The Big News!

I know some of you didn't even know we were expecting--don't feel bad. Only those who came in contact with Mel or Anna got the news. I am a little more hesitant about spreading it too soon, seeing as how I've already had a miscarriage. It's also a little awkward--how do you just bring that up in casual conversation? Anyway, so far so good. We had our 20 week ultra sound today, and much to Anna's delight, it looks like it is a girl! I am so excited, but I cringe a little at another head of hair to comb. As far as we could tell in the ultra sound, which isn't very far, things look okay--especially for an old lady like me having kids! (: Again, sorry it you didn't know--it's nothing personal!

FINALLY!

I know I am a wussy mother, but we finally did it. Anna is DONE with her plug. She got this Ariel dress as a reward, and it didn't hurt that Halloween is coming up! (: I tried once to take it away, and it was traumatic and painful, and we (read Mel) gave her the plug back because "the fairy hadn't taken it yet." Well, she lost the plug she was borrowing from Thys, so that was it. She went to sleep without it, I ordered the Ariel dress, and we were done. No drama, no tears. Who knew it could be so easy? Oh, yeah. All of you who have been thinking, "Do it already! The kid is four years old!!!" As you can see, I will have to do this again. But next time I think I will start a little earlier--like now!

Who Cares If It Rains?

Obviously not Thys and Anna. Thys LOVES going in the wagon, especially with Papa. Okay, he loves everything, especially with Papa. Anyway, it was pouring rain, but he still told Papa to "Come on," and turned off the TV, got his shoes, and headed for the garage. Mel obliged.

What Happens When Dad Goes to the Store

Need I say more?!?!?!

A Fish in Water

Anna took swimming lessons for the last month of summer. As she already loved the water and "swimming," she did awesome. She can float, kick and even do some strokes. At the end of each session, she got to go off the diving board. She loved it, of course. They had her wear a life jacket, but later while we were swimming, she went off without one. I had to catch her, and I didn't have a floaty or a life jacket, and I think we were lucky we both made it to the side without drowning. I won't do that again!

Reflections of Summer

The title is deceptive--a little pun, if you will. What I mean by the title is that this post will reflect the state of our summer: sort of chaotic and disorganized, but fun nevertheless. My posts are not nearly as frequent or as organized as they have been in the past, but that's sort of how life is right now. I asked Anna the other day if she had had a fun summer, and the question was a bit too much for her. I had to remind her of all the "fun" things we have done. I really did try to let the kids do fun things while I wasn't working, and we did. I just hope they enjoyed it all! I go back to work on Monday, so we're back in the routine. I'm dreading it. I've had so much fun being home. Hope you enjoy!
I came down the other morning, and Thys was helping himself to breakfast. Here is his way of eating a kiwi--boogers and all.
While Les and Jake were here in the travels of getting the baby, we went to the dinosaur museum. The kids had fun, but Thys would not play in the sand. He just wanted to throw the dinosaurs into the water. Then I had to fetch them out and give them back so he could throw them again.

We went on a picnic up the canyon to find cooler air. We did, thank goodness. It is beautiful up there, and we did a little "hike," and Thys was so great! He loved it!

Sandy City has a balloon festival just recently. Last year we went early to see the balloons launch, and it was too windy. Same story this year. At night they light them all up and just leave them on the ground to look at, but this year it got rained out. However, we did haul ourselves out of bed and go in our pajamas to see the launch. Thysie kept saying, "Look, Mama!" at dogs, balloons, and whatever else was exciting. The best part was that I told Annie we would just go in our pajama's, and she got this worried look on her face and said, "Mom, but then everyone would see you naked in your whites." I had to laugh, and I did wear clothes!


We went to the Sweet' s Candy Factory on a tour the other day with the cousins. It was very interesting to me, but I think the candy store at the end was more interesting to the kids. Contrary to what you would think in the pic, Thys screamed when we tried to get him to wear the hair net. They wouldn't let him in with out it, so I bribed him with salt water taffy all the way through to distract him from taking off his hat. It worked. There is nothing that makes this kid happy like sugar!

A New Baby in the Family!

We are so excited for Jake and Les, who were able to finally adopt their second child. She is adorable and her name is Kira. She was born on July 22, in Florida. Good luck!