Time with Cousins

Finn and Nola had some down time between the end of the school year and the start up of their summer gig.  So, on Monday, Nola got to come spend the day with Ruby and Owen.  It was nice to have just the little people for some time.  They are stinking cute together.  Dress up, of course, a favorite.

Even Nola's brown dog got dressed up. :)

I just adore this girl's enthusiasm for tutus.  I mean, there really is no such thing as too much tutu.

Turns out, she is enthusiastic about yoga too.  She pulled out the mat herself, and just starts bustin out poses like she is some yogi.  Pretty sure her form is better than mine would be on this one.

This twin mama is not afraid to take an extra child with her into Costco.  When in SLC, run errands, I am programmed.  All three of them were like hawks for samples.  It was entertaining for sure.

Then a trip to the park- can't believe I got them all looking!

...which included a little creek walk.

And then, on Friday, we got to have the whole gang together for the day.  What gang you ask?  Can't you see the four children hiding in the story corner?  They are definitely getting better at this hiding thing.

Hats, check. Sunnies, check.  Let's get out of here!

We went to Mormon Flats where we tried to go for a hike but were thwarted by stinging nettle and a desire to just hang by the river...so that is what we did.  SO much fun and nostalgic too.

Owen and I had prepared this experiment earlier.  It is called Erupting Ice Chalk.  It was easy to make, BEAUTIFUL to look at, and fun to play with.  I highly recommend it.

The only down side was the dyed hands.  But, this was the worst of it.  Nola's hand were back to their original color by the time she went home.

We all brought rocks home from the river, so Finn picked up (like we planned this or something) and taught us a really fun craft.  He helped each of the little kids design an animal out of their rocks, we hot glued them together, and then they painted their animals. Brilliant!

And, here are the final works of art (don't be distracted by the newspaper with the scary masked girl in the background).  A sting ray (Finn's), a turtle (Nola's), a lizard (Owen's), and a dinosaur (Ruby's).

Good times!

The Spring

Owen called me over to see the HooDoo he built with his Legos.  It pays to get out. :)

This was such a fun rainy hike/bike we did with friends in the neighborhood (Toll Canyon).

This is the spot where we ditch the bikes and get onto the trail.  There is a nice little bench and watering hole.  Good thing the Hulk came.  I adore these smiles and faces.  Seriously, I can't stop smiling looking at this picture.

Griffin is Owen's "big brother".  He is SO sweet with him.  Here, he is helping him up this slippery and slightly steep hillside.

Paddington Bear.  I remember Evan wearing this rain gear....12 or 14 years ago.  Crazy.  

Painting our nails.

I walked away for a minute and Ruby broke out the polish on her own and painted her own nail.  She was so proud. :)

Swimming!  Check out this video of Ruby swimming.  She is a fish!  So is Owen, but he got stage fright so we will have to catch him next time.

https://vimeo.com/98606709

One of our best friends, Justin, turned 40 a few weeks ago.  Seriously, could this family get any cuter?  We organized a game for his party called "Can I beat the 40 year old?".  Even the kids participated (see video).  Don't judge the kids on the shot ski at the beginning.  It was juice. 

Video of the action-

https://vimeo.com/98606710

Owen needed a haircut.  While I ran in to ask if there was a wait, he was rifling around the car and found some mustaches.  He announced, "I will wear one of these while I get a haircut.".  "Okay, " I say.  Why not?

I had an abundance of pureed beets frozen since last summer...or the summer before??  Anyway, they needed to be used.  Foodgawker is an awesome website.  Gave me the idea to use them for this.  After trying them, Ruby and Owen said, "We are off orange pancakes (my other version with sweet potatoes in them), and like pink ones better."  Well okay then.  I guess I know how the rest of the beets will be used.

Does look pretty good.  I still won't eat them.

 

And, one for baby.

Geo caching is our new favorite thing to do.  Ruby and Owen call it "treasure hunting", which is really what it is.  We even bought some squinkies to leave in the containers when there is space.  It is fun to be able to take a treasure and leave a treasure. Owen loves to hold the map and guide us in and Ruby is a diligent hunter once we are in the vicinity.

Owen used my kitchen to stage his latest fort.  I give em an A for creativity.

June 17th, 2014- a big snow storm- Seriously?

One of my greatest desires, aside from their health and general satisfaction with life, is that these two remain as close and good friends as they are now.  It defines joy to watch them love each other.

Here is a video of them telling jokes together at snack time.  I hope you can hear the words. 

https://vimeo.com/98606708