"Camping"

Because my parents wanted to go see Yosemite, they drove us back to California in their motor home and we spent a couple days around the park. I think we went camping. Steve doesn't.

Steve was my dad's co-pilot for most of the trip until we rented a minivan and he had to drive it behind us. Sophie took his place.

Sunglasses plastered with In-N-Out stickers. That's the way the California girls do it.


Yep, she still fits in the sink. The motorhome sink was the perfect size for her.


It's a lot easier now that she can sit up almost by herself. At home I give her a bath in the tub with her sud-slinging sister.

Right before my dad took this picture, Steve put his arm over the front of us, donning this picture officially "Prom". (See half-dome in the back?)


Thanks for the trip mom and dad!

Cousin Moments

We're back, by the way. I'm still in a post-vacation fog, so I'm way behind on everything. These are some photos taken in front of my parents house in Idaho. My brother and his family were there, so we were lucky to have all three grandkids together for the first time.

I think these don't need much explanation. Trying to get a photo of a 6-month-old who can't sit up alone, an 8-month-old who recently learned to crawl, and a 2-year-old who seems to be quite nervous around the 8-month-old. Probably because he weighs as much as her and could knock her flat on the ground. The only thing she has on him is speed. And molars.

I don't think Sophie wants to sit next to Carter.

See? She looks a little relieved.

Ah yes, much better.

See how they share? Such good girls.

Sophie's keeping her eye on Carter, though.

You know he's up to something when he gives his sign. (And yes, Ivy and Carter are only 2 1/2 months apart.)

Oh, look. An eye.

I Can't Explain My Joy to You

*This post may be meaningless if you've never lived in Utah.*

I have some big news. Are you ready for this?

Idaho Falls has a Cafe Rio.

IDAHO FALLS HAS A CAFE RIO!

Yes, quaint little Idaho Falls, Idaho. There have only been a couple other times where I've been this proud of my little hometown. (Fourth of July fireworks, attaining official "metro" status, and the opening of the GAP, just to name a few.)

I had my precious shredded chicken salad today first time in almost a year. And I didn't have to go to Utah.

*Sigh*

Permissiveness or Why There's a Hole in My Sandwich

We're up in Idaho right now visiting my family. It's nice to be back. It's nice to have a break from my life and for the girls to have a change of scenery. The only thing that would make it better is it Steve was here. (long story) We were hoping to get out the kiddie pool, but it looks like it's going to rain the entire time we're here. I'm OK with that. It keeps the pollen on the ground.

Being at grandma and grandpa's house means Sophie can pretty much do what she wants. Yesterday afternoon was a good example of that. My mom had taken a loaf of bread out of the bread machine and set it on a cooling rack. In front of Sophie. I think these photos tell the story well on their own.

Thanks for the pics, Dad!

Snip Snip

Sophie got her first haircut last weekend. I was so proud of her! She just sat there, content, and didn't complain one bit.

Here's the "after" shot:

If you're thinking, "Huh. I really don't see a difference," then that's fine. Most people didn't even noticed she'd had it cut. We just took off the scraggly ends, so she looks a lot less homeless when she wakes up from a nap. Thanks Jessie!

Speaking of firsts, we started putting Ivy in a highchair. She's still not sitting up by herself yet, but she's getting close.