AAARRRGGGHHH!!

OK, just have to vent....some lil' punks (I'm assuming) decided to bust out my car window last night, while we were at our softball game. We were parked in a church parking lot......don't they know they're going to be damned for that!! :} The thing is, I really can't complain, because they were stupid enough to do just that, I'm sure for the pure enjoyment of being destructive; but, didn't bother to take the valuables...like my IPOD, Doug's wallet or sunglasses. So, we are lucky there. I just REALLY don't have the $200 to pay for a new window....it's going to have to come out of my New York $ & that makes me even madder! It did help the frustration to punch it out in class this morning, during a kick boxing routine (serious..you ought to try that when you're stressed, great therapy!) . Just had to share...deep breath, now on to the crazy end-of-month pile of work here on my desk (good thing I have another class tonight, that alone is enough to cause the need of some serious jabs!).

The Living Planet Aquarium

As I mentioned, the other day we finally got to see "The Living Planet Aquarium" (sorry, the pics aren't the best since they're from my phone). It's a fun place to take your kids...in case you're looking for something to do with them. Not that you need kids to go there; but, you know what I mean! Sometimes us parents have to think hard to find something new! :} Now my question is.....is it wrong that we had salmon & shrimp that night for dinner?! :}

Dylan was excited to get to pet the sting rays

We enjoyed the new Sea Horse Display...pretty cool little things!

Learning about the living creatures at the Great Salt Lake

This even involved riding a boat similator around our lake

"Look....Kaley's driving now!" :}

"Shhhh...this fishy is sleeping!"

This area they got to pet the different critters...Kaley finally got daring enough to touch the starfish; but, quickly squeeled & ran away from it! (I don't blame her....I'm not for touching any of those slimy things either. I'm content just looking at them too!)

Checking out the shark tank

This big ol' starfish stuck to the glass

To finish off the Girl's Weekend...

Our girl time was not quite done yet. As promised, once we put away all the camping gear & got some chores done, we were off to the pool again! Kaley is a little fish these days...she's learned to float on her back this year & doing much better at her swimming skills. Her friend, Zoey, got to come along. Those two are just too cute together, they crack me up!

Yes, I know...another pose from Kaley!

Hey, look who we saw at the pool....The Thropp Family!

Check out Lil' Henry jumping in!

Kaley was excited to see Henry & Danielle!

Girl's Camp Out in the Backyard

While the boys had thier own camping night out, Kaley & I decided we'd have our own in the backyard (I stole that idea from Lissa....why didn't I think of that before?). It was lots of fun & good for Kaley & Mommy to have thier own time alone!

We started with roasting up some hot dogs for dinner

"This is the BEST hot dog ever mama!" (and yes, she is in different jammies since she dumped the raspberry slushies we made all over her! Humm..who does she get that spilling from anyway? :})

Then, of course, we had to make smores! (which I realize is not on the new diet; but, you know...you can't miss these simple experiences in life either, right?!)

The Dancing Queen had to give me a dance performance while we sat there and listened to her requested playlist, which included Gwen Stefani, Jason Mraz, Rihanna, Sheryl Crow & even Kid Rock. At least she is versatile & has great taste in music!

We also had to do the "girly stuff"...she painted my nails & brushed my hair. I wish I could always be this pampered! We finished off the night by watching her "Cillarenda" DVD (as she calls her...it's too cute! :}) Glad Doug put the outlets there on the new patio!

Is she still asleep?

No...she's awake!

The next morning, after we played a game, she helped me make some pancakes

And "Ms. Rachel Ray" better put cheese on the eggs for that "extra flavor"

Sure fun to have time with my girl...."Luv you Kay-Kay!!"

Celebrations of Pioneer Day

As Utah celebrates it's birthday.....we try to make the most of the day off. Starting it out with a Supurb Jazzercise class is always a great way to begin a holiday! We finally made it to the 'Living Planet Aquarium'. A project in the works... though a great place now, will be spectacular when they're finished with it! Those pics to come since I forgot my camera (who me? I know!) & took them with the new phone that I still need to figure out :}

We then continued the holiday with some summer fun. With Moni so kindly bringing over her Slip N' Slide, the kids (and I :}) cooled off well (hey Carla & Lissa.....you're right, great idea! :}) Between bouncy houses & this, it's reminds me that you CAN continue to have fun like a kid despite getting older!! (though I do recall taking a dive to slide was A LOT easier then!)

They also played a little Hi-Li, or whatever the heck it's called

So Dylan was keeping himself entertained with the camera...if this face doesn't show Dyl's personality, I don't know what does! (OK, well actually some of the other pictures he took does too...but, those got deleted because I believe no one REALLY wants to see his bare gluteus maximus!!) Oh Dylan..what am I going to do with you?!

Our other family member, Toby

Lil' Henry being silly (Hey, does that remind anyone of a silly night at the Peterson household when I was knighted as the queen? Bubba? :})

Enjoying a little BBQ...we had to cook up the freshly caught & smoked salmon straight from Alaska. Given to us from our buddy, Bernie. Oh...it's the best!! He is so kind to give us one, or even sometimes two, every year after his annual fishing exertion! You rock Bernie!!

(BTW...Henry, you givin' me like the gangsta pose?! :})

We also had to try out the fun ice cream maker ball that mom & dad gave us for Christmas. You roll it around & it freezes the more you shake it. It's awesome! :} Though we still need to try the ice cream....we got back too late!

You always have to do some fireworks on the 24th! We enjoy getting together with our neighbors to do that each year!

Have you figured out what a poser Kaley is? Trust me, I don't set this up. She's just always like, "Mom..take a picture of me!" & then the arms go up & the hip goes out ! I really need to get her in modeling! :}

So, to finish off the holiday weekend...Doug & the boys are having thier boys night out with a little camping tonight. Kaley & I are going to have our own bit of camping in the backyard. She said we can sit in the tent & paint our nails & she can brush my hair. Sounds good to me! :}

Back in the saddle again

So, my 6 weeks is officially over (all ready?!) & back to teaching today. Can I say how good it felt to be back? Oh, I really missed my students!! Granted I did make it to class a few times (of course, not as often & feelin' it too!!), it's just not the same as getting to be the instructor (for some reason you tend to have more energy that way...maybe because you're talking & therefore breathing more). I don't know; but, whatever...just glad to be back! And hopefully I can do it the proper way to not cause any strain on the throat! (I tried, really...I don't want the Dr. getting mad at me after all! OK, really I don't want to do anything that would mean I'd have to stop teaching! :}) . They do say I'm healing very well though...so, all my restraints are paying off! I guess we'll really see on the follow up next week after a week of teaching again.
Speaking of "feelin' it"....man, they weren't kidding when they said it only gets harder to maintain your weight the older you get, huh? Not to keep dwelling on turning the Big 40; but, darn it...I thought for sure with being limited on so many things & watching what I ate more, that at least I'd lose a few pounds. Not the case! I realize I haven't worked out as much; but, STILL! I also realize that the weight itself is just a # (I have to remind myself that all the time...all my muscles gotta way a ton! :}) Regardless, it's a little frustrating to be honest!! I set this goal to be "More Fit & Feelin' Fabulous" by that big birthday & now that we're down to 3 months left...I better get serious! I can't stand at 'The Today Show' with my sign saying that if it isn't true, right?!! :} So, I thought...I better put it in writing. Then hopefully I will be more committed to doing just that. I realize it's a constant challenge for many of us...it's truly about being healthy & taking good care of yourself. I wish we didn't feel like we had to dwell on it so much! So, what do you think...can I lose 20 lbs. before 10/15? Anyone in on it with me?! :} Wish me luck!!

A night at the Rodeo

Thanks to Utah Barricade always giving us tickets every year, we had our night out at the Days of '47 Rodeo last night. As you see, the 1st night is not a huge crowd buster (that seems to be saved for the Finale on 24th!); but, still a fun night out with the family. Personally, I missed the Motocross that they sometimes have at intermission. It's also fun to see our friends, Lynda & Allen Christensen, there every year (Allen is the one who gets to go around on his tractor & levels out the dirt. He'll usually have one of the kids on there...Kaley was excited to see her friend, Cason, on the tractor with him).

She finally gets that pink Cowgirl hat she's always wanted! (Bonus that is has a tiera on it that even blinks!)

She's such a poser!

Goodbye Grandmother Eaton

We're sad to report the passing of Doug's Grandmother, Lucille Eaton, this week. Apparently his Grandaddy is not far behind. I realize that happens as we age; but, always sad to see them go. We wish we could have spent more time with them; but, hard to do when they're across the country. We're just very glad we got the chance to visit with them on our trip to Florida last year (though with the both of them having alzheimer's, they probably don't remember; but, we do!) It was the only time they got to ever see Kaley. They seemed to enjoy seeing their great-grandkids! Doug has lots of great memories as a child..something I hope he will treasure!

Grandmother & Grandaddy Eaton

The Countdown to NY is on!!

OK, really it's been on for a while; but, today we're 3 months away & can I tell you how excited I am?!! It all started with Jules 40th Bday Adventure to The Price Is Right (and oh what a fun trip that was!!). I then decided when I turned 40, if I hadn't been to New York yet (I know, it's sad I haven't been there before!), then I would for sure go for my 40th Bday. And since a bunch of us are all turning 40 this year...well, why not make it a party?! Right now we have 12+ of us going & it will certainly be the trip of a lifetime! Hey girls...it's not too late if you still want to join us! :}

Let's Go Down Memory Lane

If you want!! My friend Julie had this on her blog, thought it was a fun idea...so, if you'd like to play along, here's what you do....
1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.
Let the memories begin! (and hopefully you've got a good laugh somewhere there)

Enjoying Family Time...

Now that we finally had a weekend that didn't involve projects, we decided to have a weekend of adventure with the kids. So, up the canyon we went. You realize how easy it is to take advantage of such beauty when it's right at your back door practically. We almost made it to Dog Lake (we assume)...we hiked for over an hour when we decided we better turn around. When we saw the map after, we realized we were probably close; but, that's ok...it was all about the hike & enjoying the nature anyway!

OUR BEAUTIFUL UTAH MOUNTAINS

Up Butterfork Trail in Big Cottonwood Canyon

The next day we cooled off at Taylorsville Pool

Also during the week we spent some time at Murray Park before our game. We had a picnic, threw the football around a bit. Kaley immediately found a new friend (she does that wherever we go) & attempted to try & keep this cute puppy we saw! (the owner wasn't about to let her go!)

Sure do love time with the fam! Pretty soon they'll be all grown up & we'll wish we got more of these moments!!