Just out for a walk.

We've been trying to fill our summer with cheap family fun which inspired a little walk up Provo Canyon to Bridal Veil Falls.  Every time I go up that canyon, running or not, I'm amazed that such a majestic, beautiful place is just out our back door.  I'm sure going to miss it should we ever leave.

Pre-walk. Dry.

 

We decided to let the kids walk instead of taking the stroller.  I'd imagine a half-mile walk for Sophie is equivalent to something like a three mile walk for me.  She loved every second, though.  She had her popcorn to snack on and took her sweet time meandering up the path.

The kids played in the water for a bit and then we headed home with half-naked kids (soaked) for dinner.

Classic pout face from Sophie.

 

Check out my man's beard.  That's right, BYU.

The bug goes around.

A few weeks ago we found our sweet Sophie covered in her own vomit when we went to get her out of bed in the morning.  That was the first of many sheet cleanings that would happen over the next two weeks.  She made it through the day without another episode and seemed happy when we went to get her the next morning from her crib.  We brought her to our bed to snuggle, as we often do, where she proceeded to complain about her teeth.  I wasn't sure what was ailing her so I moved to look into her mouth and was covered by a large amount of vomit the color of chocolate milk (the only thing she ingested the day before).  Yay!  Let the fun begin! 

So amidst cleaning our sheets, her sheets, and her, Jonah decides he doesn't want to eat his breakfast and instead throws up all over himself, his plate of food, his chair, and the floor.  Jon and I laughed as we realized what we were in for.

The great thing about Jonah is that once he knew what it felt like to throw up, he could run to the potty or do it in a bowl.  This saved us a LOT of cleanup and I was able to play the nurturing role and comfort him after each episode.  Soph didn't throw up again but continued to have blow-out diarrhea for the next week (more sheet cleaning).  The diarrhea episodes cut a little bit into our Las Vegas vacation, making it a little more stressful all around. 

I must have a killer immune system because I never got sick.  Jon did, though, and that wasn't fun to see him down and out.

Chairs for lounging, tile for easy cleanup, bowls to catch the puke, blankets and a movie.

Just what I needed to hear.

It's been a rollercoaster ride for us this summer and things we thought were happening haven't worked out exactly as we planned.  We've been a little discouraged but when I opened an email this morning with this video attached, I knew it was meant for me to see.

I'm thankful for my knowledge of my Savior and Heavenly Father and that they have a plan for me and for our family.

Las Vegas...a place we never have to see again.

Oh, don't get me wrong!!  We had a wonderful week together.  We played at the pool, ate good food (hey-oh, Jack in the Box), relaxed, and played with Mimi and cousins!  All things that could be done equally well in another location.

 The mile long hallway to our room got the kids nice and tired

Las Vegas has only a couple of redeeming qualities (in my opinion), the Bellagio fountains, the Dale Chihuly art in the Bellagio, and Trader Joe's.  Oh! And Jack in the Box.  I love their tacos.  My lunchtime ritual this week was an oreo shake (the best), two tacos with hot sauce, and a Diet Coke.  Delicious.

On our way to and from Vegas we got to stay with Jake and Annie and see their girls, Nellie and Gracie.  The kids loved playing together and were sad to leave them.  Jake and Annie even came down to Vegas on Thursday to swim in the awesome hotel pool and we also decided to check out the strip (not the best idea).

 Sophie's favorite part about the pool--lounging and snacks!

Jonah discovered his fins on this trip and became quite daring in the water (for Jonah)

 It was such a beautiful big pool!

 Here we are at Treasure Island, before the obscene "Pirate Show" began.

The Bellagio gardens were stunning, especially with the Dale Chihuly blown glass everywhere!

Jonah's face here typifies his general mood for the entire week.  Tired.

A Second Chance

I love my Nikon D70.  But when I have to also carry a diaper bag, push a stroller, and worry about holding/securing the kids, it's my worst enemy.

Right after we got married, I bought Jon his first digital camera.  It's a little Nikon Coolpix.  It was at the top of its class back then (only 5 years ago, grr) but after the last couple of trips where I relied on this little thing to capture our moments, I was sorely disappointed in its ability.

As we packed up for our Memorial Day at Lagoon, I had the camera problem again.  I did NOT want to carry my big camera around a busy amusement park when I knew my hands would be full.  So I put some new batteries in the little Nikon and was prepared to have to throw away all our pictures if they didn't turn out.

Thank goodness it worked pretty well under the circumstances and I was able to get a few good shots of our day.

Waiting in line

I still want a new point and shoot.