It Is Difficult

During a recent road trip, we passed the time by reading Harry Potter, playing vsmiles, counting trains, playing eye spy, and playing vsmiles.

Nate invented a new game. He held up both hands--his right hand having all fingers extended and his left hand in a closed fist.

"Guess how many," he asked.

"Five." I replied, as I'm sure all of you would have too.

"No," he answered. Shaking his left hand, he announced, "These ones are invisible."

He explained, "It is difficult."

I'll say.

Red

A few of my favorite things. Which for some reason happen to be red.

These tubs. They're from Costco (a two-pack for $14.79) and I love them. All the handles kept breaking on my other laundry baskets. Which were being overused as dog crates, spaceships, and trampolines. I've also used these tubs for picnics, the lake, and little league. Which in no way diminishes their utility as foxholes, rocket launching pads, and wipeout winner's platforms.

These dishes. They're from Crate and Barrel and the name of the pattern is "Laurie." For real. My sister gave me the cake stand for Christmas, then I hunted around for the dessert plates, which were were sold out online. I finally found them in Florida, which meant ghastly shipping charges. Which were so worth it. Then my sister and brother surprised me by getting me the bowls for my birthday. Which means I'll now pounce on any reason to bake a cake. As if I really need a reason. . .

This baby. Who up until a week ago would not even attempt to crawl or cruise. Which was awesome. It was funny to put him on his stomach, because he'd cry and scoot backwards. Which is how he ended up in this predicament. Now he's crawling slowly and cruising quickly. Which means life is about to get a little more hectic.

This swing. Which I'm still trying to figure out how it will complement my living room decor.

These earrings and necklace. Which I bought from Leigh, who is living an eerily similar, but more crafty, life. Check out all her stuff at leedledeedle designs.

These shoes. Which are surprisingly hard to photograph while wearing. Which my sister convinced me to buy by saying "Those are smokin!" And which a lady at church told me made my legs look "amazing." Which we all need to hear more often.

What are some of your favorite things?

A Sticky Situation

Fun summer activity for a 6-year-old:

1. Leave bakugan toy on the floor and break it. Imagine that.

2. Scream and cry about it. Keep crying even when mom tells you dad will try to fix it when he gets home.

3. Climb onto kitchen counter to retrieve unopened superglue from top shelf of kitchen cabinets.

4. Open superglue.

5. Run screaming through the house with superglue covering all fingers on both hands, and both palms.

6. Try to wash off superglue, in the bathroom.

7. Scream and cry more. Run around house more.

8. Have mother unsuccessfully scrub superglue with non-acetone nail polish remover.

9. Scream and cry some more.

10. Have mother painstakingly peel off big globs of superglue, rather unsuccessfully.

11. Scream and cry some more.

12. Follow mother's advice and rub lotion into hands, which miraculously removes superglue.

13. Repeatedly plead: "Please don't tell dad."

14. Disappear when mother discovers, hours later, approximately twenty puddles of dried superglue on kitchen floor.

15. Cry and beg mother not to tell anyone about the superglue incident.

Three Days in Tahoe

Summer's in full swing, as evidenced by our spending three days in a row at Lake Tahoe.

Day 1 (actually night):

Boat ride and dinner from the Tahoe Keys to Emerald Bay with Captain Angie and friends. Good food and great fun. I'll tell you, you haven't seen Lake Tahoe until you've see it by boat.

The island in the middle of Emerald Bay.

Vikingsholm.
It's pretty far way, but I think you can see it better if you enlarge it.

Day 2 (actually afternoon and night):

Reunion with high school friend Julie and her family at Emerald Bay State Park campground. A quick kayak and dip in the lake, dinner, and s'mores. Also chatting nearly nonstop to catch up on the last ohhh, 18 years (but who's counting).

Day 3 (actually all day):

Nevada Beach. More kayaking. And something new.

Sailing with Shane.
And a capsized sailboat by Dan with a freaked out Gabe
(who admits he will go sailing again, but only with Shane).


Sand burying.

No napping.

Wave jumping.

Now really, doesn't that make you want to plan your next vacation here? Just wait for the Shakespeare Festival at Sand Harbor.

Art Gallery 1

Can anyone guess Nate's favorite summer show?






And how did it get to be the 13th of July already?

Go Fourth and Celebrate!

Here's to the second annual Primary Bike Parade. As you may recall, this is the easiest quarterly activity ever. This year, we invited four wards.

Our numbers have definitely increased.

Easy rider.

Nate was the best pedaler, until he pooped out. Oops, did I say pooped out? Darn, must be spending too much time with Nate, since he's now inserting "poop" or any of its numerous variations into every sentence.

Solo parader. Gabe was pouting a bit at the start and missed the mad rush. Didn't get a picture of Jake, because we were busy reattaching his bike chain, which only came off twice.

Hooray for the Fourth of July!