We had a clean the Jeep party. It was a great way to cool off. I couldn't resist the photo op.


Kyle, my big helper.


Blake couldn't resist eating the bubbles.


They didn't taste as good as he thought they would.


He had more fun rubbing them on his belly.

Vacation

We have never left the kids overnight before. It was time. Brian's mom came up early Monday morning and we hit the trail to Wyoming. It was so fun! We camped at cottonwood and spend two days fishing. In some ways we weren't exactly roughing it. We had a nice air mattress and a DVD player to watch a movie. But I did forget the bug spray. I ended up with 31 mosquito bites on my arms, Brian had maybe 1. I caught so many fish at the Grays River I lost track. And there were some called Brook trout. Believe it or not, they were cute! They were purple, with green and pink polka dots. Wouldn't have believed that if I hadn't seen it myself.
It was hard sometimes; crossing the river was a little scary. We were almost waist deep in thawed snow water. The water was so swift it pulled me downstream a little. Brian was really patient with me. He had to untagle my line a few times. But I didn't lose one lure. And I got most of my own fish off my hook and back into the water.
I was excited to go home, imagining Blake, really missing me, running to me saying "mama mama!" But he was busy playing and hardly even noticed me. Oh well. At least they were good while we were gone. I think we will sneak away from the kids again next summer. By then maybe these mosquito bites will have stopped itching.

As Blake gets closer to the 2 year mark, he is getting a stronger will. This show of independence sometimes results in strong words from mom and dad. The last time he blissfully threw food on the floor, dad firmly said "No No!" Blake responded by squeezing his eyes shut and smiling. Apparently, if he can't see us, he is no longer in trouble.
Unfortunately this didn't work for me. I didn't do the dishes one night. Alas, they were still there in the morning.
But what about the spiritual part of our lives? Maybe we should be more like Blake. Pay attention to the good, the blessings, the funny things in life. I am not advocating turning a blind eye to our problems. But certainly we shouldn't dwell on the negative. That was one of President Hinckley's greatest qualities. Focusing on the good, and being thankful.
In the mean time, Blake disappears into his own world when things take a turn for the worst. And instead of scolding him, I just have to laugh.

4th of July with Dad

It's been 3 years since I last saw my dad. He came to visit at a great time of year. With the car show, cruise in and fireworks there was always something fun. The boys really had fun too. We had a little extra time together since his flight home was changed. So we went to lunch and the aquarium.

It was a great visit! I really miss him and wish he lived closer. But I am glad the boys got to see him. They will remember this visit.
He got Kyle a new reving monster truck. He got Blake a tricycle, which Blake loves. (I love it because I can steer it with a handle on the back.) And of course we played rummikub. He won this round. We need a rematch.