Flowers.

Abby charmed one of our neighbors and scored a big bunch of flowers during an evening walk. Now she wants to pick more every time she walks by.

4th of July.

We were going to sleep in and skip the chldren's parade. Eloise woke up early and enthused about it until Mom caved in.

Ready to ride.

Abby wanted to go too, as long as she didn't have to put her shoes on.

Summer project.

Eloise's big craft project for the summer was making a bird house. She worked very diligently to cover her box.

All covered.

Eloise was happy to get the bird house covered and start painting.

Holly's here.

And she brought her toys!

Park time.

Making a quilt.

While visiting Grandma's house, I worked on piecing a quilt for Abby from her baby blankets. She approved of the design.

Projects with Grandma

Eloise enjoyed trying out the sewing machine. Grandma helped her sew a pillow.

Hiking with cousins.

We enjoyed a short hike to the waterfall at The Grotto in Payson Canyon.

Wading in the cold water.

Abby enjoyed venturing forth into the water, but wanted breaks frequently when her feet got cold.

Playing.

Pool conference.

Hanging out with Aunt Becca.

Museum visit.

We enjoyed a visit to the Dinosaur Museum with Grandma, Grandpa, and a whole raft of cousins. Thanks for a fun day!

Mom's favorite dinosaur.

Big teeth.

Camping.

We enjoyed camping in the cool, green Utah mountains.

Hanging out in the rain.

It was wonderful to watch the rain from a warm, dry spot. Thanks Grandpa and Wes for getting everything set up for us!

Rain time.

It's pouring outside and hopping inside.

Abby in the Mountains.

Dinner's cooking.

Notice how grim eveyone is while waiting. You'd think we'd been starving them for days.

Giant marshmallow.

Sticky girl.

She can cook them.

But she won't eat them. Which means Mom ate more than enough.

Camping fashion.

A girl should hold fast to her fashion principles and always wear her skirt.

Hiking buddies.

Abby was thrilled to spend lots of time with her cousin Matt.

Last one dressed.

Eloise enjoyed snuggling in her sleeping bag long into the morning.

Enjoying the meadow.

Camping buddies.

Abby adored her older cousins, especially Caleb. Special messagefrom Abby to Caleb: "Ah, blah blah, Ah blah! Right Caleb!"

Weaving with Grandma.

Grandma's summer project is weaving rugs with her grandchildren. Eloise had a wonderful time picking out her colors, making chains for the rug, and starting the weaving. Grandma finished up the last bit for her so we could bring the rug home. She keeps her rug right by her bed.

Best friend cousins.

Abby is missing her play buddy Matt, who taught her many things, including how to break out of the house and head for the sandbox.

Team Abby and Matt.

Swim party.

We enjoyed a wonderful family swim party. Katie and Eloise swoop pool-ward.

Abby tries the slide.

I was a little worried when Abby wanted to try out the slide, but my crazy thrill seeking two-year-old enjoyed every minute of it. She laughed all the way down, over and over and over again.

Happy after the big splash.

Jumping.

Eloise is a waterfall jumping pro. She is much braver than I am.

Swimming.

Abby likes to strech out and kick. She says "look, I'm swimmin!"

Hanging out with Holly.

Happy in the water.

Done.

End of the party, ready for home and juice.

Visit to Salt Lake City.

Climbing the temple.

Katie, Eloise and Abby, tucked in an alcove.

Happy Abby.

We are outside, there are things to touch and climb, flower bed walls to walk on, it's a good day.

Temple doors.

This is the quiet west side, not the ever crowded wedding party east side.

Eloise and Katie.

fancy balcony.

Eloise was entranced by the fancy balcony around the lobby at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. She was a princess promenading around it.

Happy Girl.

Photography credits to Uncle Craig. Thanks for the sweet picutre.