Sunday, September 6, 2009

a juncture

Goodbye-

fireflies
popsicles
swimming
friends all day
brothers in pj's until half past eleven
late night bike rides
early morning runs alone
reading piles of books in the afternoon on the "waiting bench"
serendipitous outings
sprinklers

Hello-

backpacks
sack lunch (thus, it begins)
new shoes
crickets
routine
the year of seminary for Nate (who thinks 6 am will be sleeping in, though)
soccer Saturdays
apple picking
football, of course (go, BYU) (did I just say that?)
biking with Caroline
and maybe,

a clean house!


Wednesday, August 26, 2009

time for a change

It's really quite remarkable what can happen when your husband has his research year during a surgical residency. Nate told me he couldn't stand "One More Day" of looking at the "pee-yellow" walls in our bedroom. 48 hours later, here's what we did:



Oh, I'm getting so spoiled this year. And greedy. If he's home later than 5, my rhythm's thrown off. Come next July 1, I'm going to need a therapist to help me deal with the withdrawal.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

I've lost control


Watch out, all you first-time moms. Don't come callin' for any advice from me!

These are the days...

We just returned from a couple of weeks visiting our families in Utah. The boys will always think of Utah as synonymous with nonstop fun. Sunup to sundown, our dudes played-- played with cousins, played with grandparents, played with each other, played with mom and dad. To them, no one goes to work in Utah. No one has to do chores. No one runs errands, goes to school, or ever, ever goes to the dentist. The magical, mythical world those Utah pirates live, indeed! I wonder how long we can keep the illusion going. I must admit, it was a bit tricky to come back to the routine of reality!

These pics constitute a very meager assortment of snapshots taken when I remembered to have my camera with me, which wasn't very often!

The classic mom must-have: all kids naked in the tub. We were at my mom's Park City condo, and I promise I was one inch away from the camera shot, holding my breath that Caroline's floating head wouldn't be submerged!


Here is our little princess, making the face that has become quite her standard these days. We call her the Queen of Sheba, and she's got the whole family wrapped around her fingers. Somehow, we all are fine with it, though.

Reading with Grandpa Richards. This was a highlight, and one of the few down times in the midst of lots of activities and adventures.
Grant with his "best" cousins, Cort and Pete. I said to him one night as I tucked him in, "Grant, I feel like I haven't seen much of you these past few days; you've been so busy with Cort and Pete! I miss you!" To which he replied, "I'm sorry Mom, I don't mean to hurt your feelings or anything, but I don't really miss you."

This is a picture that will forever bring a smile to my face. I love the various emotional comfort levels on display here.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

sweet car- oline...



My dear friend, Katie, just moved away and sent me these photos she snapped of Caroline a few weeks ago. I thought they captured her expressive little self so well. She is a growing girl... giggling, waving, giving "kisses", loving her brothers to death, and making her every whim and desire known to all! We love her.

By the way, Kate just moved to Utah and is a fantastic professional photographer. I'm sure she's booking up quickly, so for all you Utah folks who may be interested, check her out here. You will not be disappointed! Katie, we miss you!

Monday, July 6, 2009

jack's aspiring career

The following notice is currently posted on a piece of white cardboard, hanging on our front door:

Jack Docktor the greatest
no cure to high
open 10 am to 3:30 pm
wendsday to saturday.
18 Hastings Avenue
Junior Partner= Nate

We cure hickups, back ache, itchyitus, slide monster bite, and others.

I knew Nate secretly wanted to be Jack's junior partner on his research year.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

June = ready, set, go!!!

June was such a busy month for our family! If you're willing to put up with lots of pics and even more rambling, here's a brief synopsis:

Grant rocked as a Farmer in his splendid end-of-kindergarten Farm Show. You should've heard his rendition of "Down on Grandpa's Farm." Definitely one of his favorite moments in life.

Here's Jack, with his best bud in the whole world, Jack Dudley. As well as addressing each other always by their first and last names, they also affectionately call each other "Trout" and "Tuna," and simply, "Friendy." Jack moved away this morning. There's a hole in our hearts.
What are we going to do?


A girls trip to NYC with two of my dearest friends in all the world, Shari and Rachel, and of course, Caroline (on tap!). Caroline proved to be a NYC rock star. Who knew she could sleep in a stroller for 2 1/2 hours at a stretch? She must have inherited a genetic love for the city.

Shari, we will miss you!!!!!!!!

Camping in the Poconos with our friends. I love camping. I don't love it with a baby. Rockstar Caroline is more of a city girl, it seems. We're so nerdy--we even brought our noisemaker to use in the tent (those real-life nature sounds just don't cut it, I guess!) But chillin' by the campfire with my boys, singing songs and roasting marshmallows is simply the best.

The 5 mile hike at the beginning...
... and the end.
Ricketts Glen is awesome... we hiked past 22 waterfalls!!!



Jack turned 4!!! Unfortunately, the park party was rained out, so Nate and I got creative with 16 crazy kids in the house. Apparently, "freeze dance" to "Under the Sea" was effective and enjoyable. Where do these kids learn their moves?
Jack doesn't eat cake. Not a bit. So, donuts had to suffice. Frankly, these were so easy that I don't think I'll ever go to the trouble of making a cake again! (Sorry, Grant.)
We love you, Jack.