the camp-out

Scott and I don't go camping nearly enough. We used to, but you know, life got busy. We have been talking all year, though, how we wanted to take Lucy, and we are so happy we got a little night away. Bruce and Lynette are lucky to have access to this wonderful property in Kamas. They have been going for years, and it is the best.

Ollie gets to run as much as he wants, the kids get dirty, there is a natural spring, and a river, and a deck, and a latrine! and s'mores (but not together) and lots and lots of stars.

We hope this is the beginning of many wonderful camping trips together as a family. Thanks Bruce and Lynette for taking care of all of us!

Family Pictures

We had our family photos taken by the Uh mazing Yan. We just love her. And she is moving to Denver, so any Denver peeps (Taryn!) should totally check her out. She is beautiful person and a beautiful photographer, so you kind of want to hate her, except remember, she is a beautiful person, so you can't. Thanks Yan! We love them!

deer valley part two

Once upon a time, the Stewart's went to see Idina Menzel up at Deer Valley. The music was really good, she talked quite a bit, and her dress was the best performance dress I have ever seen (yellow, long, cut-out back, tan leather skinny belt), but the real thing I remember were 6 squirmy kids, sitting smack dab in the middle of people who were there to listen with all seriousness. Unfortunately, the group of pre-teens we had the good fortune to sit next to last time, were nowhere to be found. Instead, we were sitting by those who enjoy fine wine and fancy crackers. And so, we brought out the candy, and the Iphones, and the toys, and willed our children to be quiet so we could enjoy a night out, already! And I think we found a compromise, of sorts. There were no major melt-downs, but there were some giggles and laughs, and when Lucy saw Samantha, she screamed, "SAMMY!!!!!!" at the top of her lungs, because she loves her just that much.

And then Scott tried to take a picture with Lucy and me, and she screamed, because she wasn't loving me that much right then. She was in one of her, "all about daddy stages." Oh, and these few were all the pictures I took, since there were very strict signs about no picture taking. I think the fine print mentioned a public execution if you took a picture with your "professional" camera. Which means Iphones were okay, I think (why didn't I take pictures with my Iphone?!) Except now they offer an Iphone camera class at the U, and I'm not sure if that qualifies the "Ip" as a professional camera. Confusing. Anyway, I was intimidated, and so quickly, and clandestinely snapped these shots. Whew. Summer activity documented.


The end. Except a warm shout-out to Lynette for securing us the tickets. Thank you!

the day after

Scott and I had originally planned to get away the weekend of the Cecret Hike, but that didn't work out. And then we thought we would go camping, but that didn't work out either. We decided to take advantage of the mountains anyway and enjoy them as much as possible. And since we had a rare, rare Sunday dinner home, we decided to go back up for some more tin foil dinners. This time, we did Calzones. And they were delicious. We're so fancy. You will have to imagine them, since I didn't take a picture.

We usually like to head up Millcreek. It's kind of our thing. It's close, we have the perfect little hidden spot, right next to a trailhead, that's never taken, and we can bring Oliver. This Sunday, we decided to get all crazy, and go up Big Cottonwood instead. Big mistake. Huge! The spots were all taken. We were so sad. And then I spied a tucked away gem. Apparently, at the "Amphitheater," you can pay for your picnic site. We gladly forked over $7. Although not as private as our normal place, it comes with running water for the bathrooms, and a children's playground. Pretty sweet.

I discovered a couple of things on this adventure. That Lucy knows her name, and know no longer needs to be introduced. She would go up to strangers and say, "I Lucy." Also, she liked to go far, far away from Scott and I and see how long she can push it, before we make her come back. She has no sense of personal space, as she went up to a cute little girl about her age, stood right in front of her, and gently touched her face with her hand.

One of my favorite things about Lucy is the sparkle in her eye. She is full of mischief and fun. You can see it in the photos, I think. What a sweet little weekend. I wonder if our next baby will be as well documented as Lucy is!