Pure Sugar

We're hitting the terrible twos something fierce.

This one is getting very picky about what fork/cup/blanket/napkin/toothpaste/crayon she'll use. And all her clothes have to be put on by her feet, nothing can go over her head. Her insistence on independence frustrates her and me. My little love...pray for her!

Simply Life

Ahhhh...in-laws. Not to be confused with, augh! in-laws! Not at all. I love life at the Pace house. It seems beautiful things just happen. Even just relaxing on the porch, eating a lunch...I sat and simply soaked in the beauty. Then promptly grabbed my camera. 'Cause it's what I do.

Doting

I lucked out. Last week in church the primary got up and sang a Father's Day song. I looked over at Justin, eyebrows raised, mouth in a little 'o' of surprise. Then couldn't stop laughing and apologizing that I had forgot about Father's Day. The stinker let me believe it all day. We have a stake meeting today with Elder Bednar and so the primary did their program a week early, come to find out. Phew!

Gave me the chance to prepare. As Justin spent every moment that afternoon with the kids, I realized they have quite the attentive Dad and it would be fun to write down all the 'dad' stuff he did this week. So...in LESS than a week:

All in the few hours he's home from work! At first I thought he had found my list and was sort of milking it. But no, it's safe to say this is pretty par for the course. I love that guy. It is especially sweet to me that this is truly what he wants to do with his time.

Happy Father's Day!

High on a Hill

The reason for our jaunt out to Utah was to see my parents before they head off to Korea for three years. A few months ago I talked my mom into scheduling some condos in Sun Valley rather than hanging around the house, the thought being we'd spend better time together if we weren't pulled by distractions at home. And better time, indeed, since it rained and we were inside together for the majority of the trip, ha ha! Fortunately, Mom planned a bunch of 'Minute To Win It' games. I've never watched the show, but holy canole, I was brought to tears from laughing several times. And listen well, all of you. If that video of me trying to get the ping pong balls out of the kleenex box ever makes it on youtube, I have revenge video of my own!!

I love, love, love Sun Valley. Wonderful memories of swimming, hiking, horseback riding, tennis, concerts. Biking everywhere but eating back every last calorie with fantastic food. And boy-howdy, how we ate. Koryn, Mom and I spent the better part of an afternoon just planning the menu before we left. My plan to do a kite-flying birthday party for the girls (and Noah...'cause what 27 year-old man doesn't want a kite-flying birthday party?) was a total flop. I tried to make up for it with tons of balloons but did not opt for the 'high float'... did you know helium balloons don't float long at high elevations?!? I had no idea. But it was great to celebrate their birthdays with the family, which hasn't happened...ever. I love this family of mine. So many intelligent, kind, interesting people in one place.

Love this last picture of my mom hauling Hayden down the mountain while she just sits there and blows bubbles. What a life.

Afternoon of Tea

Grandma Furniss's dishes. Red velvet cake. The little birdie salt-and-pepper shakers peeking out from tea cups and teapots. I was so happy to see her pumpkin seed table topper, it made me feel special for some reason :) It was a feast for the eyes and then just a regular feast. Or verging on gluttony, truly, I could not stop eating! Nicole knows how to put on a party!

I had the pleasure of sitting across from this sweet face. It was obvious Bridget has sat at a tea party or two, she was perfectly lovely. I think I made her nervous taking a thousand pictures of her from across the table.

(The kids got grape juice, we got the good stuff :) )

Abbey took note and wanted to do tea parties the rest of our trip. Good thing Nana had a suitcase filled with soiree essentials.

Thanks Nicole! It was a perfect afternoon.