Father's Day Camping

This is Ruby and Owen working hard on the father's day project we made- it was a little double planter that we hung on the deck.  Cute.

 

This was Owen's card.  Both cards were impressive. Owen does not color nearly as often or long as Ruby, but when we wants to, he gets after it and covers every square inch.

We did pie, gifts and cards early so that we didn't have to pack them.

Then, we spent the weekend camping at Smith and Morehouse....this amazing place only 45 minutes from our house.  This was a find and somewhere we plan on returning to often.  It was the perfect spot for a one night get away.  We fit in two hikes, two boat trips, a relaxing evening at camp including smores and LOTS of time in the tent- Ruby and Owen's favorite part.

 

 

The hiking highlight was this long board walk deep in the woods which was also right next to a pond and beaver dam.  So much to explore.

 

Happy Father's Day!

 

Thanks to Team Kirby for lending us their little row boat- perfect for a family of four.  Wish we had fishing rods.  I guess a beer will have to do.  :)  Not a bad way to spend an afternoon.
 

 

Video of the boating fun (to come)-

 

 

Spring springs

The Children's Fair.  A fun event put on by one of the local Montessori schools which includes lots of music, games, bouncy things, pony rides, and a petting zoo.  The highlight for us, was the ENORMOUS blow up slide that Owen scaled on his own and then launched himself down before dad could even get to the top.  And, the face painting....which I just could not whittle down the pictures for.  Owen didn't want his done.  He sometimes will do one of those temporary tattoos, but even that is not always a go.  He doesn't like accessories of any kind, even buttons are too much sometimes.  Ruby- another story.  The ying and the yang strike again.

A friend helped us fashion these foam saddles for the kids to use on our road/cross bikes.  They are brilliant.  We can ride for miles, each with a kid right between our arms for conversation along the way about what we see, hear, and are thinking about.  Love it!

Eating update.  We are no longer using high chairs, booster seats...nothin!  I feel like they turned into "big kids" over night!  And, as you know, all big kids eat breakfast with a headlamp. :)

Along the lines of eating- Four big kids eating birthday cake on Finn's birthday in SLC.

 

Here are two videos- The kids have been such good eaters lately.  From enchiladas, to tilapia, to tacos (sort of), soup and lots of vegetables (relatively anyway)...they love it all on most days!  I am so proud of them.  Admittedly, a lot of my time, energy and efforts go to food, so this makes me endlessly happy.  I know that that could just as easily not be the case, and I accept that some day still it may be different.  But for now, I continue to soak up their healthy appetites and pallets.

 

1) https://vimeo.com/68746095

 

2)  https://vimeo.com/68746096

 

Oma had this idea to get them piggy banks when she was here.  They did not arrive until after she left and I love the pics so I am chronicling here for her to enjoy as well.  They love to talk about "where" they are putting their money, saying every time, "mom, is this share (or spend, or save)?"

Now THAT is a happy deposit.  The first of many hopefully. :)

 

More springing Spring to come.  More camping and father's day next!

Some Random Catch Up

It has been a little while since I posted, so some of this is out of order and doesn't necessarily fit together...but is all stuff I wanted to catch.  So, first of all, we had a really wet spring and actually got to use our rain boots and jackets a lot...which is a real treat in UT!  Lots and lots of hunts!

A nice sunset from our front porch. :)

And a visit (finally!  haven't seen these guys around a whole lot recently) from one of our moose friends.

We pruned a "clubhouse" into the chokecherry tree in our front yard, installed a little bench, and sometimes like to have popsicles in there for afternoon snack.

Big news in our house is that Owen is potty trained!  He has had a lot more accidents than Ruby ever had or has and we still have to remember to put him on the potty (he won't tell you himself other than subtle clues occasionally), but he is able to and wants to hold it and gets really proud when he goes on the potty.  The gummy snack reinforcements help. :)

 

So, the tool kit (goggles included) were a congratulations present to Ruby and Owen for both now being potty trained.  Yahoo!  No more diapers!

Owen has a bunch of haircuts now and does really well with the clippers finally.  The lollipop helps.  I am noticing a pattern here.

And THIS was Ruby's FIRST haircut!  She LOVES being the patient, client, one being worked on, etc.  So, this was her dream come true.  She wants to go again already.  :)

Summer time means that all bubble and sand toys get broken out!  Owen remembered, loves, and can now work this special bubble machine from Oma all on his own.

And Ms Ruby can blow bubbles the old fashion way all by herself!  I know it seems silly, but this amazes me!  We are definitely in the "they are growing up way too fast" stage.

Oh Kessler.  You should be thanking and loving Ruby, your pal and adorer.  We have had endless problems with Kessler and have had serious conversations about finding her a home where she is not so limited due to her poor behavior.  However, Ruby is SO attached.  She will interrupt meals sometimes to get down and just cuddle with Kess for a moment before returning to eat.  Ruby will walk down the hallway and say, "I love Kessler", for no reason other than to profess her love.  We are really at the end of our rope with her (Kessler that is), but I am not sure we could really get rid of her.  Time will tell the rest of this story.