hatless at a polo match.

Last weekend, we were invited to:

It was a very posh affair. It felt like we had stepped into the pages of The Great Gatsby. Red carpet, bag pipe players, a giant white tent, and every other lady there was wearing a hat... but me!

We had a great day. The food was so amazing. I especially enjoyed the giant green olive and prosciutto skewers. I ate more than I am proud to admit!
But, I felt a little out of place. I spent most of the day:

Next year, I will for sure!

The boys were in heaven at the little gelato station. My oldest:

What an exciting game! We loved to watch the horses and hear the crack of the ball.

And, of course... any excuse to consume:

I loved the:

What a great excuse for:

But, soon the festivities came to an end.

weenie roast and ghost stories.

We are really loving this new place we live. Here we are at the end of June, and we have only reached 90 degree temps twice.

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Our new favorite family activity are evening weenie roasts. We drive up into the canyon, bring our dinner, and just enjoy! It beats camping since I can rest in my own bed after the sun goes down.

Don't you love the smell of a summertime campfire? Mmmmmmm!

And what kind of a mother would I be if I forgot the fixin's for S'mores. Those extra large campfire marshmallows are the best.

My youngest is a master at toasting marshmallows. I always give him the duty of making mine perfect!

I sit as close to the campfire as humanly possible. After the sun goes down, it gets chilly!

And of course...

the cabochon alternative.

Dear, sweet little blog.

I've missed you so very much.

I've been a busy, busy, busy girl. Visitors in town, summer is keeping me occupied.

Actually, I found an amazing bead shop this last week... and what did my little eyes spy on the back wall by the cash register? Flower Cabochons! I've been looking for these, forever! I think I squealed and scared the shop owner. I grabbed my sisters arm and dragged her over. I loaded my fists full of those lovely flower cabochons. I couldn't wait to turn them into kitchy earrings.

I bought my very first pair of cabochon earrings about 3 years ago. They set me back about $9... but, they were worth it. Large yellow roses. I wore them everywhere! (and still do!) But, I wanted other pairs. I looked around, they were a bit pricey. But, now... I can have any color I want!
Do you want to know the very best part?

So inexpensive! I bought the supplies for 7 pairs of cabochon earrings all for less than the one pair that I found over 3 years ago. Be still my beating heart!

After a quick wave of the glue gun, and about 5 minutes later, a little magic happened.

Are you in love? I am!

the breakfast of champions.

Good Morning! We have a busy day planned for today. The arrival of last minute visitors, cooking classes, cleaning house. It's one of those busy, busy summer days.
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You're busy too, you say? Well, hop on board this band wagon... we're making our favorite breakfast!

No heavy waffles, soggy cereal, or greasy eggs to weigh us down today. Just a few simple ingredients and a quick whirl in the blender.

I always manage to find a way to fit in some:
The kids know and come running when they hear the blender motor running! Breakfast is on!

What do we put in our smoothies? Well, it's usually something like this. A cup full of ice, a container of yogurt, a hand full of berries or other fruit, a 1/2 C milk, a teaspoon or two of protein powder, and a teaspoon of flax seed. Blend to perfection, and voila:

cave dwellers.

It's summer.

Dad is home.

What do we want to do today?

We have had so much fun exploring Utah this spring! We are always up for:

Don't forget to:
Hiking uphill is hard!

Finally, we made it to the caves!

Brrrrr.... It was so:

But oh! The formations were:

Do I look a little cold?

I was also not quite ready for my mega camera flash in that dark cave. Look at those startled eyes!
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Jeff models the way they made us wear our backpacks.

It was so drippy, dark, and wet. I kept getting hit with drops of water (cave kisses) !

Back down the mountain... it took my toes forever to warm up!

We all came out:

but also:

sunprints on my heart.

Every day I see the weeds that need pulling out in the back yard! Eeeeek! They grow bigger by the minute.

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Who knew that those weeds could create beautiful art though?! I might as well put them to use until I can get out there this weekend and pull, pull, pull!

I was so ecstatic to find a art supply from my yesteryear at the craft store last week! Did you ever Sunprint as a kid?
I splurged on a large pack, and brought them home for the boys to create with. Weeds can create gorgeous:



I really like my younger son's:

But then, of course I had to have a turn! In a streak of inspiration, I ran to where I keep my old photo negatives (from a pre-digital age!) and with a little sun, I was developing old memories-- in my kitchen sink!

Of course, I completely took over the activity, and while the children had long lost interest, I was still out in the sunshine, arranging, checking, and watching my photos appear like magic.

I have no idea what I am going to do with the pages and pages of blue print photo negatives, the old photos from our first trip to Washington DC, the photos of the boys in their strollers, and emerging photographs from my first dabble with artistic photography-- but, they are mine, and I am in:

I'll let you know what I come up with soon!