Father's Day round one

On Saturday we started off Father's Day weekend with the hopes if hiking. Many times for Father's Day we hike Rocky Mouth Waterfall, but this year the kids were insistent on showing E the new splash pad in Sandy. I had to admit it was the best splash pad we've ever played out, so off we went for water and sun.

Later, after lunch and quiet time we headed to Snowbird to ride the tram and stay for Mexican food. Really, there is no better way to celebrate E than drinking margaritas, zooming to the top of hidden peek in the tram, and watching the ground squirrels. Not in that order, but still. ;)

The best father and husband the world has to offer. He works so hard during the work week and spends infinite care when he's home. He's amazing.

Top of the mountain there was the perfect breeze. So nice to get out of the hot valley.

Always collecting "crystals".

Our house is full of rocks that the kids claim are crystals. I remember doing this as a kid too. So fun.

And because I always love a little Then & Now. 2011 when James was 18 months.

2013, Juliet 16 months, James three.

Last year.

This year!

Side eyes {Then & Now}

Happiest Father's Day! We are in the middle of an entire weekend of fun. Can't wait to write proper blog posts about everything. But when I snapped this photo of Juliet yesterday I knew I had to post it. I reminded me so much of myself, in a classic photo from my childhood.

Juliet, at three, 2015.

My mom and I. I am three as well. Apparently I loved this side-eye face and did it constantly. 1984.

And here is a really old video of Juliet doing side eyes when she was one years old. Time flies. So fast.

Overnight cabin trip

Summer is truly finally here after a few weeks of lovely weather that wasn't too hot. But suddenly it is hot and summery and it means one thing: the mountains are calling and we must go.

We asked the kids what they wanted to do this weekend, giving them the choice between the cabin and the farmhouse. They happily cheered "the cabin!" and couldn't wait to go. We asked them if they wanted to stay the night and they got so excited they could hardly contain themselves.

Once there we went directly to "our meadow" to play in the water. The stream only runs in the early summer, quickly drying up when the snow is gone. The water wasn't cold or deep. Both kids could not wait to get in, and quickly chose to strip to their undies so they could get totally wet.

This meadow holds a piece of my heart. I large piece. No place makes me happier than "our meadow". I know every inch of it and have memories spanning over 30 years of playing in the same stream. I certainly hope it never ever changes.

Back at the cabin we explored and played. Both the kids love the swing on the patio. (Look how much Juliet has grown since this shot was taken in the same spot!)

After a hot dog roast followed by s'mores, we decided to take an evening walk. Whenever I spot beautiful golden light I ask the kids as nicely as I can for a photo. What they choose to do in that photo is totally up to them, as you can see.

Three meadows beyond "our meadow" stands this beautiful treehouse in the middle of the aspen grove. The kids were so psyched to see it.

E and Juliet scrambled up while James and I looked at the spring. Seeing them up there, smiling down at us was magic. I love giving these kids this childhood. It's amazing. 

So fun.

I love the panorama feature on my phone. Click for a bigger image.

One of my favorite flowers of all are wild bluebells.

This kid and I spend lots of time exploring together.

Sigh. Pictures don't do it justice. Sunset in an aspen forest may be my favorite thing ever.

Back at the cabin we set up our sleeping bags and settled down for the night.

Cabin season is here, and we can't wait to go back.

PS - I blogging has slowed way down. I am sorry. Sherlock is still taking much of my obsession, and goodness I love it more every day. Ha. I'm crazy. But it's just so good. So so good. ;)

James says, Juliet says {and a morning in the garden}

James says, 5.5 years old:

• E showing his cracked knuckles, "It's because when your old all sorts of silly things start happening."
  James: "It's because you're dying."
• "When I'm big I'm going to have three pets: a kitty, and a doggie, and a squalla (squirrel) ."
• "When I get big Juliet's going to be my girlfriend. And I'll be her boyfriend."
• Both are fighting. Me: "What's wrong?" James: "Juliet won't open her beautiful eyes. And I want to look at them!"
• "Let's play Harry Potter. I want to be Voldemort!"
• "I'm going to marry Ariel in a castle. But not an old castle."
• "Ugh! I'm getting bored of you mommy!"
• "I don't like that you stupid skunk!" (He was so mad at me, and this was the worst he could come up with.)
• "She is the sweetest Juliet I've had in my whole life."
• "You are Voldemort's crew. Voldemort has a crew!" (As you can see we were big into Harry Potter here. Also Star Wars, the kids are obsessed.)
• "I'm scared of spiders. But only the bad ones. Not the good ones. Like the baddest ones: black liquid."
• "I'm falling in love with Ariel today."
• Told our bald neighbor he looks like Voldemort.
• "I have crabs from tummy to bottom," while wearing his lobster swimsuit.  

Juliet says, 3 years old:

• "My bum shoots out stinky tooters, towels and strawberries."
• Her lovies are named "Anya and Sonya."
• "Come look at how cozy I am! I'm all snuggled buggled!"
• "That bunny is my sister."
• "When I'm big I want a rainbow truck with a Wookie in the trunk!" (She talks about this all the time, E and I get the biggest kick out of it."
• "Mama, I don't like babies anymore."
• "Look a honey bee! And he singed me twinkle twinkle little star."
• To James: "I always love you so so much!"
• Unprompted "I love you so so much I have happy tears!"

All pictures from a weekend garden visit. It has finally warmed up after three weeks of cold rain. Woot! The garden was spectacular, can't believe that it is already June. Time, slow down. Seriously.

Juliet's dress is possibly my favorite thing I've EVER purchased for her. It was an eBay find three years ago, new with vintage tags still attached. I love it! Worth the wait for sure.