A few weeks ago the kids were invited to a royal birthday party for their good friend Olive. James (whose cape is hidden behind his back) asked for a costume inspired by Prince Philip (of Sleeping Beauty). May wanted me to help her coordinate some accessories for her favorite dress (thanks again Uncle Erik and Aunt Darcey).
James is so excited about his new bike. He rides it at least 5 days out of the week.
The boy is fast, too. I'm looking forward to taking him on a run with me sometime.
Uncle Erik came to stay with us for a week and man did we have a blast! We had so much to show him, like our garden and the creepy praying mantis that lives in our garden.
I don't think you can see him hanging on the upside-down sunflower in this picture, but know that he is big enough and intimidating enough that James saw fit to protect his head from an attack.
On a different day we took Uncle Erik up into Little Cottonwood Canyon for a hike. We began with an easy, paved trail. The kids knocked it out, no problem.
So we moved on to a longer, rockier trail that even included some water hazards.
No visit to Salt Lake would be complete without a trip to Temple Square. Fortunately for us on that day, one of the nearby buildings was getting its windows washed by men who are far braver than I am - can you see them dangling there? No wonder May was entranced!
Of course we also did our fair share of of hanging out and letting the kids call the shots. May was excited to share her books with Uncle Erik.
Both kids were excited to do a little TV time with him, as well. Thanks so much for the great visit, Uncle Erik, and come back soon!
With the summer abundance of zucchini, May has been learning our veggie-lasagna recipe. First, Mommy takes care of pan prep and of chopping the spinach, whisking with the cheese and eggs, and doing the first layer.
Then May gets to place the "circles." This girl adores circles. Anyone see the Sesame Street shows with Telly and the Triangle Club? She's kind of like that, but with circles.
Next we get to spread the tomato sauce. This is also a fun part and one that gives Mommy some panic attacks as I despise trying to get tomato sauce stains out of clothes.
Now another layer of noodles. We buy the kind you don't have to cook first, because honestly, I don't have the time. I like the texture of the others better, but I'm not going to be choosey.
Layering the noodles is also a fun part. (Have you noticed yet that every part is the fun part? Just ask May.)
After a final layer of sauce comes the "sprinkle cheese" on top.
Fresh from the oven and oh so tasty!
About four months ago, on a day when I was much too sick to be in charge of two toddlers and the weather was much too cold and rainy to really count as spring, the kids and I decided to start our garden.
They were quite pleased with their tiny nurseries.
I dutifully wrote up little signs and we tended to them each day.
Now it is September. Our garden looks as though it might eat the children should they come too close. "Feed me, Seymour! Feed me!"
And it is producing VOUSes, Vegetables Of Unusual Size.
