A concert in the park

Each Sunday evening in June, Utah Premier Brass puts on a concert in the park.  These Sunday evening concerts have been a tradition for 40 years.  Growing up, we lived near the park and would walk to the concerts, frequently taking popcorn to munch on while we listened.  It was one of my favorite summer activities.

Kent and I have continued that tradition, attending the concerts, taking the children, munching on popcorn.  We also enjoy the company of extended family.  Both of the children love the music--Brandt conducts, Blythe dances.  Brandt wants to be a conductor when he grows up (how many three year olds aspire to maestro-dom?), so we recently bought him a baton which he calls his "Conductor Stick."  This past Sunday Brandt was offered the privilege of conducting the half-time march around the park, and although he was confident enough to conduct during the rest of the concert, always with his stick, he folded under the pressure of being put on the spot and wouldn't conduct the march.  As a result, Blythe conducted while Brandt stood to the side being self-conscious.  As soon as the march was over though, Brandt went back to conducting and Blythe went back to dancing.

Here are some shots from last Sunday's concert, all courtesy of Grandpa George.

Blythe gets a hair cut

For some months now, Blythe's hair has been out of control.  It was long, scraggly from having grown in at different times, and always swishing around her head.  She doesn't like any kind of barrette or hair bob or hair band, so it always looks a fright, even if I have combed it.  I had annual birthday pictures of the children taken last week, and both Brandt and Blythe needed a haircut before we had those pictures taken.

I took video of both children getting their haircuts, and here are some shots taken from that film.

Blythe waiting patiently for her turn in the chair.

See that wild hair?

Blythe on my lap.

She was unwilling to sit by herself.

Blythe didn't have much hair cut off. 

Everything just got evened out.

Blythe was very interested in what was happening on the video.

Here we are watching ourselves.

And a couple pictures of Brandt.

Can you believe how long his hair is?

Brandt is looking fairly suspicious of Jaclyn's efforts.

Here's a boy who loves a hair cut.

Not!

Benny

I Spy a silver key,

a turtle under a tree,

and a bright yellow three.

I made this image extra large so you might actually have a chance of seeing the turtle.

Yes, there is a turtle, a real true live turtle, in this picture.

About a month ago, while on his way home, Kent saw a turtle crossing the road.  It was moving pretty quickly for a turtle, but still, Kent was certain it was not going to make it all the way.  So he stopped and rescued it.  Kent called it Benny and we let it go free-range in the backyard.  He has been burying himself in the underbrush and eating the veg Kent has put out for him.  

Benny, the free-range turtle

Eventually, however, it is going to get cold and Benny will need additional attention, attention I do not feel equipped to provide as I am barely giving adequate attention to the children sometimes.  There was also the added fear factor experienced by the children who were oh so interested in the turtle until he poked his head and legs out and began to move around.  Blythe wanted to touch Benny and hold Benny and be Benny's friend but would shriek every time he made the slightest movement.  So we took him to the animal shelter.  We were assured that someone will take an interest in Benny and he will go to a good, turtle loving home. Benny was not happy to be in the plastic bin on the way to the shelter, climbed out and ended up stuck in the car door.  

Benny, peeking out of the door

I was going to take Benny to the shelter yesterday and couldn't find him.  I searched under every shrub, three times, with no luck.  Brandt suggested that perhaps Jack and Simon Tanner, our neighbors, had snuck over and kidnapped him.  So I called their mom Heidi, but she assured me they were not turtle snatchers.  Kent was able to find Benny, buried, with only a little bit of its shell visible.  If, like me, you haven't been able to spy the "turtle under a tree," I'll tell you he is between the blue rubber band and the pink pig. 

A garden walk

Because this is how big our private back yard is

(Can you tell children live here?)

We have to have our garden elsewhere.  

The solution?

A garden down the front walkway.

There is a strip that gets lots of sun, is watered by the automatic sprinkling system,

and the very best thing about it?

I can see it from the kitchen window and can tell when it needs attention 

This year Brandt helped me with pot preparation and planting.

And here is the finished product.

Growing nicely are carrots, peppers, tomatoes, and basil.

Happy Father's Day!

Kent is such a fantastic dad.  He has it all figured out.  He is patient, he is kind, he is willing to get up in the night, he changes diapers, he takes the children on long walks.  He is almost never irritated with Brandt or Blythe, and when he is, he expresses his irritation so benignly it is hard to tell anything is wrong.  Kent never raises his voice, he is never overly emotional, and he always says yes.  He reads stories, tells stories, and creates wonderful moments with Brandt and Blythe that let them know how much he loves them.  I am so fortunate to be parenting with him, and Brandt and Blythe are fortunate to have him as their dad.

And speaking of being fortunate to have good dads, Kent and I lucked out too.  Kent says of George, "With each passing year, he gets smarter.  When I was teenager, he didn't know anything."  I have found George accepting, loving, and blind to my faults, all of which I love about him.  Larry is generous to a fault.  Kent says, "Inside that hulking frame is a heart of gold."  He has a true Santa spirit.  Both men love their children and grandchildren and find great joy in being surrounded by their posterity.  

 Wonderful grandfathers and father

George, Larry, and Kent

Happy Father's Day to you all.

We love you!

Fun fun fun in the sun sun sun

I have not been on my bike since Little Red Riding Hood two weeks ago, and I was desperate to ride.  Friday was the day to remount.  I packed a lunch, hooked up the bike trailer, and strapped on my bike helmet.  The children climbed in and we set off.  Actually, we set up.  We rode up the canyon and pulling the children, I felt every pound of child, trailer, and picnic blanket.  We rode to Nunns Park, rendezvoused with Tysen and her kids.  We hiked to Bridal Veil Falls, and ate lunch on the grass under a tree.  

The ride down the canyon was much, much easier.

Blythe and Shay-Shay (Shaley) "hiking."

Our hike was really a leisurely walk.

Blythe (in her cool sunglasses) and Ava

Contemplating the rushing river.

Brandt and Ava at the base of the falls.

Brandt, Crew, and Griffin "hiking."

Brandt and Blythe climbing around on the rocks.

Brandt looking like such a big boy.

Tysen and the Lyla "package."

After picnicking and biking home, I put Blythe in bed for a nap.  As soon as she woke, we continued our fun in the sun by heading to the splash park to swim with Tysen and company, as well as Eugene and Sharae and their crew.  Brandt had a wonderful time with Luke, Ava, and Crew sliding, jumping, and splashing, but Blythe did not really like the splash park.  Too much water flying about.  She was content to sit in the very shallowest water or on the side wrapped in her towel.  We really did have fun fun fun in the sun sun sun today.

Most of the cousins together, but certainly not all looking at me.  

Blythe, Ava, Crew, Luke, Blake, Griffin, and Brandt.

Blythe is making a face at me. 

She had the hat on her head for about twenty seconds.

Makenna, Luke, and Sharae

Blythe, Aunt Tysen, and Shay-Shay

Can you get over these darling childrens?

Griffin, Makenna, and Blythe on Uncle Eugene

Happy Blythe (is that redundant?) eating a pretzel. 

Evening sky

Sky like this at night

Anyone's delight

Self portraiture

Brandt has been taking the camera again.

Here are some self portraits.

And this soulful shot.

Can you get over those eyes?

Date Night

I had a date last night.

We went to a play at BYU.

After the play we had ice cream. 

Kent says it is always a nice thing to have ice cream after a date.

Here is my date.

And here is the play we saw.

Mysteries of Monster Grove

The monsters--including Frankenstein and Swamp Thing among others--were animated

and the production riveting enough that Brandt couldn't pull his eyes away from the stage.

Except when he got scared and crouched down on the floor.

I do like going out with a good-looking guy.

Brandt enjoyed it so much he has been mentioning it in his prayers.
"Thank you I go with Mom to monster play."
I think I'll ask him out again.