Today's randoms

Elsie won't touch macaroni and cheese, but she is downing a bowl of feta cheese.

Why do I think it's fun to see how many dishes I can fit into the dishwasher before I start it? I especially love when there are odd-sized and shaped things that require extra thought. It's like a puzzle.

Oh, one of the boys at preschool today kept telling me that I am so funny! I don't really hear that much, so I was feeling pretty awesome about myself. It totally doesn't matter that he's a three-year-old, right?!

Summer visit to Utah

The great thing about being a stay at home mom is that I can do whatever I want whenever I want for how long I want...as long as it involves keeping Elsie happy. Elsie and I were able to fly to Utah a few days earlier than Aaron and hang out with Grandma and Grandpa Wise. I really enjoyed getting to visit with them, watch them play with Elsie, and enjoy some down time by myself.

One day we met with other cousins and aunts at a splash park in Highland. The best part about this park is that it had this little stream that flowed through all sorts of rocks and was really shallow. Elsie could not get enough of it. She loved running through it, climbing on the rocks, letting her shoes go and catching them...she was in heaven.

One day we all (Aaron was there by this time) went up to Deer Creek with Grandma and Grandpa. We found a nice little beach area where nobody else was and set up our stuff. We had yummy snacks, umbrellas for shade, and good company.

The raft was a big hit!

I had to post this picture of Gary trying to get on the other raft. That's payback for making me get in the cold water. (Now, I just have to figure out how to get Aaron!)

Aaron went for a swim in the lake, and Gary and Elsie followed him on the raft. Elsie was so comfy on Grandpa's back.

Proof I was there.

Gary, Aaron, and Elsie were skipping rocks. I tried one. I didn't skip. I suck.

Oh, how I love getting my picture taken.

Elsie crashed as soon as we got home.

We had a great trip as usual. Aaron and I got to go out on a couple dates, we played games, ate great food, and went swimming just about every day. But, we didn't get to see some of our family...that was a bummer! We won't let that happen again. :)

comfy

Elsie getting comfy after finishing her dinner.

(Okay, so I'll admit we still eat in the family room at the ottoman. We just can't get over that habit, and Elsie is such a neat eater that we can get away with it. And we watch "House Hunters" every day while we eat dinner. Elsie even loves to pick which house she thinks they'll choose. Love it.)

summer evening

Elsie and I hanging out in the backyard while Aaron plays with Charlie. That's how we spend our summer evenings. Just perfect.

fall is here

I've had a little dark cloud hanging over me for a while, and it's gone. I feel good.

I am looking forward to fall...celebrating my birthday month, taking a week off with Aaron in October, subbing in the elementary schools to try to get back in the teaching groove, enjoying the milder temperatures, helping with a preschool/play group with Elsie, and feeling happy and having fun with my family.

We had a great visit from Jared/Lindsay this past weekend. We loved having them here!! We all enjoyed the company, but Elsie was especially happy and content. I have to some cute pictures from that visit and the rest of summer. But, just like always, I'm behind on blogging.