It's What Fun Is...

Yesterday we finished off a great weekend with a trip to Lagoon. We went with a few families on Dave's side and had a wonderful time; the weather was cool, but warm, and the crowds weren't bad in the least. Kate had a ball riding the kiddie rides, and I had even more fun watching her ride them. After hearing her squeal and laugh on each ride, I thought to myself...there is really nothing better than this!We learned that our child is a thrill seeker. She loved anything that moved quickly (actually, I think we already knew this). The Terror Ride, and Dracula's castle, however, were not so kosher by Kate. After riding the Terror Ride, her lips quivered and complained, "It's scary. It's dark!" She repeated this several times to be sure her mean parents wouldn't put her through that again.

One unforgettable moment of the day was when Kate and her two, older twin cousins rode on the helicopters together. Above their seatbelts, there was a bar that stretched across their laps. The bar could be lifted up or down to control the helicopter's elevation (well, Kate did not understand this concept). She thought the bar was what held her safely strapped into the ride. Needless to say, the ride was not so smooth. Once in air, the two twins kept lifting the bar. Kate, scrambling to save herself, began clawing, screaming, biting, hitting, and every other possible measure to stop the twins from jeopardizing her safety. Well, the twins fought back, and it was quite the sight from below. Every parent was watching and pointing, and the ride operator wasn't sure whether he should stop the ride. When it was all over, he ran to their helicopter to get them all out as fast as he could.

(See picture left to right: Happy Twin seat 1, Happy Twin seat 2, Unhappy Kate seat 3)

The day was so fun! Aside from one blowout (which why does that always have to happen on a day of fun?), we really enjoyed ourselves. We even got Dave's mom to go on the Rattlesnake Rapids and get soaked with us all (which is quite an uncommon occurance).

Kate's Birthday, Part 2

So this morning was Kate's birthday! Kate came down the stairs and was greeted with Cinderella balloons and a mound of presents. She unwrapped her gifts in style, wearing her new sunglasses and princess crown. At the first glance of a toy, she'd yell, "That's Kate's!" Then, when unwrapping the American Eagle boxes (filled with Kate's new clothes), she'd say, "That's Daddy's!" Apparently, receiving clothes as gifts are not so cool to a two-year old.

After presents, Kate received a phone call from a very special friend, Mickey Mouse, wishing her a happy birthday. Dave found a website that would set up a phone call from the Disney character of your choice. Mickey certainly wasn't our first choice, but we knew he would be Kate's. When she first heard Mickey, she said, "It's Mickey Mouse Clubhouse!"

So at church this afternoon, we discovered that having a 2 year old has its pros and cons:
Pro--Kate suddenly decided that being 2 means she's grown up enough to go to nursery without the mom and dad (she's done this two weeks in a row now).
Con--Kate's new independence in nursery means Dave and I have to attend all three hours of church meetings...sigh. ---No, it's actually been really relaxing and easy to get into the lessons, which is nice. But I do miss her. Anytime the Relief Society doors open, I am constantly checking to see if maybe it's my baby needing me.

After church, we went to my parents' for hamburgers and rootbeer floats. Kate got a handmade blankie from Aunt Kelly and her family. I was really impressed by Kelly's sewing abilities. Why on earth did I not retain any sewing abilities from Home-Ec? Am I the only lame one out there who has zero craft abilities? I'll have to vent about that one later.

Grandma Sherrie and Grandpa Lyle got Kate a new play puppy whose health either deteriorates or improves based on the care you give it. Rather than use it as a training tool for a future, real dog...we'll go ahead and use it as a permanent substitute for the real thing. I'm quite the cat lady, and happen to be the only one in the household who hearts cats. I plan to continue my persuasion efforts to someday convince Dave and Kate into getting a kitty. I think I'm getting close.

Anyway, after my parents' house, we held Kate's other birthday party with Dave's family at our house. Kate picked out her very own Cinderella cake, which by the way, was adorable. Even more adorable, however, was the little girl blowing out the candles on the cake. Everyone gathered around the table and sang to her, and she just sang right along with them. When it came time to blow the candles, she just looked so edible with the candle light glowing on her face. She knew just what to do and blew out the candles after a few tries.

I think Kate scored with all of her new gifts. They should give her a good start to an enjoyable summer.

Kate's Birthday, Part 1

On Saturday we celebrated Kate's big, numero dos b-day. We began the morning with a happy visit to Grandpa Argyle's grave. I never really thought much of Memorial Day until 2 years ago. It was then that Dave and I took our very first outing with our brand, brand, brand new baby, Kate. We took her to visit all of our deceased loved ones. It was a special day because Kate was so fresh out of heaven and out of their care. You know, I just felt so connected to them just standing at their gravesights while holding my new baby. I'm not trying to be weird or sappy, but Memorial Day just has a special meaning for me now.

Anyway, we finished up with taking flowers, and invited Grandma Sherrie and Grandpa Lyle to Mimi's for a delicious breakfast. Scrumptious. Kate sang, "Happy Birthday to the waitress and earned herself a piece of chocolate cheesecake. We were so proud.

Do you love this pose as much as I do?

Later that day, Aunt Adrienne and Uncle Ryan wanted to help us celebrate. They wouldn't be around for Kate's real birthday on Sunday, so they asked if they could take a zoo trip with us. Well, of course! We dragged Lyle and Sherrie along, once again (because they really can't avoid hang-outs with Dave and me...we're like their stalkers). Anywho, Kate was delighted by the cute, new blankie (that Adrienne made) and her new summer dress too.

The zoo really turned out fun! We saw the bird show, which was something I hadn't seen in years...neat. Kate LOVED the part when the birds would swoop right over the tops of our heads.

Other highlights of the zoo included:

messy popsicles (and sticky hands), the train ride, petting a boa constrictor, and, of course, the carousel (getting off the carousel, however, was not so much a highlight for Kate...or her parents). After all the animal jazz, Lyle treated us all to dinner at the Pizza & Noodle Station in Park City. He'd had a $100 gift card to there for nearly two years that he's been anxious to spend and get rid of. Several pizza slices later, along with one very tasty bubblegum sucker, Kate and the rest of us were ready to go home. It was an eventful day, and couldn't wait for Kate's real birthday in the morning.

Catching Up

Thursday evening, our California friend, Rachael, came out with her little Olivia. Cameron stayed in Texas for work so we were disappointed to not see him.

***A little background about the Tiede's...in California we loved having them as friends; one reason...Cameron is an artist by trade. Who does that for a living?!! Every month Dave and I got to attend some pretty chic L.A. art shows and events because of those two cats. One day, we got to help title all of his latest pieces. As Christmas gifts, we'd get artwork made by Cameron that were worth a pretty big chunk of change.

(You can check out some of Cameron's work @ http://www.camerontiede.com/main/home.html ).

Here's one of my only pics of them:

Anyway, we spent a lot of holidays, dinners, and activities with the Tiede's. They are a big part of why we loved California!

So, back to the story...we showed Rachael around our house, visited, and went to dinner at the fabulous, Maria Bonita's.

Olivia and Kate on the way to dinner

***Now, a little Maria Bonita's background--The place happens to be a complete hole in the wall and positioned right behind a 7-eleven. I would have never discovered it on my own, but I'd heard about how good it is from multiple sources so, of course, we tried it out.

So first off, when you walk in...you can't be shocked by the freaky atmosphere; you also can't be put off by the (sometimes) long wait for the food. Most importantly, the waitress there will unfailingly will kiss your baby up and down, shouting, "Oh, Princessita! Princessita!"...so don't let that scare you.

Anyway, we had a great dinner. Then again, when are cheese enchiladas not great, though? It was so nice to pick up with Rachael as if we'd never moved. She always has an earful of interesting stories.

After dinner, we gave her a short tour of the city (since she's originally from Ogden). We came back and I toted Kate and Olivia around in the wagon, which provided for many fun, girly squeels. Meanwhile, Dave and Rachael checked out Dave's new herb/vegetable garden. It got dark and late way too fast, and she had to make a long drive home. It was so fun seeing her and hope to get a little Tiede time at Christmas.

My Faith Restored...

in America...

I never would have believed that the "Kute" Kris Allen could beat out the girl, Adam Lambert!  I guess my 20,000 votes actually made a difference...

All season long I've been so disturbed by the way the judges and the rest of the world have praised Adam.  I mean, come on, have you not seen the guy's icky tongue? 

 Every time the Glambert sings, he sticks it out and it makes me feel all sorts of dirty!  Don't get me wrong, I love a little broadway, and actually seeing him perform live would probably be a real treat;  but face it, he's yucky.  

Congrats America...on another victory!

Goodbye Butterfly

Today was the day! My class sent our grown-up butterflies off into the real world. We've been watching them for weeks as they grew from tiny caterpillars into pretty butterflies. Many of the kids prepared "a few words" (and even a song and dance) for a good-bye ceremony before we released them. It was pretty hilarious (and even a little sad) to hear some of the things the kids said. I think they kind of liked having them as pets.

Jippy, Rhino, Flutters, and Squirt (I didn't come up with these names)...good luck out there!

Career Day

Kate got a hold of the camera. Here's a look at her abilities:

This one screams "sophistication." Don't you agree?...

This one is models an understanding of "cropping..."

And I think this one shows that beautiful photography doesn't have to include people; raggedy jackets have their place too...

What do you think? Does she have a future in photography?

Swine Flu and "Soup"

The weekend was a great one. Friday night Dave and I tried out the Blue Iguana Mexican restaurant in SLC. We'd heard good things about it, and expected it to be a somewhat "chic and trendy" establishment. Well, I wouldn't quite label it as such. When we arrived, there were Swine Flu fliers taped up all around the restaurant explaining that they were "taking every measure to prevent Swine Flu outbreaks". I know, tasty right? It got us all sorts of hungry for their "contagious" food. We didn't let the fliers and creepy basement surroundings scare us. The food was a pretty tasty, and the mariachi band created a nice dining atmosphere. After dinner, we shopped at Trolley Square and got an icecream cone.

***Note to reader: If Dave and I become part of the epidemic, you know the source!

Saturday morning we took my mom to breakfast as part of her Mother's Day gift. We went to the Grand America, where the breakfast buffet never disappoints. Lyle was unable to grace us with his presence as he was away on a scouting campout. After the food fest, it was evident that all our stomachs enjoyed themselves; they told us we ought to make this a tradition. I agree.

***Kate and Sherrie in the center courtyard of the Grand America

After breakfast, Dave and his dad put together our cute new vinyl garden box. They had to do some deep digging to bury the posts of the box to anchor it in the ground. It turned out super cute and now we can be "fruitful" year after year.

This morning was a great Mother's Day! Amongst clothes and new cell phone accessories, Dave got me tickets to see Joel McHale live in concert. Please don't tell me you don't know who he is. He's only our favorite E! Soup host and he's coming to Abravanel Hall. For weeks of watching the Soup, I've heard him talk about visiting other states, and have been disappointed to never hear him announce a Salt Lake visit (lame I didn't check the internet). Anyway, (the smarter) Dave did just that and ordered us tickets. What a thoughtful hubby!

Tonight my siblings and I are in charge of dinner to give Sherrie a break for once. We're excited to hear from my little brother, Mike, who's serving in Thailand.

Dare Devil

Kate and I went for a swim at the old A.F.City Rec. Center yesterday. It's funny...that rec center really isn't that old, but it's already quite dated. When I first went walking through the changing room I thought, "Hey, this is totally different. The layout and colors are new." Upon further contemplation I thought, "Hey wait, isn't blue a boy color? Why would they put blue in the women's changing room?"
"CRAP!"

There we were...just a couple of girls parading around in dangerous territory. We high-tailed it out of there, up until the point of exiting, of course. I then put on my "Hey, it's cool to hang out in the men's restroom even if you're a woman" walk. After a quick glance to be sure no one saw me, Kate and I then proceeded to the women's changing room and to the pool. So WHAT?...After "chillin with dudes," Kate was ready for a swim. It was her first swimming lesson, so we started with the basics: blowing bubbles in the water, kicking the feet, floating on the back, and jumping from the side of the pool into my arms. Oh, how recklessly bold my little child can be. She was not scared whatsoever. Her favorite part was going down a big, red slide into a splash of pool water all by herself. She's not even two yet!

I kept watching two other "Go, GO, GO moms" who were giving their little tots lessons. Much yelling was going on, and it was evident (let's be honest) how disappointed they were with their wimpy, might I add, "older" children. Not this mom! Kate did a stellar job of showing off her skills.

Anyway, Kate had a great time and threw a fit upon leaving...typical. She was quickly calmed when we got to the car. She loves to pretend to drive. Did I tell you this child is adventurous!?

As of...

Saturday night-
Dave, Kate, and I went to dinner with two of our favorite friends, Ricks and Paul. You'd never guess they were two of our favorite people judging by how many times we've actually gone out in the past year (zero); nonetheless, some very fun friends. The Sampson's will be up and moving to D.C. for the summer so we figured we ought to say our goodbyes. I always love a goodbye if it involves dinner at Carraba's.

Sunday-
We enjoyed only two hours of church due to the fact that it was Stake Conference. Our ward also finally split. Dave received the plush job of Young Men's Second Counselor (this job usually requires scouting, but someone else will be taking over the that portion). I'm not sure how he lucked out on that one; perhaps righteousness has something to do with it. Me, on the other hand, not so lucky...I've landed the recurring, never-ending, "awesome" calling of Webelos Den Leader. No, um, I'm not crying...it must be those darn allergies! Once again, not sure how I scored that one, but righteousness probably has something to do with it ;)

Monday-
We started testing at school. I have to read verbatim from a testing manual and am tired of hearing myself say, "Fill in the bubble next to the correct answer." On an exciting side note, our class caterpillars metamorphosized over the weekend into their cocoons. One boy said, "I can't believe we actually get to see this happen!" which I thought was pretty dang cute.
Another event of the day that made me feel super great about myself...splitting the seam of a second pair of pants in one month. Dave thinks my clothes are shrinking. I think my metabolism is.
After school, Ricks and her little tots came over to play with Kate and me. Kate loves to hold and talk baby to Baby Lucy and calls her, "Baby Sucie." I find it amuzing that Kate doesn't recognize that she, too, is a baby.
Family Home Evening consisted of ripping out poor landscaping choices that previous owners thought were a good idea. We've still got changes to make, but one step at a time.

Mother of 3

So I have a new past-time...gardening. I know right, who'd a thunk? I've never gotten much into it other years; I assume because I've always been a renter. I mean who's really going to take that much care of a yard they don't own? (apparently, not me)

Anyway, now that we are homeowners, I've become a weeding fool. I'm actually quite amazed that I've haven't burned out yet (usually my "newest hobbies" tend to do that). I'm getting close to the point where I can play landscapers challenge...you know: sketch out a plan, go pick out plants, and then plant them.

No, this is not my yard. Read below...

In other botanical news, Dave and I got to experience what it would be like to have 3 children (all roughly the same age) last night. We took Kate and our nephews, Hayden and Parker, to the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point. We both pushed around strollers for endless miles of flower gardens, which provided for some excellent cardio, I'll have you know.

The night was totally fun! It's been several years since I've been to the Gardens. Upon going back, I thought to myself, "Hey, this is actually pretty cool here." When we lived in Los Angeles, we often had to recommend places worth seeing to our many visitors. The Gardens is definitely worthy of a visit. We walked through the Secret Garden, played Hide n Seek in mazes, scoped out the amphitheater, fed fish, and ran around. The kids probably most enjoyed the "largest manmade waterfall in the world" (at least that's what "they" claim), or the bear caves that were in the Children's Discovery Park.

If you anyone goes, however, I would recommend wearing some comfortable walking shoes. I've got swolen kankles and toes today; although, I probably can't blame the kankles solely on yesterday's events. In case you're wondering...no, these are not my kankles; merely, a representation.