For Tina and Fred

My cousin Tina recently posted about how her youngest being at that point where she wants to feed her self. I have been dreading that day- but I guess it is here.

Ella didn't want me to feed her yogurt this morning. and oh what a mess it was. The banana mushed everywhere didn't help either.
Sadly- we can't compete with Fred- He seems to be King of Messes- Maybe Ella could be his Queen.

Darren's 32nd Birthday.

I posted the pictures backwards so I guess you will have to see the day backwards. We celebrated Saturday and Sunday. Sunday night we had ice cream pie with family and Kyle.

We hiked to Lake Mary up at Brighton Ski Resort- This is actually Dog Lake behind us.

Tyler is hiking a lot this summer. The wildflowers are in full bloom and it just feels wonderful be up in the mnts.
Darren started his weekend with a bike race. I had the camera all ready - right settings, good lighting and picked up Ella to put her in the stroller to wheel us over to the finish line- and ... stinky diaper... the quick contemplation of change it or take Darren's picture as he goes over the finish line. Silly me- I thought I could change it quick- I looked up from changing her diaper as he wizzed across the finish line. so this is our finish line picture.
This was us waiting for Dad at the top. It was very cold and I didn't bring a jacket so we were staying warm (from the wind) in our car.
Happy Birthday Darren- we love you!

The secret map

We followed a map (drawn by Darren's coworker) to a secret place where they keep the Savage Trains. Oh boy, we had one excited three year old.

Don't worry Grandpa Balls - Tyler says he will take you back to see them again. In fact he asked if you could come drive down today so HE could go see them again TODAY!

This is my daugther

Earlier I posted a picture of Tyler stuffing his face with green salad. Clearly not my child.

This though- Proves Ella is my child! Shoving hot bread, lathered with butter on it... right into her mouth. LOVE IT!

side note- these pictures make her look like she has red hair - she doesn't - blond as can be.

Ogden with the Texans

I only have one brother and he married a great wife- I got to hang out with her this week in Ogden. The Treehouse museum is great. Our kids are of an age where Jeana and I can actually talk for a few minutes and not just run around like crazy chasing kids. It was a nice day.

We stopped over at the Solomon Center for pizza and games. Funny thing is these four kids didn't need any tokens for their favorite games. They just sat and pretended to play and didn't know any different. Ella and Sophie just ran around. Seth- not pictures- used all the free tokens I had and then bought the kids all some treats at the end.
The other favorite ride- This one only cost one token- If only kids entertainment levels would stay this cheap their whole lives!
Here is a picture of our future doctors. Besides the trains and firetrucks this was their favorite place. Seth is looking in a microscope, and Spencer and Tyler were trying to assemble the body behind them.

June

I just downloaded our camera and had pictures from May on there- BOTHER!!!

My sis Candy says I don't post enough of Ella. She is such a hoot. She does the funniest things and laughs all the time. She only slows down and cuddles with you if your lucky!

Cousin Issac came to stay for a week. We made brownies and two kids needed to lick the batter.
My mom always said I was going to be her concert pianist. In that I failed but maybe my kids will be.

Happy 4th of July

We had a great weekend with just our little family. It is nice to just slow down and not go everywhere and do everything. Tyler and Ella both had balloons at the Sandy Fireworks show. Tyler has a sword - Ella had a dog.

Ella has been battling a fever for 3 days- but today is on the mend.