents house having piano lessons.  This has given me the opportunity to visit and check in on them every week and it really has been a great thing.  Now that the garden is in full swing we all went out to check on all of Abby's plants and to see if the eggs in that nest we found while picking the strawberries had hatched.  They had not, but we did scare that poor mother to almost death again- and we were able to captured a beautiful photo of all her hard work!!

Olivia, bless her little heart, has a fear of animals, especially dogs of any kind.  Paul and I like to say it is an over-irrational-phobia-beyond-measure type of fear!! We came to the conclusion that the only way she was ever going to make it through life in any sense of a normal fashion she needed some exposure therapy.  And so, our kind neighbors down the street agreed to subject their sweet little Maggie to the terrified hand of our little Olivia!  Bless them really, for trusting me that she could do it!!! It was decided that Olivia would take Maggie on a walk a couple times a week- and while doing so, we would stop every so often for her to sit and pet this dog and get her to eat treats from her hands- this was ALOT to ask.  But do you know what?  After only ONE time she has learned a new confidence within herself and developed a love for this little animal, and now Olivia is asking ME if she can take her Maggie for a walk!! Way to go LIV!!!!

Today was yet another soccer practice for Abby as she prepares for her upcoming tournament at the Freedom Festival in Provo.  It happened to be running right during dinner time, so we packed up a picnic and sat under a shady tree and enjoyed the evening air while munching away. I have said it before and I will say it again- I don't think Liv can take a bad picture-

 well she did start doing this with her chocolate covered pretzels and making her sister roll in hysterics!!!

One of the greatest additions to our little town is the Manila Pond!! Oh, how the girls adore this place with it's sandy beach fronts and cool waters! Truly, we could play there for days, digging in the sand, swimming out as far as possible, gliding around on kick boards and floating on chairs while the sun warms our skin.  We usually pack a picnic dinner and head over in the late afternoon (just as people are starting to clear out) and then stay until well after 8:00 pm as the sun begins to set in the sky- GLORIOUS!

Today a friend of mine was having and birthday so we headed to our favorite spot- the Sweet Tooth Fairy- to pick her up a birthday treat.  Naturally we couldn't come away without something for ourselves too!! My favorite, Toasted Coconut- YUM.

This afternoon I set to work on the holiday wear for the girls- I am very pleased with how they turned out- stay tuned for the annual 4th of July photo shoot next week!!! I know you can hardly stand the suspense!!!

My sister and I are ramping up our cycling training in preparation for the 100 mile race we have our sights set on in August.  Saturday's from here on out will pretty much be starting with a nice long ride.  Today was our first on our training plan- 30 miles, from my sister's house to Saratoga Springs- the lakeside out there really is beautiful. Next week it will be 40 miles.