August's Ten Things

August went by fast, like every month has been going lately. It's time to link up with Emmy Mom for:

Ten Things to Smile About this Month

1. Going to Lagoon (and not having to pay for it!): 2. Swimming, swimming, and more swimming! 3. Todd and I made it to the temple another month in a row!

4. Ethan wrote his first book: 5. Celebrating my Dad's birthday 6. Sewing a lot, and getting ready for Ethan's preschool: 7. Summer Rainstorms! 8. Seeing my life long friend Lindsey and catching up on things

9. Having the high yesterday be 65!

10. My mom watching my kids for three hours yesterday so that Todd and I could drive to Heber and buy this:

Just Stuff

I'm getting the itch to paint my sewing/computer room. The ugly baby poop colored walls won't last much longer.

I started looking on ksl for a cedar chest and ended up looking at baby grand pianos. The price difference isn't that much . . . right?

I found out that there are two reuphostery shops near my house. I might hop over to them next week when Ethan's in preschool. Sounds like an interesting activity. And speaking of preschool, it's next week and we are getting VERY excited!

Madeline tried on ballet shoes at the shoe store today. We were there buying Ethan new shoes . . . again! She looked so darling in the ballet shoes, and Ethan is growing like a weed. He is officially out of toddler sizes, 5T is really getting too small. He needs an entire new wardrobe for fall. Sigh, wish I could get a new wardrobe too.

I just love the weather today! Cool and rainy. Fall is coming! Hooray!

The Children's Garden

Yesterday was Two Buck Tuesday at Thanksgiving Point, so we headed down to their Children's Garden! The normal price is $8 for kids, and $10 for adults, a little too steep for me, but $2 . . . that I can do!

I've never been there before, and it was really great. We enjoyed all the flowers and fish ponds, building and digging areas, and a big maze made from box bushes.

Here's the bear cave:
And other animal sculptures are throughout the garden too:

They also have a huge Noah's Ark, fun for water play:

The giant waterfalls were a nice end to the morning.

A Piece of Paraguay

Tomorrow, my brother-in-law is heading off to serve his LDS mission to Paraguay! The past few days have been shared with family as he prepares to leave. Sunday we enjoyed hearing him give a faithful talk and then enjoyed treats with family and friends.

For the occasion, I made cupcakes that look the the flag of Paraguay!

Kinda fun . . .

Then last night, we spent the evening learning trivia about Paraguay . . .

and trying out some authentic dishes made by my sister-in-law Laura (thanks for the fun!). Most were pretty good, but I'd recommend leaving the chipa alone.

I'm really excited for and proud of Mike. He will be an excellent missionary!

Swimming

My aunt just recently moved into a new home with a beautiful pool in the backyard. She was kind enough to let up take a dip this past weekend. And boy, did we have fun!
You can't really tell, but in this picture, Ethan has his whole face in the water. He did it several times and is proud of how he is learning how to swim!

Madeline had fun "jumping" through the air and splashing in the pool with Daddy!

It was hard to convince them to get out when it was time to go home.

And by the end, Madeline didn't even want to be held anymore. Her swimsuit is a life jacket and suit all in one!

FUN!

A Little About Food

This week, I made a few colorful meals, thanks to the women in my family who gave me some new recipes to try. I enjoy taking pictures of food, and when people give me new recipes, I use that as an excuse to photograph it. These three meal ideas came from my sister-in-law, my mom, and my sister.

Reuben Fold-overs

French Crepes, the savory and the sweet


Curried Fried Rice

All three very different, all three delicious. With lots of color and flavor.

Food and photography are hard to beat!

Tree Skirt

I'm getting excited for fall. And since it's getting to be almost fall (though the 90 degree weather would suggest otherwise!), I made this little skirt for Madeline:

Now I just need to get her a baby blue shirt to match, and she'll be all set and kissably cute!