A Real Tear-Jerker

Today we said "see ya later" to our great friends, the Christensens. Although our first connections with them started in Provo, we have really gotten to know them since we've moved here to Kansas and it has been three years full of fun times. There are so many memories we can't even count them all! They stayed with us the past two days before leaving this morning for Indiana to start their grad school adventure...

Peter & Matt served together in Young Mens & share a love of ESPN, "dad" jokes, games, power tools, singing off-key & football.

Camie & I served together in Primary & share a love of almost everything.

Parker & Lydia have been best friends since they were babies, and share a love of toys, wrestling, giggling & getting into mischief.

Tyler & Clayton just met, but as you can see by their choice of clothing, they already think alike.

I've never cried when I've left or been left behind by a friend, but I bawled my eyes out this morning! We will sure miss our friends, but we are excited for them also & look forward to keeping in touch over the years!

Tidbits

Recent headlines around our household are:

• Peter Gets His First Business Card as Masters Level Psychologist at Community Mental Health Center! "Look, I'm official!" - Peter
• Michelle Loses Grandfather (Maternal) after 10-Month Battle following Stroke. "I'm happy that he's in a better place." - Michelle
• Parker Discovers New Favorite Musician, Dan Zanes. "Actually, Mom discovered him for me. She's picky about the music I listen to, since she has to listen, too. 'Malti' is my favorite." - Parker
• Tyler Finds His Toes! "They're there for me whenever I need them." - Tyler

Sunday, Sunday

Today I am missing my friends Camie (on vacation, soon to be moved), Alyson (on a LOOONG vacation), Anne Marie (moved to Texas...sniff) & Debbi (also on vacation). It was CRAZY Primary day today & I needed some girl affirmation...WHEREFORE ART THOU, LADIES?

Some Like It Hot...

...but not me! Having grown up in the temperate climate of the PNW, I am not an extreme temperature person. The past few days with temperatures over 100 degrees have kept me indoors, enjoying the AC. Parker, however, can't get enough of the sun, so he's been hanging out in his wading pool in the backyard. Here are a few shots of our little yard ape in action.

Most of the time the water doesn't stay in long.

Peter invented our "waterslide."

Sailing away...

...as Cap'n Jack Sparrow takes to the open seas once again!

Bumbo Baby!

Tyler is four months old today, & I can hardly believe it. He continues to be a sweet addition to our little family; he loves to play patty cake & laugh at Parker when he runs around like a hooligan. However, I think my initial impression of him being totally laid-back (especially in comparison to Parker at the same age) has changed. Maybe it's because he's teething, but lately he's been pretty crabby whenever he's left out of my arms for more than a few minutes at a time. Which would be fine with me, if I never had to clean my house!

I found my solution at Target the other day. The Bumbo has got to be the coolest thing ever invented for babies, and here's why:

1. They can sit straight up in it - I don't know about your babies, but Tyler does not care to be constantly reclined, staring up at the ceiling. He likes to look at whatever's around him, especially me when I am busy in the kitchen.

2. They can be at eye level with you - okay, so the instruction manual says not to use it on elevated surfaces (like every other baby contraption), but who can resist when it takes up such little space & keeps you close to them? I had my first meal in peace the other day when I sat him in the Bumbo on the dining room table, keeping me right at his level. Plus, it is so much easier to lift him out of this (on the counter, as you see), than to lift him out of his exersaucer or bouncy seat.

3. No straps, buckles, yada yada yada - this one was huge for me, since total time spent strapping and unstrapping him in his other toys took about a third of my day. The seat is designed to hold them in, using their own body weight. And it's comfy!

4. Transports easily & is lightweight - I could take this to the library, a friend's, a restaurant, the movies, the pool, wherever and he would be happy in it.

5. Helps keep toy-to-mouth action a breeze - the section that comes up between his legs conveniently props the rattle or teething ring right into position for gumming, which he is big on.

At $40 a pop, this is the best investment I've made when it comes to babies. It is suitable for infants 3-14 months old. While I do not plan to have his little bottom grow into the chair by constantly keeping him in it, it will definitely help out during busy times. I'm sure it's not the answer for every kid's problems, it sure was for us!

p.s. I have Lori & Camie to thank for the tip - you saved my life, ladies!

Quotes of the Week

#1

Parker: "Mom, are you in my bedroom?"
M: "Yes."
P: "You stinker."

#2

After making Parker a sandwich on slightly stale bread...

P: "Mom, why is my sandwich scratchy?"

Fourth of July

I think the Fourth of July is one of my new favorite holidays - it's the one major holiday that everyone in the nation can celebrate together, regardless of race, religion, etc. And it's such a great excuse for getting together with family & friends to party, which I ALWAYS love doing.

We had a great one this year - Jared, Heidi & Ashley came up to stay with us on their way to New York so we spent the day playing "Ticket to Ride," going on a walk, and of course, grilling out. Ashley is so cute; she & Parker had a great time hamming it up together. Then we headed out to our friend GR's annual fireworks extravaganza to chat with friends & watch the show. It was awesome! "Pyro Peter" even got to take part in lighting them off. I was surprised to find that Parker was not quite as thrilled with the fireworks this year as he was last year - he spent most of the show in the fetal position on my lap! Tyler, however, did great & was actually trying to communicate with them! Hope you all had a great one - God Bless America!