A fun-filled weekend!

When we were invited to spend the weekend with some of my favorite people, we packed right up and went. Well, truthfully, I forgot half my stuff at home, but I blame that on getting up so early every day and thinking a little too much on Daily Seminary!

Of course, long walks with Molly are an important part of every get-together. Molly loves belonging to so many people. Sadly, the little mini-sports-fanatic is terrified of her. Seeing how much fun his sister has with her, he tries to bravely move towards her for a quick touch. Molly responds with friendly bark, which is not well received. Here's Schmillian and her pet dog.

The bike-a-thon was an unexpected bonus. It was great to see Schmillian's school and see her in action with her friends.

As you see, mini does not want to be left out of any activity. So he commandeered some other child's bike!

Since the weather was beautiful, we went to a fabulous park filled with things to climb on, swing on, and run around in. It was tough to snap pictures in a the excitement of jumping from one thing to another. Everyone left with their teeth intact and no blood...always a good thing!

Have you ever heard of The Melt? Well, the Food Network made it famous, and we went there just for fun. This little stoop outside provided a little entertainment while we waited for a table. Thank goodness, because mini-sports-fanatic isn't a fan of waiting for a table!

And one last picture all dressed up in Sunday clothes.

Until next time...Thanks for the memories and for all the smiles!

A Delicious Idea

Mark and I spend most Saturday afternoons/evenings serving in the Chicago Illinois Temple. Often we bring food to share during a break with others that serve with us . It's a fun way to get to know each other better as we share favorite dishes and conversation.

I was looking for a fun recipe to try and found these...

Gooey Cookie Pie Bites

A picture can never capture just how delicious these little bites are. You will be a rock star when you bring these to your next get-together. But don't wait for an excuse to make them. Do it today! Thanks to those fabulous bloggers at Our Best Bites!

Funny Conversations!

Well, this post will have no pictures, but it might make you smile. The first conversation occurred a few months ago, but it still makes me laugh...

Friend: What do your older sons do?

Me: The oldest is a podiatrist finishing the last year of his residency, the second son is pursuing a doctorate at BYU, and the third one is in dental school.

Friend: Wow...three doctors, and your youngest is thinking about research, too. Your kids are so smart...They must get it from their father!

Me: Ummm...

Okay, now for something a lot cuter. A few days ago I had a conversation with my favorite 3-year-old girl. She was telling me what a fun visit she had with her cousins that stopped by her house on their way to Canada. Since all the cousins on our side of the family are boys, she makes a lot of compromises to play with them! She doesn't seem to mind a bit, but here's how the conversation went...

Me: I heard you had a lot of fun playing with your cousins when they visited.

Schmillian: Yeah. They really like to play with bugs and look for rocks. We were looking for a lot of rocks.

Me: Oh, that sounds fun. Do you like bugs and rocks?

Schmillian: Well, I REALLY like flowers!

A Most Wonderful Week

I have looked forward to visiting The Researcher and his family for about a year now. I can't believe the week has come and gone...but it was something that will keep me smiling until the next time!

It was great fun playing with...

"The Excavator"

and "The Cowboy."

The week was packed with fun. We arrived in time to see the Pioneer Day Parade. We were so glad so many of those we love were able to meet us there.

Thanks to Kingfish and The Nurse for hosting us throughout the week. Backyard Croquet was lots of fun with the cousins.

It was great to introduce The Excavator to horses...up close and personal. He was so brave to ride with his cousins.

Our trip culminated with a trip to Flaming Gorge. Even the little guys got in on the fishing action.

What a beautiful place. But spending the week with those I love outside of numbers and don't see too often can't really be described.

Cousin Camp - Day 5

Gus took the day off for the last day of Cousin Camp...Hooray! The rain went away, but it was still cold. But Gus rounded up some coats (a little big) for some outdoor ball fun.

Books, making cookies, watching movies, and a couple more walks for Molly made for a pretty successful day.

Cousin Camp ended with something beyond exciting, though...more like a dream!

On Saturday it was time to load up and go home. We took two cars since we had two different destinations. On the way, I looked back to see a very sad little face. "Why are you looking like that? I thought you had fun at Mumsy's house!" With a little quivering chin, "Well, I'm looking like this because I'm going to miss you so much." I know just how she feels!!!

Cousin Camp - Day 4

I've been experiencing some computer issues, but here's Day 4...better late than never!

It was rainy and turned cold. Since no one brought a coat, we enjoyed inside activities. (And yes, it really was cold enough for a coat!)

Two stainless trash cans can provide lots of laughs like mirrors at a fun house!

Crafts and games rounded out the day.

At the end of the day, we went to the garden to pick some lettuce for a great salad.

Cousin Camp - Day 3

SOMEBODY has a loose tooth, so we spent a little time making tooth pillows so we'll be ready for the tooth fairy. We think they turned out pretty well!

Our exciting adventure for the day was a train ride to The Choo Choo Restaurant where we enjoyed fabulous cupcakes topped with sprinkles and a train whistle. As far as we know, this was one person's first time on a real train. Everyone loved talking to the friendly conductor and playing the ABC game while we rode.

We were so glad our other cousin called and we were able to talk to him on the webcam. We think he's so cute!

All in all another great day!