After Dinner Fun

I went to edit pictures of Hailey's end of the year preschool singing program and found these pictures I had completely forgotten about. They aren't that old, just two weeks. But I forgot they were sitting on the computer waiting to be shared! So the end of preschool can wait. That just means you have something to look forward to coming back here for, right?

After dinner one evening, Kyle went outside to mow the lawn. Naturally, both girls wanted to be outside too. Kyle decided it was time to teach Hailey to mow the lawn. Sure, why not? She's 4 1/2, no better time, right? Maybe if we start her out early she'll grow to love it as a teenager. :) 

The safety glasses kill me. Safety first!

While I was doing who knows what... probably taking pictures of Hailey, Keira crawled into the bike cart and very patiently waited for a ride. She didn't say a single word. She just sat and waited. I wasn't planning on it, but how could I possibly resist that?  

So on a bike ride we went. Hailey decided that sounded more fun than mowing, so she ditched Kyle to finish the job and came with Keira and I. We zipped around the block twice, as fast as my legs could push us- which really isn't very fast. It is ridiculous how much weight those two little bodies add. It is a major workout pulling both of those girls. I had plans on biking all over Farmington with those two in tow this summer. I think we're going to need to work up to it. Maybe by fall we'll be cruising the town. :)

Tracy Aviary

While driving one day, I heard on the radio about Taco Tuesday at the Aviary. $2 admission plus 2 tacos. Done.

Hailey invited her friend Grace to come with us, because everything is always more fun with a friend. Right? We also invited Rara Park to join in on the fun.

Of course the girls weren't interested in eating tacos. No complaint from me! That just meant more tacos for Rara and I. Good thing I was a prepared mama and had packed crackers with cheese and meat that the girls could eat instead. (Those tacos were delicious, by the way.)

After eating lunch we made our way around the aviary. We saw all sorts of birds: pelicans, vultures, hawks, eagles, owls, flamingos, a peacock, parrots, toucans, and all sorts of tropical birds.

Honestly, the highlight of the aviary was not the birds- at least not for the small ones. They were more interested in the play structures that were scattered around. I guess I shouldn't blame them, they are kids. Kids just want to run and play!

Hailey and Grace found some maps listing the plants that were growing all around the aviary. They were so funny as they discussed where to go next and guided us on our journey. It kept them interested, so I just rolled with it.

I'd call the trip a success, even if those girls could care less about learning about the birds and more about roaming free. It's ok, we got out of the house, went somewhere different, brought a friend, enjoyed the sunshine, and ate tacos (or cheese and crackers). 

A Sunday Morning Hike

Kyle and I feel so lucky to live in Farmington. We love it here. It is a small town nestled up close to the mountains that still holds land with farming and animals, but has relatively quick access to plenty of shopping and is just 20 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City. Ideally we would love to someday live out in the country, with a large garden, space to play, and beautiful scenery to enjoy. But... for now we are happy where we're at.

I mean really, we don't need to drive far to get a spectacular view. Just a short drive along main street gives the feeling of country living:

One of the best things about Farmington is the number of easily accessible hiking and biking trails. Kyle and I really want to do a better job this summer of getting out and exploring the area around us. We started this past Sunday by taking the girls out for a morning hike (or walk really). 

We hiked along the Farmington Creek Trial. It begins on a paved path that travels around the perimeter of Lagoon and then cuts through part of the city and heads up into the mountains as it follows the path of Farmington Creek.

We followed the path around Lagoon and then up to Farmington Pond. There we saw ducks and many geese (including a very cute family of geese).

I tried to get a few shots of uncooperative Hailey.

Eventually I got a couple of good ones.

Kyle and I were enchanted by this poppy. I don't know that I had ever seen one up close. They look to me like they are made from tissue paper. And I just love the color. 

I love how nicely maintained this trail is. Plenty of benches and garbage cans- no trash scattered around. The bridges crossing over the creek are pretty awesome structures as well.

Now, I'm pretty sure for all of us the best part of our walk was the surprise we found along the sides of the path. 

The cottonwood trees had dropped their seeds causing the trail to look like some sort of mystical forest. Honestly, my pictures don't do it justice. It was awesome!

In some parts the depth of the cottonwood seeds was a couple of inches. This made for some fun play as we ran through it, kicking up swirling clouds of seed.

We enjoyed ourselves so much it was hard to go back home. We so badly wanted to stay and picnic and play the day away outside. But... there was still church to attend. Playing hookey from church was pretty tempting. But we didn't, because we know it's important for us to be there each Sunday. But, now that we know about this trail we'll have to come back another day and plan to stay longer and explore more.

Recently...

My parents moved into their new house. It took a couple of extra months- but their home is done. And it is very nice and spacious. I'm sure they are happy about having their own space again, and being able to spread out. They have been cramped into a bedroom in our basement for the past 9 months. As much as we love my family, we are pretty happy about having our basement back. But... that means we have a lot of cleaning and re-organizing to do.

Rara Hill came to visit. A few times. She came the first part of April because Kyle's sister Brittany was a model in a fashion show in Provo. The second time she came (along with Papa) a couple of weeks later for Brittany's graduation from BYU (Congratulations Brittany!!). The third time she came was a short stop before and after her trip to South Carolina with Brittany for cousin Julia's graduation from the University of South Carolina. We love having Rara (and Papa) come visit us!

Kyle and I ran away for the weekend. Kind of. It wasn't a relaxing, vacation, romantic run away. It was quick and busy. Kyle's best friend Reid was married the beginning of May. Kyle and I left the girls with my parents (I love that we can do that now) and drove to Washington for the wedding. We absolutely couldn't miss Reid's wedding! It was so fun to see him and Dana so happy. I was also able to catch up with my best friend Julie for a little bit. It was really weird being the friend without children- but also kind of nice. I admit, I did miss those two girls. It was an odd feeling to wake up in the morning with no one begging me to roll out of bed or asking for breakfast.

Keira called Hailey's bluff. Really, she unknowingly helped me out. Hailey one morning brought her clothes to the living room to get changed and left her pajamas behind. I asked her to take them up to her room. Next thing I know they are gone, much too quickly. I asked where they were and didn't get much of a response from her. I asked again where they were and asked if she put them away. She told me she did, but I was still doubtful. Next thing I know, I see Keira pulling out one of the fabric bins in the bookshelf. Lo and behold, there were the PJs. Busted. It was hard not to laugh at Keira's innocence. I asked where the pajamas were and she found them.

Star Wars Episodes 1-6. Kyle introduced Hailey to Star Wars. The two of them watched all 6 movies, over a period of a few months. Hailey is convinced she wants to be a Jedi for Halloween. And nearly every scary part is her favorite- or so she says. I don't know if that is really true, or if it's her way of psyching herself up for it. (Hailey did not watch all of Episode 3- that one gets too intense and sensitive.)

Mother's Day. I enjoyed a good Mother's Day. I slept in until almost 8:30 and woke up to the smell of bacon. Kyle cooked up breakfast burritos- one of our favorite meals. While Kyle cooked, Hailey made me a card and was so excited to give me her surprise. Earlier in the week I was invited to go to the last 45 minutes of preschool for a Mom and Muffin party. We ate muffins and were presented with necklaces and a questionnaire about us filled out by our child. Apparently if Hailey could give me anything it would be a pony and saddle. Hmm... something Hailey wants? I am not so fond of horses. :)

Recently...

I've been wanting to post on here lately, but haven't been able to find the time or the content to post. We've been up to things and stuff. You know, living life. I  just don't have anything real spectacular to share. Here's a little of what we've been up to anyway.

Our fridge died. That is probably the biggest thing that has happened. We spent the weekend eating out of the freezer (thank goodness we have an upright one in the basement!), and storing what few refrigerated items we could save in a few small coolers. It was an unexpected large expense, but... we did get a new updated fridge out of it. It's just a jump start on that kitchen update we want to do someday, right? (Even if it is a few years ahead of any other updates) The in the door water is a novelty item. It's getting Hailey and Keira to drink plenty of water- it's so exciting to see the water coming from the door!

Kyle is attempting to whip me into shape. I am no athlete. I enjoy bike riding, I like to play some sports. But I have 0 points when it comes to agility and grace. Exercising and pushing myself to my physical limit is just not high on my list of enjoyable things to do. Kyle is so good at pushing me outside of my comfortable box. He has gotten me out running! I've even gone on my own free will a few times. Amazing. Really. I've been making it to zumba twice a week at our stake center- and I've enjoyed it. There is definitely a reason I married that boy. He gets me doing things I didn't think I would do.

Spring is here! That means Kyle has been out in the yard working on the beginnings of our transformation. We are putting in all new grass in our backyard. There is still a lot of work to be done before that can happen. The front just received a new helping of seed to fill in the patches of dead spots. Soon enough we'll work on some landscaping. Here, here to some curb appeal!

The stairs have become Keira's favorite spot. She loves to plop down and let her feet touch the floor. The stairs are the perfect height for her little body. I love watching her as she toddles over to the stairs, book in hand, and sits down, softly kicking her feet.

Keira has an obsession with animals. I know most kids do. Hailey did at that age as well. Keira is funny though. She gets so excited when she sees any animal. She screams. Really. We saw a cat on our walk the other day and she screamed- for a second I thought she was upset. She was just over the top excited. My favorite of her latest animals sounds is her cute high pitched "tweet tweet" when she sees a bird.

Hailey's coloring skills have exploded. In recent months she has become very selective of what colors she places where. She uses a peach color for skin, brown or yellow for hair. She tries her hardest to color in the lines. Her pictures are really starting to look fantastic. I've received numerous positive comments on her coloring recently. I agree. It looks good! I'm glad she has found something she enjoys and is willing to spend some extra time on.

What else, what else... we hosted a Frozen party last month, had some friends over for some Easter fun this morning, we've gone on some walks around the neighborhood, a family bike ride, and a "hike" around Lagoon (more of a nature walk). 

That's what we've been up to. What about you?

Recently...

We have spent so much time outdoors. It has been spectacular. So many play dates at the park, and evening walks with Kyle. Yay for Spring! Today it was even warm enough that after our walk to the park we busted out some popsicles!

Keira has started saying hi and bye. It is the cutest thing. Her little soft high pitched voice puts a smile on my face everytime. Her hi and bye paired with a wave... to die for. So cute.

Hailey's artistic abilities are blooming. I love seeing it develop. My two most recent favorite drawings of hers are of Turbo (top image) and a jellyfish (bottom image). If you are unaware, Turbo is a snail. :)

Kyle has been out in the yard cleaning up after winter, and clearing out the remaining bed of rocks that was underneath our (now non-existent) deck. We're getting ready for a Spring backyard overhaul. Hopefully by the end of the summer we'll have a nice backyard to enjoy!

I have been busy playing outside with Hailey and Keira. Trying to do a little blogging on the side, but not getting to it as often as I'd like. Attempting to keep up with cleaning and laundry, but opting to play more often than not.

The screen on my laptop went out. So, we're down to one computer. I know... boo hoo, poor us. But that means Kyle and I have to share! Oh well, worse things could happen, right?

Not so recently, but I never shared it, the girls did face masks. My sister, Corinne, wanted to do a face mask. So, me, Hailey and Keira joined in. Our first girls night. :)

We recently played with some non-Newtonian fluid. It's a mix of cornstarch and water that when resting acts as a fluid. When force is applied it acts solid. It is some fantastically fun stuff!

Oh the Weather Outside is... Awesome!

The weather here the past couple of weeks has been fabulous! Upper 50's in February/March! The snow has finally melted and the precipitation that we've received has been in the form of rain, rather than snow. I love it! 

It's still not quite warm enough to spend all day, everyday outside, but we have still made it out to the park a good number of times. It feels so good. I spent a good deal of January and February working hard to keep up to date on my other blog where I document the things and stuff I make and do. I started the year with a goal to post there twice a week, and here once a week. And I did it for pretty much the entirety of January and February. And then I got burnt out. This nice weather has been a great excuse to break free of the schedule I had dictated for myself, let loose and have some fun with my girls. And I feel so much better! 

When it first began to warm up, Hailey begged me to pull out the new (to us) outdoor kitchen we recently bought. We found it one Saturday during a treasure hunting trip to DI. Nearly everyday since we bought it Hailey had been asking to play with it. It has sat in the garage waiting for warmer days. Once it was slightly warm outside (like upper 40's) I finally pulled it out for Hailey to play with. She was ecstatic! And played with it for a grand total of 5 minutes. :) Typical, right? She spent the rest of her time grabbing each of her outside toys and playing with all of them. It was like Christmas!

Hailey found these awesome glasses in the garage. They are actually 3-D glasses from the movie theater she had kept after seeing a movie. She modeled them for me, in her typical silly way. 

Yay for nice weather! Maybe it will stay for good!? Fingers and toes crossed...