Can I have a zip?

Julia loves to drink my water. Sometimes I leave my water bottle on the floor so she can get a drink whenever she wants. She usually ends up carrying it around for a while. It looks pretty funny, since it is half the size of her. Check out her expression in the last one. ???P.S. The title refers to what Jonny used to say to his dad when he wanted a sip of his drink.

Lehi Pool

If you want space to actually swim and are not concerned about having all the fancy new toys and slides that newer pools offer these days, look no further than the Lehi pool. (Well, it does have a slide, but it is out of order. Oh, and it has a high dive and two low dives. Most pools can't boast that!) The Pecks have a family pass there so we frequent it as well. Man, I don't think I've never seen more than 100 people there. (There could be more, but with all the open water, it sure doesn't feel like it.) Today Julia and I had the baby pool all to ourselves. Not only is the lack of a crowd extremely appealing (I have been to others local pools where I can barely move around) but this one holds fun childhood memories for me. If your pool is usually packed, try out this one. Maybe we will see you there?

Moose Bogs and Battle Creek Falls

Last weekend we hiked Moose Bogs (which begins at Granite Flat Campground) with Mom and Dad. I remember hiking this one a few times growing up. I was excited to see the pretty water falling on the rocks, walk on the soft "mattresses," search out the little spring that reminds us of Tuck Everlasting, and keep an eye out for a moose. No moose this time. But a highlight of the trip was riding our bikes home to Mom and Dad's from the trail head. Thanks for driving Julia back, Mom! It was an exhilarating ride.

We were excited to get out and hike this morning since we've been sick and cooped up most of the week. Our good friends the Lafaves told us of a little hike up Battle Creek Canyon in Pleasant Grove. It was a just lovely! (I am very surprised I've never heard of it before, having grown up in PG and all.) It is less than 2 miles roundtrip to the falls, which are beautfiul. The trail follows the water all the way up so you can get your feet wet and splash around whenever you want. (I can't wait to take my neices and nephews on this one. They will love playing in the water.) We highly recommend this hike. Next time we'll bring a picnic and eat it at the falls. Anyone is welcome to join us!

Below are more than enough pictures of both hikes and some of Julia playing in between.

flip-flopping

Julia is pretty silly these days. (Well, actually, not the past several days, as we have all come down with the flu. But usually...) One of her new favorite things to do is thread her hands and arms through our flip-flops. Before learning to walk, she used them as her hands while crawling. Now she thinks it is just hilarious to walk around with them on her arms. When she is done with them, she flaps her arms until the shoes come off! Needless to say, we are often searching under behind couches, under the crib, and in toy baskets for our sandals these days. Here are some pics I caught of her flip-flopping. Funny girl.

It started out with just one shoe on each hand.A few days later, she picked up one more.
But why stop at three?
Flapping them off:

hopeful adoptive parents

Most of you who read this blog also regularly visit my twin sister Emily's blog. But for those of you who don't know my incredible sister and her sweet husband, please see her blog and read about their search for a baby to adopt. More then anything, they want to become parents and love the baby that needs them. We've heard that, most often, word of mouth is the best way to find a baby. The internet is such an incredible tool for spreading information - and these blogs are a big part of that. So please quickly read her post and keep your eyes and ears open for any opportunities! We are hoping that very soon Em and KC will have a baby in their ready and willing arms. Thank you.

And She's Off!

Julia is truly a toddler now. Yesterday we left her with Lili and Jeff while we went out on a little date. When we retrieved our silly girl, Lili nonchalantly reported that she'd been busy walking across the room. WHAT!!?? As far as we were concerned, she was still at the only-taking-a-few-wobbly-steps-between-us stage. Still very surprised and a little skeptical (across the room, come on) I took their word for it, but I was anxious to see it myself. So this morning we tried it out. And here you have it:
Oh, one thing. She didn't turn out as many tricks on this video as the last one (besides the incredible toddling skills), despite my annoying efforts to get her to show her signing. If you get bored of my suggestions for her to sign, most of which she ignores, be sure to skip to last few seconds. I love her pretty little face filling up the screen.



Lili and Jeff, I am very sorry to have doubted you. (And you too, Julia.) You guys must have some kind of magical powers. (I believe she finally learned to "toss it" another time when we left her with you??!) Or maybe she really wants to impress you. Whatever the reason, thanks for helping her to get going. Hey, maybe I will bring her over when it's time to potty train...

what do you remember about me?

I've seen this on many of your blogs and I am loving reading/writing memories of friends and family. Do you have any awesome, hilarious, or almost-forgotten ones of you and me?

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you!

Donut Falls

This past Saturday we hiked Donut Falls with one of Jonny's co-workers and his darling family. (So far we have hiked, biked, and/or ran a race every Saturday this summer. It's so fun to look forward to an awesome outdoor activity all week.) It was a perfect hike for the kids, 4 and 6 years old. (Well, their dad Steven did have to carry them across the freezing river! And it was a little scary watching Jonny step from slippery rock to slippery rock with Julia on his back. Nothing too dangerous for sure, but a little adventurous!) The waterfall is gorgeous and there is some fun climbing involved. We highly recommend this hike that begins not too far up Big Cottonwood Canyon, just remember to wear shoes you don't mind getting wet and bring donuts to eat at the falls! (See Julia demonstrating donut-hole eating below.)

landscaping dilemma

One thing that sold us on our new house was the yard. We love the big back yard, and the spacious front yard is an added bonus! But we are at a loss as to how to fill in the very large flower bed in the front. We don't want to spend a fortune on shrubs and flowers, but we would like to make it look neat and presentable - and perhaps even beautiful? This task seems so large that in moments of despair, I have asked myself if it'd be easier to just tear out the bricks and lay sod. But no, I think we can do this. And so, since we two have no landsacping experience whatsoever, do any of you have specific ideas of what to plant, how to arrange such plants, or any advice at all? Thanks in advance for the help.

While the front yard is a bit overwhelming, we are loving our new hobby as gardeners in the back yard. I am completely amazed that food can grow from a seed stuck in some dirt. Jonny and I are both amateur gardeners, but with help from Jonny's mom Myra (an excellent and experienced gardener), some Google searches, several trips to the nursery, and a lot of weeding, our small garden is really taking shape. We enjoy using fresh herbs in our cooking, plucking spinach at will, giving radishes and lettuce to our neighbor's bunny, and can't wait for the tomatoes and peppers. (Otherwise, we have promising corn, carrots, onions, cucumbers, honeydew - watermelon and cantaloupe didn't make it - strawberries, and green beans.) There's just something perfectly satisfying, even thrilling, about eating food from your own back yard. Now if we can just get the front yard to cooperate...



Note: As you can see, the tomato plants are getting a little out of hand. Yikes! We will see what we can (and should?) do about them!

"For purple mountain majesties..."

As Jonny and I drove up beautiful American Fork Canyon on Friday morning to meet my family for a hike, we heard a tribute to America on some country station. Listening to the quotes from presidents, founding fathers, and American citizens today with patriotic music in the background, we both found ourselves in tears. I love this country and am very proud to be an American. This is an incredible place to live with a unique and admirable history. Sadly, so many Americans don't think this today. (You should hear the crazy things the kids in my mom's classes at UVU say.) But I have a feeling that the majority of us here in the United States do love, respect, appreciate, and defend our country. And anytime I see patriotism in everyday things and people and events, I feel even more proud to be an American.

I think we all love Independence Day. This year our 4th was perfect. Our Salamander Flats hike was beautiful and fun. Resting in the afternoon, we watched Born Yesterday, a darling and inspiring black and white movie that we love to watch at this time of year. We also enjoyed visiting with family (including "Cousin Varnel" who even judged the pies this year) at Barry's 18th Annual July 4th Pie Bake-Off. Jonny and Matt went biking while we at mom and dad's house played a rousing game of Wackee Six. (We even squished in the new T@B and played a round in there. Dad won that round - a rare and exciting event!) In the morning Jonny and I went mountain biking with Lindsey and Keegan Bench, who we love to see whenever we get the chance. (We had an awesome time up there with you two. Hope to ride again soon!) Later on Saturday we three and Drew enjoyed a delicious dinner at Olive Garden. To end the festivities, Jonny set off a few fireworks in front of our house. It wasn't all that exciting in broad daylight, but he really wanted Julia to experience them before her 6:45 bedtime! With baby in bed, we played badminton, weeded the garden, and Jonny and our neighbor caught the snake that I saw in our backyard earlier this week. Sorry, forgot to capture the snake on film. But believe me, it was no garden snake, as Jordan and the kids will tell you.



I think one reason I love being in the mountains so much is because it makes me feel like I am really appreciating and being a part of the gorgeous place where we live. America has so many beauties. The oceans, red rock desserts, green rolling hills, and open prairies are captivating. But I always seem to feel most at home in the mountains.

This Tag:

Um, since I am a little lazy I copied and pasted Em's so I could keep a few that apply to me as well. Plus, I don't have to think so hard this way. Thanks, Em!

20 years ago I:

1. Was 3 years old.
2. Wore a string bikini with stars on it (or maybe I was younger when I wore that). Yes, this was one of Em's that I liked. So there.
   
3. Sang a solo at my preschool graduation.
   
4. Played with a doll as big as I was. (Remember that doll, Em?)
   
5. Cried because Mom said I could only have half a piece of cake like the rest of the family was having. (And yes, this is caught on tape.)
   

10 years ago I:

1. Was 13 and in 8th grade.
   
2. Thought capri pants were silly. I bought some the next year and have loved them ever since.
3. Was thrilled when chosen to read the part of Anne Frank in our class reading of the play.
   
4. Actally enjoyed "Fun Run" Wednesdays in P.E. class. Started running on my own.
   
5. Started a Christmas Eve Eve tradition with Jill, Marianne, and Emily that we still do. (Thanks again, Em.)
   

5 years ago I:

1. Graduated from LPHS. I loved high school and was sad to say goodbye, but also very excited for the future.
   
2. Went to BYU where I lived with the best roommates a person could ever wish for. Missed Em (at Utah State) every day. Established my own identity for the first time in my life: A bitter-sweet experience.
   
3. Met Jonny in ASL class. Started to crush on him when he sang aloud (yes, in silent ASL class) the "1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12..." song from Sesame Street.
   
4. Learned the phonetic alphabet.
   
5. Spent three weeks with Em and Turpins in Maryland. Loved running under the tall trees along the gorgeous paths that surround Cami's neighborhood. Did a lot of thinking on those runs. (Actually 4 years ago, thanks for the correction, Cami!)
   

3 years ago I:

1. Married Jonny and began the live the happiest part of my life so far.
   
2. Flew to Indiana with Jonny to meet his Grandma, Aunt Barb, and Uncle Dan. Fell in love with them and Brown County.
   
3. Was sad when Em said she'd never like that KC kid - he seemed pretty cool. Was very happy when she finally fell for him.
   
4. Jonny and I sold my car and bought a scooter.
   
5. Loved my summer job as an aid with Merideth in the Mitton home, helping Allison with her then 8-year-old triplets, two with severe cerebral palsy. Worked with the amazing family the next summer and babysat with Jonny on Friday nights.
   

So far this year I:

1. Celebrated my darling's first birthday.
   
2. Bought a beautiful home in a very pleasant neighborhood.
   
3. Took my two best friends to Disneyland for the first time.
   
4. Enjoyed seeing my little sister and her new husband get happily married.
5. Hike and bike and run with my baby - who knew we could do so much together!?
   

Yesterday I:

1. Visited the Mitton triplets and loved the feeling of summers past at their home.
   
2. Bought a badminton set.
   
3. Forgot to buy some draino because I was so excited about the badminton set.
   
4. Made stuffed tomatoes for dinner, using fresh herbs from my garden.
   
5. Put up the badminton net, only to be disappointed that it was too windy to play.
   

Today I:

1. Efficiently cleaned both bathrooms in just under 30 minutes. Nap times are precious and must be used very wisely.
   
2. Ate a wrap made with spinach from my garden. Awesome.
   
3. Watched Barney with Julia. She nearly watched the whole episode sitting (well, actually, standing) there on the couch. (I'd prefer the Backyardigans but we only have an antenna providing basic channels to keep us entertained around here!)
   
4. Will put Julia in her little pool where she will most likely sit contently with her sunglasses on.
5. Will enjoy this early weekend night with Jonny. We will probably weed, eat watermelon, and play badminton - weather permitting.
   

Tomorrow I will:

1. Go on an early bike ride with Jonny and Julia.
   
2. Go on an afternoon hike with the fam.
   
3. Hopefully nap in between the two.
   
4. Eat pie at my Uncle Barry's annual Pie Bake-Off picnic.
5. Celebrate how lucky we are to live in this incredible country.
   

In the next year I will:

1. Lay sod on the half of our backyard that isn't finished yet.
   
2. Go on more dates with my handsome husband.
   
3. Visit Maryland and Indiana family, hopefully.
   
4. Make more time to read. I love it - sometimes I forget how much I love it.
   
5. Iron Jonny's shirts. I never seem to remember to do that. And he appreciates it so.
   

help wanted: allergy relief

I always get a little hay fever, but this year my allergies are much worse than usual. I need help! Has anyone had luck with specific allergy medications? Please share. Julia isn't even imitating my sneezing, noise-blowing, or eye-itching anymore - it has become so commonplace!

Horse Tail Falls

On Saturday Mom, Dad, Drew, Jeff, Lili, Jonny, Julia, and I hiked the Horse Tail Falls trail in Alpine. This is my third time hiking this nice, shady trail. And for some reason I never remember that it is a little steep. Nothing you can't handle, but you do get a workout. The lookout point where you see the falls is gorgeous and definitely worth the uphill hike. (Linds, do you remember when we found our way to the falls and you saved my life crossing the river??! I was reminded of that and how I am forever indebted to you...)

Oh, and before the hike Jonny and I picked up a Gandolpho's breakfast sandwich. When you are in the mood for a delicious and filling breakfast, try out the "Huevos Locos." You will not be disappointed.

Thanks for coming on the hike, you guys. Let's do another one again soon!

Note: In the picture above Julia is munching on a carrot. Those little babies kept her happy the whole hike.
I think this picture is funny - it looks like Lili and Jeff are posing/pretending to have fun. No way, man. It is candid. That is them all the way.