4th of July Vacation : Montana

I am loving the new tradition my family has established of meeting up at my parent's house in Montana over the 4th.  It is without a doubt the best time of year to take advantage of Montana's peak season.  Coming from Canada (Linds), Alabama (Taryn), Cincinnati (Tess) and us from Utah - I look forward to this trip from the moment we say goodbye the year before.  Additionally, Dean will soon be leaving for his LDS mission to Prague and it is emotional thinking about how long he'll be away.  The husbands (and worker Tessa) had to leave after a week but Lindsey, Taryn and I and our babies planned an extended stay.  This post will have several parts - there are so many pictures and memories I want to document.  Here are the fun things we did during the time the whole family was together.

Now that there are so many little ones running around - we enjoyed staying in at night and the late sunset (10pm) with lovely evening dinners outside and some s'more roasting.  What a perfect way to visit after the kiddies get to sleep.

Had to make the 4th of July breakfast at the church.  The girls were turning heads in their matching dresses from Mommacat.  That evening we went to a few parties and tried to prolong the babies bedtimes. Fireworks were almost visible from the patio... but wattaya do when kids have to be in bed? 

We spent lots of time at Lake Blaine where Ben introduced Blair to open water. We were nervous she would think the water was too cold and so wide open.  Right off the dock she was so excited!   She kicked and kicked under the water and wanted to swim all afternoon.  So cute.

Taryn and Michael held Hudson's blessing at the house after church on Sunday.  What a special thing to witness.  Have I mentioned before that Hudson is the sweetest little boy?  He is so darling and mild mannered, and the fact that I see Taryn when I look at him is the best. What a cutie.

Mom planned a really fun outing at Whitefish Mountain resort - then she offered to tend four kids so we could go.  Bless her. First we started with the zip lines - this thing is no joke! You ride a series of six cables that takes you all the way across and down the mountain.  Incredible! The harnesses were serious stuff. It was a wonderful ride.

going up

can you see the far point of the picture? that's where we were headed

After a quick refreshment break, Dad joined us as we took a "walk in the treetops".  On the other side of Whitefish Mountain there is a series of planks (literally, narrow planks!) connected by trees.  At the tallest point we were suspended 70 feet in the air. We partnered up and had to focus as we clicked in and out of different cables overhead. It was an incredible view from the top.  Being in a harness all day wasn't so bad... the weather was perfectly perfect and we had a really fun time.

no - olivia did not brave the hike in the treetops or the zip lines - this is a picture tessa took from a beautiful hike they took one day. A postcard!

St. George Getaway

How lucky were we to be invited to St. George to stay the weekend with some of our dearest friends from Park City?  Brandon and Michelle were wonderful hosts to us - and their three darling (darling!) kids were fantastic hosts to baby Blair.  Remember how I said Blair loves to watch little people... well, she was in observer's heaven for four days straight! We didn't capture enough of the fun, but these pictures about sum it up. It was the perfect pre-Easter getaway. Great friends, great late night cards, wonderful conversation and delicious poolside eats.

 We went downtown to a beautiful park with a splash area near historic main street. The weather was perfect the whole weekend.  No wind, no heat, no chilly nights. Perfect!

 Oh Blair Blair. She was a little wary of the chilly (chilly!) water - but she loved splashing from the side and of course, a chance to debut her swimwear. I was hosing her down with spf 60 every ten minutes. Heaven forbid I be responsible for burning that porcelain skin!

 Brocky J. aka "brockadile" is the ultimate character. The kids kept taking turns riding in our "space rocket" car.  Brock looked at me during his maiden voyage and asked, "Is this an '85?" Oh me. His poses from the backseat wearing Ben's 'racing' glasses were absolutely priceless, and completely of his own creation.

 

Blair was experiencing the water without actually being in the water. It looks refreshing but it was mighty "crisp" shall we say.

Zanesville Visit

Last week my family took a few days off to spend time in Ohio.  My grandma passed away after a painful illness that lasted over three years.  Although knowing she was sick, I was still surprised by the news and so saddened to think that we wouldn't be seeing her again in this life. Grandma was such a sweet and loving influence on me. I have such fond memories of spending time with her while my family lived in Ohio years ago.  What a blessing to be able to travel back for her funeral and to be able to hug my Grandpa and tell him I loved him and Grandma too.

It was a very bittersweet experience.  It's hard to be too sad knowing that my grandma is no longer in any pain.  She lived a wonderful and long life full of tremendous acts of kindness and charity. She left a great legacy in her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Dean, Blair and I flew in from Utah right after his semester ended.  We flew into Cincinnati to spend about 20 hours with Tessa & Duffy.  I hadn't been to their place (or Cincy for that matter) and it was wonderful to see where and how they're living. Oh I loved their place!  My little Tessie - a fabulous homemaker, crafter, designer and hostess.  She's all grown up!  Tess & Duffy took us on a wonderful tour of Cincinnati, what a great city. Of course we had to stop in at the Fountain Square Graeter's (world's best ice cream) that just so happened to be conveniently located across the street from where Tessa's building is (US Bank Headquarters).  How fat would I be if that were my office? After that we drove up to the top of the city and walked around Eden Park. Like a postcard.

Back at home, Blair was introduced to her first animal - Harper the dog. Oh he is so sweet and so gentle. Blair was wary at first but then her anxious kicks turned into excited kicks.  She was mesmerized by his movements, his tongue and all that furriness.

After a short stay at Easter church, we headed for Zanesville three hours away.  I didn't hear a peep from the backseat and turned around to see Dean holding Blair's hand while she slept. No words. As if I needed another reason to completely adore Dean. He's wearing his awesome glasses, the same pair that Jason Derulo wears. I have a feeling he might turn this picture into his new facebook profile pic.

I was trying to be a fun front seat companion for Tessa, but it turns out she thought I was rather boring!?  I've completely lost my touch I guess.  Some yummy trail mix would've helped.

Look at these baby cousins?  Born within seven months of each other - I can hardly stand it. Taryn left Reese back in Alabama after scheduling three all-day playdates for her and she brought Hudson to Ohio.  I wouldn't have met him for three more months and it was incredibly special to meet him so soon. Oh he is absolute heaven. Lindsey and Olivia took a long flight in and once together, Blair and Olivia were at it again.  Those girls!  They are just three months apart but pretty soon they'll be up to (and into) all the same things.  Blair can sit up, Livy is so close. Livy has sprouted a tooth, and Blair has none in sight. They did rather enjoy spending time together though. As I've mentioned before, Blair is fascinated by people closer to her size. Can you see what Olivia is doing here? Yes, sucking on Blair's feet!  We were all hysterical once we noticed what was going on.  Blair was content chewing on someone's iphone cover and hardly noticed what Livy was up to.

 

I LOVE my Grandpa.  He is undoubtedly the most kind, friendly, considerate and loving person I've ever known.  Not to mention his killer jokes and warm personality.  What a wonderful thing to introduce Blair to him. He told her jokes, he put on his accents, he danced with her around the kitchen. He's still the exact same grandpa I remember as a little girl.

 

We spent a lot of time catching up with cousins, aunts and uncles that we hadn't seen in many years.  Each one of my cousins were there - all of us - in little Zanesville (see picture above). The funeral service was something I will never forget. It was an incredible tribute to Grandma. 

Interestingly enough, there were no husbands... we were just sisters, Dean and my parents again. And babies of course.  As much as we love our hubbies - I enjoyed the dynamic of the way we used to be. Three babies, seven people, five days and two hotel rooms.

Birmingham : Eats

There is something so memorable about Southern cooking... I figured our 'eats' along the way were worth a good post all their own.  So lucky to have Taryn, our personal food connoisseur, along with us.  She highly recommended a place called Flip Burger Boutique in Birmingham.  Anyone who likes a good burger (doesn't everyone?!) would LOVE this place. We tried the rBq, chorizo, thai, po boyger and korean bbq burgers. Wow. So delish.  And, we couldn't leave without ordering the tempura sweet potato fries (served with chocolate salt), onion rings, and the Nutella toasted marshmallow milkshake.  The restaurant was started by Richard Blais, who appeared on Iron Chef America and Top Chef : Chicago. The booths in the restaurant were in the shape of a giant oval - and the pendant light was attached to a wooden structure above that was the exact shape and size of our table, like a mirror image...  such a creative idea for a place with the name "Flip."  Take a look at these plates.

We somewhat disrupted the flow of the restaurant with our car seats and high chairs, to which I say, "deal with it!" p.s. - I'm one of those annoyed mothers who can't stand restaurant bathrooms with no changing table, or counter, or ANY place to change a baby. Rude.

We went to a new restaurant in Montgomery called Village Kitchen.  It is located in a stylish development with a Crossville store and other nice retail spaces.  The restaurant itself is very well-designed.  Having been to markets in both Vegas and High Point for the last few years, I was really impressed at how current the design is, and saw pieces I recognized from different market showrooms. I should have taken more pictures of the interior - the paint colors, lighting, accessories and the large white tufted banquettes made for a very hip dining experience.  And then there's the menu -guess what I ordered?  french toast topped with sausage.  You have never tasted anything so yummy.  I ate the entire plate - complete with buttered syrup.  Mom and Michael had the fried chicken waffle... that's right, a piece of fried chicken came on a waffle - meant to be eaten together w/ syrup.  Talk about a Southern twist.  We also sampled the shrimp and grits and more sweet potato fries.  I will always remember you, plate of french toast.

Lindsey bought a Groupon to a dessert bar called Yolo.  It was a self-serve yogurt bar, a cupcake shop, a candy store and a gelato shop all in one.  It was tasty.  Reese thought so too - she was very into the sample cups of pink frozen yogurt.

No outing in Tupelo is complete without a trip to Pepper's Deli - Mom took a long lunch to eat with us.

Just before Blair and I caught our flight home, we stopped by Trattoria Centrale with Taryn and Reese. This yummy little cafe is in the heart of downtown Birmingham.  Very unique menu and delicious as well. Mostly we were just trying to postpone our inevitable departure. 

Girls Trip : Birmingham

Over the weekend my three sisters and my mom met up in Birmingham, Alabama for another exciting 'girls trip' (see Miami posts from '09).   Taryn is just weeks from delivering her baby boy - and there was some acquaintances that simply HAD to be made. Taryn and Reese hadn't met Blair or Lindsey's Olivia, and Tessa hadn't met Olivia either. Tessa flew in from Cincy, Linds and Olivia from San Diego and Mom from Montana.

We spent Friday and Saturday shopping and dining around Birmingham.  What an interesting city. It reminds me a lot of Memphis - but with beautiful rolling hills.  Sunday we were in Montgomery, where Taryn lives, to attend her highly-anticipated Sharing Time and spent the day seeing the sights in town.  We went by the state capitol, the courthouse where Michael spends his days, and other well-known sites, among them the chapel where Martin Luther King, Jr. pastored, the Greyhound station where the 1961 Freedom Ride started, and others. It was fascinating.  The South has some of the most beautiful architecture in the country in my opinion - so reminiscent of the historic time period. I could have spent all day driving around looking at the homes. After Lindsey and Tessa left, Taryn, Mom and I drove over to Tupelo (MS) where we lived for ten years growing up.  What a trip down memory lane.  I hadn't been back for almost five years.

We had such a great trip.  With such a short time together we had to make the most of every moment -- and we did! My sisters and mom are such an important part of my life - spending time together makes my world feel complete.  Can't wait for our summer trip up to my parents home in July.

 Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist

 We all packed variations on the same black dress for church. My mom looks the youngest, check you out!

 

Reese was in heaven at Charming Charlie's - a store filled with color-sorted accessories. What a fashionista.

 The weather in Birmingham wasn't the best, we were bundled as were our babies! At a shopping center called The Summit, we found Swoozies - THE cutest gift store.

 We treated Reese to a mani in Tupelo - she was so still and waited very patiently while the paint dried.  Even hours later she had her hands in the air - still afraid her nails would smear.

Pre-Christmas Holiday

Blair and I hitched a ride with Dean up to Montana on his way home from BYU for his semester break.  He is a fun road-trip buddy.  I wish I captured on video Dean mixing a bottle for Blair in the backseat - priceless.  We were thankful for the chance to see my parents and Lindsey and Mike (up from San Diego) and to finally meet baby Olivia Lindsey.  Otherwise I'm not sure when I would've met her.

(taking a nap on the long ride up north, snuggled up with her Dottie)

Baby Olivia is so precious! At five weeks old, she is just a little peanut.  It's funny how everyone says Blair is so small (she only hangs out with older babies)... putting Blair next to Olivia makes her look like a giant sumo baby! They were so glad to have some playtime - mostly consisting of Blair trying to poke Olivia's eyes out - we're still working on our hand/eye coordination.  Mommacat wasted no time in coming up with matching outfits for the girls, and Christmas ones to boot! :) So much fun. So many photo-ops!

 Dean is a great uncle - he is always willing to help out with the babies - walking/rocking them,  entertaining them with his antics.  I bet he'd even change a diaper if I asked. 

 visiting Grandpa at work

I love Santa pj's??  Too cute!  You should see what was behind the camera - all five of us were snapping pictures and video, "Blair, Olivia, look over here..."   That explains Blair's quizzical face.

We had a nice long stay - baking, Christmas decorating, napping (yes, Blair napped there, on her own, a miracle!), visiting by the fire, last-minute shopping, and all sorts of fun things.  Blair and I even had an advantageous flight cancellation that extended our stay another 12 hours... we stayed a week and still didn't want to leave.  I think Ben was worried we wouldn't make it home for Christmas. 

Easter 2010

Ben and I had a great time at his parents house yesterday for Easter. After a lovely and very lazy day watching conference in our cozies (I did make a few rhinestone binkies and clips to keep my hands busy), we headed to Layton for the festivities. The ground was freezing, as usual for Easter, but the kids would not be deterred from their hunt! Here are some of my favorite pictures from yesterday.

Olivia, Grace and me

And finally, my 'bump' debut. FYI I had been secretly stashing my pockets with candy during the hunt... so most of what you see is candy. I'll keep telling myself that. I'm 22 weeks tomorrow and, if I'm gaining steadily, probably 30 lbs above my pre-pregnancy weight by my next appointment this week. Here's hoping that the baby will grow from now on and not so much my backside anymore.

25 Days: Christmas Holiday in Montana

me and Tessie staying toasty by the ice at Lake Blaine, enough fur happening here?

I'll do a nice long holiday post encapsulating our trip up to my parents house in Bigfork. Enough daily posts from me lately, don't you agree?

We have had a really wonderful time with the family. It stinks that my sisters/husbands live all over the country and we rarely get together, but I really love that when we do meet up, we are all staying under the same roof! Baking time, jammie time, breakfast time, movie time, you name it - I just enjoy being together with everyone.

Dean on the ice... floats like a butterfly, stings like a bee!

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were wonderful. Just the right amount of presents (esp. considering each was wonderful) and great brunch and dinner. Since then we have been checking the holiday activities off the list: ice skating at Lake Blaine, kicking off a grueling gingerbread house competition, catching new releases at the movies, nightly guitar/band hero, pedicures, skiing and of course, entertaining friends just about every night for dinner. (Mom loves to host parties and I think she enjoys it even more when we are all home) In other news, it has been SO cold up here. I have been wearing all kinds of mis-matching layers just to keep warm.

Reese couldn't get enough of her microphone. She kept saying, "what will I sing? what will I sing?" and even cuter, she now calls Dean "Deano-baby"

Michael and Reese near the lake... Taryn taught Reese different ice skating poses... you should see her arabesque

My brother Dean had his Eagle Scout Court of Honor this week and it was so wonderful to be there. Dean is an amazing person - we'll add this to the list of his accomplishments. (I can brag as his sister, he doesn't read this anyway). He's finishing up his college applications for next fall and I can't wait to see what he'll decide. He's applied to BYU and MIT... both good options. :) and probably as opposite as it gets! I'd love him to move out close to me and Ben so we can spoil him. Every freshman needs a washer/dryer, a good Sunday dinner, and a place to get away from the dorms with his double date, right?

Other than the outings we've had this week... the most fun thing about the vacation has been getting to spend time with Reese. She has an exponential vocabulary and is so anxious to learn/see new things and talk, talk, talk! She is full of energy and cute mannerisms and all kinds of things that make baby girls SO much fun. She calls me Lolen and I love her little voice and her hugs and 'pats'. I will miss her as I always do when I leave her.

Lindsey and Mike leave on New Year's Eve and Tessa, Duffy and I'll leave on the 1st. Ben had to get back to work on Monday so I've been solo all week. I miss him but I have to say it's nice to be able to lounge all day and have nobody to entertain. I feel like the husbands get more restless than we sisters do - we're content to snack, lounge, read, visit and watch food network all day. What else do you need?