Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi -- Midnight In Harlem

I went with my dad tonight to see the 2010 Crossroads Guitar Festival. Well, unfortunately, not to the real festival. They made a movie type thing of the show in Chicago last month, and showed it at the University Mall theater for one night only. And it was great. Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks performed this song, and it was magical. This isn't the Crossroads performance, but it's the best I could find.

They're married, and while he is usually so reserved, it seemed like you could really feel the passion between them during this song. Or at least I could. I may have a crush on them now. Enjoy!


Monday, July 19, 2010

Riley: "Close your eyes and no peeking... or I'll rip your eyeballs out."

Sunday, July 18, 2010

My Kids Are So Weird

While we were on our Jackson Hole trip, I noticed that Iris started a new phase where she'll store her food in her cheeks for long periods of time without chewing or swallowing. 45 minutes or so after the first (and only) bite, something would startle her, and out would flow liquefied pretzel... usually all over Eric or me.

But the other day was the kicker. We had hot dogs and french fries for lunch, ending around 2:30. She ate pretty well throughout the meal, and only stored a bite when we were almost done. We went shopping after, and got home in time for her nap at 3:30, when I realized she still had the bite stored. Call me a bad mom, but I put her to bed with her cheeks full-- trying to get her to spit it out could have been a 15 minute process. She slept for three hours (which was great), and when she woke up at 6:30, this is what she looked like:


It took me till 7:00 to convince her to surrender it, and I found a surprisingly recognizable blob of hot dog and some french fries. Aye aye.


There's no big story about Riley, and it's not news that she's a crazy person. I went in to check on her tonight, and to my surprise, found this:


Well, it is very hot here. Love the tan lines.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Please click to enlarge. You won't be sorry.


Priceless.

Manis and Pedis


Eric placated me tonight and agreed to help me give the girls "manicures" and "pedicures" (we're very fancy here). He's actually much better at painting nails than I am... weird. Riley has loved getting her nails painted for a while-- it's kind of something they do together. But this was Iris's first time, and she did very well. She is a little mimic, and luckily followed Riley's example of holding still. I got my motivation when I saw my friend Cheryl's little baby with painted nails-- so adorable!


Very beautiful.

You can't really tell with Iris, but her nails are also green.



















Friday, July 16, 2010

Jackson Hole '10

We made our annual trip to to Jackson Hole, Wyoming to raft down the Snake River the weekend after the Fourth, just as I have done almost every summer since I can remember. I love the area, and I've loved sharing it with Eric and the girls. We always have a great time, but I think this year takes the cake. It was a blast!

This picture of a beautiful sunrise was taken by someone who was up much earlier than I-- thanks, Cyn!

After years of persuading, Grandma Pat agreed to make the trip, and I think she liked it. Stephanie was back for her second year in a row, and Daron joined us for his first time (although not first on the river-- he came down Desolation last month).

Iris was a mess the first night, and kept us all up with her crying for a few hours (sorry, again), but was a dream the rest of the time. She even napped... sort of.

My vagabond children with some of their friends. Notice Iris' storage pocket in her cheeks.

Eric and I captaining the paddle boat down Lunch Counter-- we've lined it up fairly perfectly, if I do say so myself.

I only include this shot so you can see the beautiful scenery we float through.

The weather was great, the water was great (I took my customary swim, plus a few), the food was great, and most of all, the people were great. They made up one of the best bunches I've rafted with, and I appreciate everyone who came. Thanks for helping make it a great trip!

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Early Fourth o' July Celebrations

My dad called today with the great idea that we go with him and my mom to the school he teaches at to watch the Thanksgiving Point fireworks. Eric had to work, but we got Grandma Pat to come along, so it all evened out. We had a pizza picnic, played on the playground, and tried to light sparklers in the wind while we waited for it to get dark.

Iris with her two grandmas.... isn't the sunset beautiful?


Riley and Grandpa Craig

Lucky Iris weaseled three Twizzlers out of softie Grandma Pat

Our family.... minus Eric (remember, I said it was windy)


We had a great time, and are so blessed to live close to our families. We have many opportunities to get together and are grateful for all they do for us. Love you all!

Catch Up

We've been up to all sorts of things since I last posted. First, Riley graduated from pre-school. It was adorable.


With her good friend, Gracie. She really was happy that night.


Secondly, Eric is the greatest husband ever and took a week off from work so I could go, sans kids, on a five day river trip with my family. It was amazing! I also did the shuttle for the first time, and after driving the truck and trailer almost all night to the end of the river, I got to ride in a tiny plane back to the beginning. Wow.

A quick shot from up in the air above the canyon.

Stephanie and her boyfriend, Daron, came with me. I didn't get a picture of Daron, but Stephanie was very happy to be there.

A tarp-and-oar canopy was erected to keep the rain off of us. Other than this brief shower, the weather was wonderful.

My mother and I, trying to keep the bugs off.


I came home, refreshed and replenished, and ready for summer with my family. We've been to two fairs, so far, and the girls had a great time. I made the mistake of going on a twirly ride at the first one, and therefore didn't have the best time afterwords. I'm such an old lady.


I don't have a picture to prove it, but we moved a few weeks ago, to the house of my parents friends. We needed to move out of my parents old house, which we've been renting, so they could fix it up to sell it, and my parents friends are go to Minnesota every summer, so it was perfect. They have a beautiful home, and an amazing yard, and we're enjoying our stay.

We're having family over for dinner tomorrow, and going to Jackson Hole for a few days this coming Wednesday for another river trip. So we've got some more fun things to look forward to! Happy Fourth, everyone!