Lessons Learned

Here are our 13 lessons learned from the past few days.

1. Jack Black is cool! Three cheers for Kung Fu Dragon Warrior! (all)

2. Happy "Hi Mommy!" greetings, big bear hugs and kisses rock after a night apart (mom)

3. Swimming pools should be built at every house (raspberry)

4. You can get really cool swords that glow at a SLC carnival (cc)

5. An evening laughing with friends makes your worries lighter (mom)

6. Don't lean against tubes that are next to the pool or you will fall in (raspberry)

7. Be sure your brother can pull you out of the pool if you fall in (cc)

8. Strawberry lime slush drinks are yummy (mom)

9. Dancing is fun, especially if you dance with a friend who can lead (mom)

10. You can beat your family at skeet ball if you climb up onto the ramp (raspberry)

11. If you want to talk to your mom without interruption, give your sister something new to play with (cc)

12. If you go on a walk, take a popsicle (raspberry)

13. Theater popcorn is delicious (all)

Absolutely Brilliant

Note for the day: Hot grease and skin don't mix. Thank you Sam for bandaging me up and Mark for the lovely picture and sympathy (right).

Hair tragedy at the local Albertsons

On our way home last night we made a quick stop at the store. During our short shopping excursion, Raspberry climbed under the cart and pushed it forward with her hands. Her long hair got caught and wrapped itself around the wheel, about five times. This all happened within about 10 seconds while I walked away from the cart to grab apple juice. I heard loud shrieks and screaming coming from under the cart in a mostly quiet store. I ran to the rescue. Unfortunately the cart was somewhat full of food so I had to hold it up with my back while trying to unwind her hair from the wheel, all while listening to her sob, "Mommy, I'm stuck, it hurts!" We had to sacrifice about 3". Many thanks to the lady with the scissors. When I picked her up she said (sobbing), "Now my curly hair is flat!"

Many thanks to her brother for providing the photos. He tried not to laugh and even mustered up a heartfelt "you okay?"

As we were leaving raspberry said, "This is a bad store!"

A BBQ Princess

Location: At an evening BBQ for a youth camp, with Raspberry, walking past the counselors.

Raspberry (pointing): Mom, do you know him?
Mom: Yes, that's Cy.
Raspberry: He's handsome.
Mom: Yes, Cy is handsome.
Raspberry: I think he likes princesses.
Mom: I'm sure he does.
Raspberry: I'm a princess.
Mom: You most certainly are.

But I love them!

Cush came to visit this weekend so we went to see her at Hank and Sara's. Raspberry was excited to see the new chicks (which aren't so new anymore, but she didn't care) and the chicken coop. It was going really well until Uncle Hank told her it was time for the chicks to go to bed. Here a photographic journal of the event. That last picture just about breaks your heart. "But Mom, I love them." Her uncle Hank gave in and took her back to the chicken coop for one more visit.

Dinner conversations

Mom: How was your lightsaber fight today with Josh?
CC: He was a most formidable foe.
Raspberry: (Huge burp and a shudder) ewwwww... tacos and apple juice... blah.

Our first summer getaway

Last year I only took the kids on one summer trip for a few days. This year I have promised to do better.

My good friend Annette was inspired this past weekend to invite us to spend three days at their cabin in Midway. It had been a long, horrid weekend and I really needed the break.

Midway is located just West of Heber Valley (up Provo Canyon). It looks like a Swiss village that would sit beneath the Alps, or in this case, Mt. Timpanogos.

I spent most of my time just relaxing. It was a bit cold, but so beautiful. The cabin views were spectacular and had I any foresight whatsoever, I would have taken a camera. However, I did take some pictures with Annette's camera so when I get them, I shall post them.

Some of our favorite parts:
1. Annette's pancakes (raspberry)
2. Riding the 4-wheelers with the older boys up the mountain (cc)
3. Swinging on the porch swing with Mom (raspberry)
4. Playing guitar hero on their Wii (cc and mom)
5. Playing Pit with all the adults and kids (raspberry was in charge of the bell)
6. 4-wheeling up the mountain side with Annette's family and then walking another 1/2 mile to an overlook of the entire valley (cc & mom)
7. Talking to Mark, Annette's husband (cc) by the pond and seeing the animals (the beaver and the ducklings)

It was a fun and needed break (for me). Thank you Annette (and family). We had such great time!