Gardening at Night

It's sort of a necessity when your day is filled with Grandma and Grandpa taking you to the movies, swimming and out to eat.  And when you're done, of course you have to stay up late and eat ice cream with berries.

True Blue

My Dad is a true blue BYU fan, so you can guess where we go every time he's here.  He has his own traditions like getting a Bismark (donut with jelly and coconut on top) and having lunch at the CougarEat, but the part the kids love is time at the Candy Jar.  Everyone gets to choose their own candy, Grandma gets fudge and life is good.   Even if you do have to pose for a picture in front of a picture of what's just outside the building.

Summerfest

For the second year in a row we've had a rainy, dreary Summerfest.  Maybe they should reconsider that name?  The kids always have fun whatever the weather, and it was even nicer with grandparents to share in the excitement.

(Also of note: e-Claire has run off with the SD card.  Well, we're assuming it's her and she's too young to know she's being blamed without a fair trial.  In the meantime, not so clear phone photos or borrowed ones will have to do.)

A Snail Collection

Don't worry, it's just the shells!  Ella has a tendency to want to collect and keep everything she gets her hands on.  She brings home the leftover bits of streamer after a birthday party, she picks up rocks in parking lots, she remembers and loves every stuffed animal she's ever had--even when her mother has long since given them away.  Oh the heartbreak when any of her collected items disappears!

Ella and Grandma have done a bunch of weed pulling the last few days.  Our yard is starting to look like a yard and not so much like an overgrown weed lot, for which I'm extremely grateful.  However, Ella has been collecting snail shells as they've been found, putting them on the outdoor table and then naming them.  Anyone want to guess who Chalky is? Swirly? Mini?

A Day with Grandma

The girls went to the mall with Grandma today.  Here's Ella sporting her new shirt, new hat, and some tasty ice cream.  Bryn came home with a new outfit, also and I'm pretty sure Grandma bought herself a few goodies, too.

Grandpa Rocks

My parents arrived last night for a visit.  The kids are thrilled just to have them here (me, too), but they're especially excited about all the Grandpa spoiling going on.  He gave them all rolls of quarters, took them out to eat at their favorite fast food play area, and he bought a brand new trampoline.  Owen was particularly sad at leaving our in-ground trampoline behind, but life is good again now that Grandpa got him a new one.  He's even thinking he'll let his sisters on it occasionally.

Claire doesn't care quite so much about the trampoline, but she's sure a fan of the slide.  And lest Grandma be slighted, she spent the day baking cookies and reading with kids.  Everyone's happy :-)

I want Bef!

We have the nicest neighbors.  Claire has decided our neighbor, Beth, is her new best friend.  It just may have something to do with the liberal application of Otter Pops.  When she wakes up in the morning, she asks for Beth.  When she's in trouble, she wants Beth.  When she just walks past the window and can see the house next door, she wants Beth.  It's a good thing Beth likes Claire (and the other kids, too!)

*Today's photo by our guest photographer, Bryn, using her brand new camera.*