February Randomness

Time for a random post.  Ideally it would feature this month, or even last, but February will do.  

Sometimes when Talia practices piano, her playing is so out of this world that a rocket appears right in our living room.

Yup, she's a cutie.  Note that Spark is meeting Quackers in this photo.

Occasionally we will pull out the kiddie pool to make an impromptu playground for Spark.  He's very curious about what is beyond the blue, but never climbs out.

In a special moment where the Cub Scouts crashed the Relief Society, Eli and I got to make marzipan together.

We opted for a hungry caterpillar theme.

The next day we invited Ruby and Brianna over to join in the marzipan fun.

Annika designed an island with a purple snake.

Then, the big kids came home and showed us all up with their fantastic creations.

Speaking of the big kids, the only reason I'm getting any blogging done right now is because they are all at choir rehearsal and Annika fell sound asleep in the car.  Sometimes during their two hour rehearsals Annika and I will head up Millcreek canyon for a stroll instead.

Our first trip up the snowy canyon was so stunning that we came back with Annie's skis.

The empty, gently sloping trail was perfect for learning to stop and turn...

...even if she did occasionally need a push.

On to some artsy fun.  I asked the kids to make us some thank you cards and they turned out beautifully!  These ones are created by Talia...

Brooklyn...

...and Talia again.  Gorgeous, gals!

Next artist, Mr. Eli, showing off his engineering wizardry during at the library.

Once more photo of our handsome dude at the ice rink.

Last but not least, Valentine's Day.  It's kind of hard to see, but I did manage to give Annika a couple of heart pigtails before preschool.

Goofy glasses are even better than Valentine candy.

This Valentine from our neighbor Elaine Clark was by far our favorite.  Next year I'll be sure to copy.

The Valentine was accompanied by materials to make your very own lava lamp.

Snazzy.


No matter how much we love holidays, they can be exhausting, especially when you have an entire burger to eat.  Hang in there, Annika!

On this day of romance, I promise that you're gonna love your bed.

Annika's Zooey Fifth Birthday

My baby turned five!  Despite the fact that our celebrations were low key, Annika's birthdays are always special to me.  Her home delivery was certainly one of the most incredible of my life, although admittedly not quite as unexpected as initially portrayed.

Back to the real point: party time!  At preschool Annika got to wear a special crown and share her birthday treat.  I happen to know because I was there.  For three weeks I was lucky enough to sub in her class.  Her teacher, Miss Celsea, and classmates are fantastic.

Later that evening we threw together an impromptu zoo party.

This wild animal got to follow the string to her big surprise upstairs.

Ta da!  Check out this amazing kitchen.  Our across-the-street neighbor hoped it might find a new home in Annika's bedroom.  But of course!

Grandma Susie and Aunt Brianna joined us for the treasure hunt.  I can't remember what happened, but it must have been mighty funny!

Here's Rubes giving Talia's ukulele a go.

A zoo party necessitates monkey cupcakes.

At five years of age, this zebra must be full-grown.

I like the bear and butterfly, but where did Grandpa Charles and Talia go?

As you can tell, our little animal got showered with presents.

Annika unabashedly called up Grandma Susie and Grandpa Charles to beg for a guinea pig toy, so as you can imagine, this stuffed guinea pig Quackers was a favorite.  She also loved the donut pajamas from Aunt Brianna.


That evening, she put on those jammies and made sure that both Quackers and the Niffler had a snack before bed.


Back to the gift craziness, Annika was also excited about her long-awaited dolphin bath toy.

Plus, Aunt Callie preserved the animal theme with "The Felt Taxidermist." ;)

In the end, it was NomiAnn and Papa Kay who really nailed the party theme with their gift of an annual zoo pass.  Yippee!

Thanks to all who helped our little gal feel so special on her special day.  As sad as it is to see her grow up, it's also okay since she gets to be more and more fun to hang around.  When she heads off to kindergarten next year, I will certainly miss my little sidekick with her constant questions about what does and does not exist in the "real world."  I will miss her imaginative play and that high-pitched voice begging to pet every dog we pass.  When Annie was tiny, I would often hand her off as "feel-good baby" whose snuggles could brighten a gloomy day.  Even at five, this role has stayed the same.  She brings smiles not only to our family, but to anyone willing to take a moment to listen.  Just last week I had to chuckle as we were riding the chairlift at Brighton together.  She insisted on shouting down to every skier beneath us, "Good job!  You're doing great!!!"

Annika, the world needs more cheerleaders like you.  Just know that as you encourage those around you, we are all here beside you to send back the love you give.

Coral Pink Sand Dunes

Finishing up our January trip to Southern Utah, here are some pictures from Sunday, January 28th--Annika's final day as a four year-old.  Kind of nostalgic, especially since she's our baby.  On Sunday morning we drove to Rockville to see our good friend, Tracey Dutson, who also happens to be the mayor of this thriving little community.

Tracey demonstrated that a silo can indeed become comfortable living quarters.

Of course, the kids were just as excited to spend some time with his dogs.

This old fellow, Duke, even smiles.

Next stop was church.  I think Eli was still worn out from our hike the day before.

After church we drove out to the Coral Pink Sand Dunes for a different kind of communion.

The dunes have a fixating, transient beauty.

Plus, the kids had a blast trying to slide down them.

We learned that unwaxed discs make better frisbees than sleds.

Still, we had fun trying.

Plus, we perfected the bear crawl on the way up.  Annika was the fastest.

Naturally, Talia found her own unique way down.  (I'm not sure if she still has sand in her braces.)

Ensuring that every last inch is well-gritted.

All in all, a fantastic afternoon together as a family.

We love our home in Salt Lake, but a piece of our hearts will always remain in Southern Utah.