Rooney Tunes

Remember the dog I don't like? The one who came with the husband and kids I do like? Well, not only does he have couch privileges that he does not deserve - he also insists on being right here, just like this, when I have a jammies and Netflix night. (Which, let's be honest, is nearly every night.) It's like he genuinely doesn't get that I don't like him. Poor thing.

Old Nauvoo

Technically, I wasn't on this family trip. Although I wanted to be. The pictures, however, are too cute not to share.

 The Brothers - At Night

These two. Tanner takes a piece of his blanket to school with him because he misses his Kami Kate. Not entirely sure if she misses him too - or if school hours are the one part of her day where she's comfortable she won't be dropped. But I sure love this picture.

A lot of pictures of a lot of families have been taken in front of the Nauvoo Temple. But this may be my favorite one.

Where R U?

I know everyone wishes they could be married to me. Here's a pretty typical text conversation between me and Jason. Keep in mind - it would take about an hour to drive from his work to my work.

Me: My mouse needs a new battery and I can't figure out how to open it. How quickly can you get here?

Jason: Might be a bit.

Me: It's like you don't even care about me. LOL

Jason: Lol I wish I could help.

Me: YouTube is not working.

Me Again: Should I spend my whole day on this?

Jason: Yes hehe

I just might.

Peached Out

When you've been canning peaches for 8 weeks straight (bottles, jam, salsa - you name it) and someone sends you a lovley gift. Of fresh peaches.

It's gotten to the point at our house that Dahlia made this observation about the cold storage room in the basement. "It's cool because, you know how some people collect wine? We collect peaches." I think our peach cellar could be the new wine cellar.

Another Summer in the Books

Our last hurrah before the kids went back to school was a trip to Lava Hot Springs. We rented a couple of camping cabins at the KOA for Biz, Dad, Tay, Lauren, cousin Kristi, and us. I recommend the cabins because they have heat, air, lights, and bunk beds. Eliminates the need for any sort of preparation really, which is fantastic.

On Friday night, we had a fire and made s'mores. Then it was off to bed.

So we'd be awake and ready for an early morning trip to the hot pools. It's so nice to be there right when it opens and enjoy the warm, quiet pools first thing in the morning. I would be quite content to stay all day.

Yes, let's take a close-up selfie when I haven't showered or put on makeup.

But Mickey and Dahlia prefer to float the river and do the water slides at the pool. So we did that too. We had hamburgers for lunch at what may be Mickey's all-time favorite cafe, then made a quick stop at the museum and the candy shop. It's a fun-filled Saturday for sure. One of our favorite Father's Day traditions that we never manage to do anywhere near Father's Day. Oh well.

 

He's a Keeper

Loving this corner cabinet Jason built (built!) for our front room. He saves me so much money at Tai Pan.

Also credited: Heather for the floral arrangement, Kristin [Mickelson] for the pillow, Taylor for the tree carving, Biz for the "Home" sign, Jess for the Willow Trees, and Megan & Taylor Barlow for the family photo. I wish I could say I hand-dipped the candles myself. That would be a lie. My special skill is knowing really talented people.

Sad But True

So I'm shopping with these two and Lauren loudly announces to the cashier, "THIS IS NOT OUR MOM." I quickly clarified that I was their aunt and not a random kidnapper. The cashier then asks the girls if I am their cool aunt and Lauren responds, "She's not cool. She's Aunt Traci." And there you have it.