Emmy's summer camp

I signed Emmy up for a kids camp about a month ago.  It's just 2 hours a day and only lasts a week.  I've been preparing her for it for the last week...

"Emmy, are you excited to go to your little school?"

"Emmy, you are going to have so much fun learning and playing and making new friends."

"Bailey and I are going to walk you there and let you play then we will pick you up later."

Yesterday was the first day...

She was so excited when we got there she didn't cry, she didn't hesitate, she didn't even say "bye."  And you know what, I didn't cry either.

I was just so excited FOR HER.  I was so proud of her and I was anxious to hear about her experiences when we went to pick her up.  Bailey on the other hand, didn't really like seeing Emmy leave.  She cried "Emmy, Emmy" as we walked home.  But since Emmy refuses to nap, the two hours of me and Bailey time has been nice and Bailey gets excited when I tell her we are going to go pick Emmy up.

 

Anyway, I remember when Emmy first walked into the nursery alone and didn't look back, now that was HARD!  For some reason this was different.  Like I said, I think I was just so excited for her to learn new things.

So, today was day two.  Today I at least got a "bye mom."  And when I came around the corner to pick her up, she RAN to me!  LOVED IT!  As we walked home she told me, "I made new friends mom," "We colored on a shirt,"  "I sang a song..."  It was such a fun conversation and I loved seeing the sparkle in her eyes as she talked.  She is only three so she has some time till kindergarten, but I can tell she loves learning and I hope I can take advantage of that flame that's burning inside her right now and teach her a little at home.  



sun valley

Last weekend the girls and embarked on an adventure with my mom, dad and sis.  Unfortunately Brian was unable to make this trip with us.  I took notes and saved maps though so maybe we can go back...to SUN VALLEY.

Our family really likes finding places to stay using the vacation rental by owner websites.  We've had great luck with them on several different trips.  My mom found a cute apartment in Ketchum this time and it worked out perfect for us!  1400sq feet all to ourselves with multiple balconies to relax and enjoy the view from.

This place was in a great location and we were able to do get around by walking.  We enjoyed going in all the fun shops, strolling the streets lined with beautiful flowers and stopping for the occasional photo.

We ate at some super yummy places too.  It was pretty warm while we were there (ok, it was H-O-T) but I found if we ate on the restaurant patios my girls seemed to behave a bit better.  I guess it's just something about being outside.

I learned that Sun Valley is it's own city within a city of sorts.  It's a giant resort city located in Ketchum.  My parents stayed there a few times long ago and took us on a few trips down memory lane while there.  IT IS BEAUTIFUL!  And can you say BIKES!  It's the only way to get from A to B around there.

We took a ride on the gondola during our stay.  I was actually a bit nervous Bailey wouldn't go.  She saw and heard them and came running, "mama, mama."  We all made it on though and had an enjoyable ride.  Emmy was big enough to ride the ski lift rest of the way up the mountain with my mom, Holly and I.  My dad and Bailey waited for us at the midpoint.  What a nice dad/grandpa!

It was unusually hot in Ketchum while we were there so we looked for ways to stay cool.  Of course we had ice cream, but Emmy's favorites were playing in the pool and playing at the splash pad.

 (my little shoe thief in action...)

It was a short and sweet trip and as we always do, we made lots of memories and laughed a lot!  Maybe next time Brian will be able to go and we can rent a few bikes?

shoes

Bailey LOVES shoes!  Actually, that is an understatement...Bailey is obsessed with shoes.  Any shoes lying around are fair game to her. 

She'll put on my heels, Emmy's flip-flops, Brian's sneakers, Emmy's dress up shoes...

*The last time we went to the pool we were walking to our towels and I look back and she's carrying a pink flip-flop.  I wasn't sure where she picked it so I just put it in the closes pile of shoes I could find.  I hope it found it's owner? 

*I took the girls visiting teaching with me last week, Bailey threw a little fit because I wouldn't take her sandals off so she could put on a pair off men's boots she found by the couch.

*Went to the splash pad and I was talking with friends, when I turned around she was on the ground trying to put on some black flip-flops she'd found by a bench.

*Went on a little vacations with my parents and sisters this weekend, we are all hanging out in the place we were staying and here comes Bailey down the hall trying to walk in my sisters flip-flops. 

I find shoes everywhere at our house and have a hard time finding a pair sometimes because this cutie loves to wear and misplace them. 

I can already tell we're going to have to build her a shoe rack! 

Love her!

Happy Birthday Brian!!!

It's your birthday shout, "HURRAY!"

We want to sing to you today.

One year older and wiser too,

Happy Birthday...TO YOU!!

Sure do love ya! 

101

Today the girls and I ran a few errands and the car read 101 degrees!  Seriously!  Thanks to my sweet mom and sister informing me it was 7-11 day, Bailey, Emmy and I were able to cool off a bit with a free slurpee.  Yum!

We've been trying to beat the heat lately.  I've tried to be creative so we could stay inside where it's cool.  We've done some science experiments, crafts and such.  But the girls and I love being out so we've been to the library and hit just about all the local fast food places for a burger and some indoor cool playplace time.  To stay cool outside we've gone for walks in the morning before it's TOO hot.  We've played in the creek at the in-laws and done the slip and slide, been to the local pool and just the other day we set up the pool on our patio.  Since we really don't have much of a yard yet, it was the only place.  The girls had fun, the dogs had fun and I had fun too.

Not sure what's on the agenda for tomorrow.  Maybe we'll set up the sprinkler on the little bit of lawn we have and eat Popsicle's on the porch...better yet, I think we'll MAKE Popsicles!  

and we celebrated...

I just LOVE the July!  I love wearing red, white and blue, I love the BBQ's, the family reunions, I love the parades, the flags, I love the weather, I love all the outdoor activities...I especially love making memories with family!

This year we celebrated the week of the 4th by watching fireworks from the park...

Going to a local parade...

BBQ-ing and hanging out with family...

And we finished the week by going to the car parade...

There isn't much variation in our July 4th activities from year to year.  I really wouldn't have it any other way though.  I love TRADITION!  And each year, we do just about the same things, but each year we always have a lot of fun doing it!

the 4th

Happy Independence Day!

(My attempt at a photo of my girls in their patriotic shirts...out of focus, cropped funny, not looking anywhere in my direction and Bailey is getting strangled...I tried!  CUTIES though aren't they!)

our camping adventure

A few weeks ago, the 4 of us (plus Gunner) spent 4 great nights in the most beautiful place ever, the Greys River.  We had SO much fun spending time as a family, picking flowers, going on hikes, napping, exploring the mountians, fishing, eating s'mores and so on and so on! 

Here are a few photos from our trip.  We CANNOT wait to do this again!  The girls had so much fun and we really want to make it an annual family tradition!