utahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

I had my fourth child on June 1st.

 

I spent the majority of my summer on the couch nursing, watching everyone's awesome summers via Instagram while my kids poured their own cereal every morning.

 

People at the beach, people in the pool, people BBQing, people eating out, people wearing bikinis, people having fun!

 

I was fat, on the couch, nursing and sweating in the heat of my air conditioned house.

 

In August I finally broke out and spent a couple weeks in Utah.

 

I love seeing my family, I love being near the mountains again, and Utah has the best food that makes you fat but really happy.

 

Plus we have a sweet hookup at the Bean Museum: Katy B.:

 

I love that my two year old daughter dared to touch snakes and tarantulas.

 A day at the lake when Ann Dee decided sand on her legs was enough sunscreen but no it was not:

 

Wever grandparents were in town:

 

This was the night Lennon kept complaining about a "sore throat" and a "headache" so I explained to him what allergies were and that he needed a cold drink of water and he'd be good.

 

That night he woke up throwing up and unable to breathe...croup. 

 

So, so sorry Lennon.  We spent the next day at the doctor's office then at Sonic for anythingyouwanttoeatlennoni'msososorryagain.

 

We threw Ann Dee a fun surprise (she promises she was) shower and she was beautiful.  After four boys she's having a baby girl:

 

Day at the park then picnic at the temple:

 

Day hiking at Sundance where I feared for my newborn's life as Tod REMOVED HIM FROM HIS ERGO AND HELD HIM FREESTYLE ABOUT 50 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND.

 

It was on this ski lift that Tod proposed; I was relieved when no babies were dropped into the bushes below.  What a bummer that would've been.

 

I don't know if there is any place on earth more beautiful to me.

 

We packed our bags and headed for Park City the second week.  Heber Creeper with the Hammels on the first day:

 

 

 Dear Andrew, May I please have your shirt?  Thanks.

 

I knew we'd arrived in Park City when I saw this character at the grocery store.  He's like a Park City mascot.

 

 

Pictured:

 

Lennon climbing the rock wall.

 

Not pictured:

 

When Natalie asked the lady if she and I could try it before they closed.  Natalie and I climbed that wall and you better believe I rang the bell at the top.  And then I didn't dare jump so I tried climbing back down.  Rookie mistake.

 

The day Natalie and I figured out a way to get five kids down the Alpine Slide with only two adults.  Somehow she ended up with all of them but one.  I think I had the sweeter deal.

 

Hotel swimming.  Why is swimming so much more fun at a hotel? 

 

Tommy and Shantay joined us for a few days.  What a relief when adults show up with Battleship, ready to take kids on rides, and braid their hair while you watch.

 

Check out those clouds:

 

I've been away from Utah for almost 11 years now but it will always feel like home. 

 

Except when it snows.  No thanks.

holiday / birthday / strep

There are two types of people in the world.

 

Those who enjoy newborns and those who do not.

 

It seems like dads are allowed to say newborns aren't fun. 

 

And then when moms say it they suddenly seem insensitive, cold and mean.

 

I don't enjoy newborns.  I don't get baby hungry.  I get through the baby phase the best I can so I can enjoy the rest.  Babies are small, fragile, unpredictable, and a little scary.

 

Maybe five people read this blog so hopefully news doesn't travel too fast. 

 

I prefer sleeping all night, kids who can eat food in the car while I'm driving, conversations, reading books together, playing at the park, swimming at the pool.

 

 People say they love snuggling babies all day and to that I say: WHEN?  HOW?  AND DON'T YOU NEED TO LEAVE THE HOUSE?

 

No offense to Thomas or any of my other kids.  I love you all...I just don't prefer you as babies.

 

XOXO

 

July so far:

 

 

4th of July breakfast with cousin Evan and Tod in his sweet garment top.  He hates when I post pictures of him in his garments and to that I say: Put on a shirt.

Cousin Evan came to visit and spent a week at scout camp.  He was a good sport -- our house isn't super peaceful right now.

 

Larry on my favorite holiday

 

 

Ruby -- scared out of her mind -- on my favorite holiday.

 

Thomas and me (snuggling!) on my favorite holiday.  See, I'm not that bad.

 

Lennon's seventh birthday party the next day.  After a weekend of the 4th of July and a birthday party at the pool Tod and I needed a vacation.  Or even a power nap.

 

He was so happy and look how handsome.  Seven years have flown.

 

Back at the house...once in awhile things get quiet so I investigate.  I found her like this in her room today and had a good laugh.

 

Then looked out my bedroom window to see these guys setting up a superhero store.

 

Some of the options:

 

 

Mermaids like grilled cheese sandwiches for dinner.

 

My sweet, sweet Ruby.

 

My sassy Ruby who may break her dad's heart someday.

 

And then Baby Thomas Q...six weeks old now.  And look -- snuggling with his super loving mom.

 

And then there was last weekend.  Poor Larry had a fever all day so I told Tod I'd take him to the doctor.  Instead he talked me into taking him to Outback for dinner with everyone first.  Picture above is Larry with a fever of 102 and his crappy mom enjoying her meat.

 

I took him in the next morning and he had strep.  It's the worst when Larry is sick because he doesn't complain...he just looks miserable.

 

 

Strep has cleared...so far no one else has it...fingers are crossed.