Bringing Home the Bacon

My daily conversations with Anna usually include a lot of curious questions. Yesterday, for example, went something like this:

"Why is today Tuesday?"

"Because yesterday was Monday."

"What time is it?"

"11:30."

What does 11:30 say?"

"Lunchtime."

Where is dad?

"At work."

"Why does dad go to work?"

"To bring home the bacon."

What time is it now?"

"11:31."

And so on and so on. We went about the rest of the day Anna asking, me clipping off answers without much thought. Until Jeff got home.

After the barrage of hugs and kisses from the kids, Anna innocently asked Jeff if he remembered to bring home some bacon.

Jeff and I laughed and laughed.

Anna did not laugh.

Her chin quivered and she tried to hold it together but ended up running to her room crying. Jeff went to investigate the tears. He reported a couple minutes later that Anna really wanted bacon for dinner and she just wanted to be alone.

Jeff will be bringing home bacon tonight. For reals bacon. We are happily anticipating his arrival.

Spontaneous Utah Trip: Day 4

I got sick.

I was no fun to be around.

Everyone else took care of my kids. (Thanks, by the way.)

I refused Nielsen's Frozen Custard.

I took no pictures.

BOO!




On the bright side we did get to help celebrate cousin Cayson's 1st birthday at the lovely Liberty Park. Oh how I love this park. (Anyone want to email me some pictures?) Anna had a great time playing in the rivers fountain but had a bit of a break down when the carousel closed before she had a chance to ride. Good thing we'll be back in Utah in a week and a half. Every time the trip comes up she reminds me about Grandma's promise to take her to back to the carousel. (Hope you're still up for it Marlene!)

Sunday Jeff drove us all home. I made him go home the ugly way even though we had planned to go over the Rocky Mountain Range. I'm sure I was lame company while I sat/slept/stared from the passenger side. He must love me. The kids were troopers and did really well both ways. Good job kiddos!

Spontaneous Utah Trip: Day 3

Friday we met up with Aunt Debbie at one of our favorite downtown spots-Tony Caputo's. Mmmmmm. Great food and it was so fun to spend the time with Debbie.

Anna rode the train into the city with Grandma and loved it despite the fact that the air
conditioning was out.

After lunch we made a quick stop next door to Carlucci's Bakery where I salivated over all the pastries and chocolates. I caved after seeing their Flourless Chocolate Cake which was more like fudge. Anna decided she needed a cupcake and Grandma Marlene was happy to comply. After licking all the frosting off she was done and was hoping for a second.

Later that evening we celebrated Grandpa Larry's birthday with all the cousins. Happy 29th Larry.

Cousins: Bradon, Ethan, Cayson, Riser, Anna, Isaac, and Tanner

(Anna needs a girl cousin. Anyone want to get working on that?)

Isaac was pleased with the balloons.

Anna "helping" blow out the candles.

No pictures of the birthday boy! Sorry Larry.

Spontaneous Utah Trip: Day 2

I felt so lucky to end up in town while the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House was happening. Liz arranged the tickets and we met Julie and her kids there. It was beautiful and inspiring. My favorite was all of the mountain scenes depicted in paintings all though the temple. Anna liked finding the pictures of Jesus and thought the chandeliers were beautiful. The tour was a little long for the kids, but I was grateful for the small teaching opportunities that presented themselves before, during, and after the tour.

Waiting in line with Grandma Black.

Blurry, but they are both smiling!

The reception at the end was actually really nice. Honestly, I was expecting round tables and folding chairs, but there were sitting areas with sofas and club chairs, paintings on the walls, and volunteers handing out cookies and water bottles. A really nice ending to the temple experience.

Can we just take a minute to talk about these legs? They are ridiculous, right? I LOVE them. And while I am desperately trying to limit the amount of blog posts dedicated to my boy's BMI, I cannot help myself with this picture. You can't even see his shorts for heavens sake. Makes me want to go upstairs and wake Isaac up just so I can squeeze him.

Spontaneous Utah Trip: Day 1

Monday afternoon I got a call from Jeff. Scout Camp, which Jeff was supposed to attend Wed-Sat, had been cancelled. Since Jeff already had the time off he suggested we drive to Utah instead. Talk about a welcome surprise! My week went from single mom to family vacation. Yeah! I spent Tuesday packing and getting the kids ready and we were off after work.

Anna was so thrilled to wake up at Grandma Marlene's house. She and Isaac had so much instant love and attention. They soaked it up.

I met my mom and sister Liz for lunch sans kids. It was so lovely to see my glowing, beautiful pregnant sister. We talked pregnancies and babies. It is so fun to share the common experience of motherhood with my mom and sister.

We spent the rest of the day at mom's relaxing, playing, running through the sprinklers, and talking.

I didn't take a single picture. (Will someone email me pictures? I know mom took a bunch.)

Rocky Mountain National Park

Last weekend we went camping at Rocky Mountain National Park. BEAUTIFUL! Of course our campground had a stream running nearby. It is a near requirement these days. Anna definitely expects fishing when we head up the mountains and who is Jeff to disappoint?

Our campground was lovely, but a little unsheltered. Because of the terrible Bark Beetle outbreak, the park has had to cut most of the pines down around the camping areas to stave off falling trees and fire hazards.

The park is basically one long scenic byway. It keeps going up and up and up until you are about 12,000 ft above sea level. It pretty much feels like you are going to drive off into the sky. Anyhoo. If you'll notice above there are elk in the background. At the very highest point on the drive there was this herd of bucks hanging out. Really amazing site.

Anna was unaffected by the cold. Actually, it was quite warm for the mountains.

Helping pack the trunk.

Not a great picture clarity-wise, but I just love it of Isaac.

S'mores. A camping requirement.

Anna loved the whole experience of camping. She kept telling us, "This is the best trip I ever ever seen."

I need a new camera. Mine seems to wash out all the colors. This was an incredible vista.

Classic Isaac.

While the days were near idyllic the night was...how should I put this...hellish? Isaac was not a fan of sleeping on the tent floor. So he and I ended up sleeping in the car to save our camping neighbors from Isaac's freakishly loud cries. Not fun. Oh yeah, I also forgot the air mattress pump so Jeff and Anna slept on the ground with no padding. Sorry guys.

Sensibly Styled

My fabulous friend, running partner, and neighbor Natalie has recently launched a website gathering modest clothing all under one roof. You can browse by store, find out about deals, or just check out her daily finds. And it is all budget friendly.