B-day time for Jane and Cora

August 4th was Jane's 10th birthday! It was good. At least, she didn't complain any. . . =)
We had just returned from our Oregon trip two days before. Her special day landed on a Sunday.

She opened her presents before church. Here is one of the two Monster High dolls she got . . .

She likes this kind of stuff still (obviously). She can often be found creating elaborate habitations for her dolls. It's sweet to see what she comes up with.

Her birthday happened to be the day my Pocatello friend (Melanie) and her family were coming to Boise. Jane and Melanie's daughter (Jessica) became best buddies when we lived in Chubbuck. She was excited to have special guests drop in on her big day. They stayed at our house for two nights. It was so good to have them here. Mel and I got to hang out and chat while the kids played. We took them to the zoo on Monday. (Their kids had never seen a real live giraffe before!) The only bummer was that Jane and Oliver started school on that Tuesday and our visitors were still here. That cut down on some play time for sure.

Anyway, they joined us for Jane's birthday dinner of cheesy chicken chowder, rolls, and salad. Jane specifically requested that soup - her fave.

Then we had cake.

I found this idea via an "easy cake" Google search and went with it. The online example looked better because it was a round cake. But I don't have two circle pans. =/ 

I was bummed that I forgot to pick up a "10" candle. So I resorted to gluing number stickers onto regular candles. Not the look I was hoping for, but oh well. This is what I get for procrastinating/not thinking. I did like how the cake itself looked, and it tasted yummy. It was french vanilla cake with a raspberry filling. And the buttercream frosting I used was extra tasty.

Jane loves fruit filling in cake and other pastries, which is somewhat odd considering she doesn't like to eat fruit.

Now I'm getting hungry thinking of that cake. . .

 

The rest of the pictures from Jane's birthday were hopelessly blurry, so I will not be sharing them. =/

 

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Skip to Cora's birthday... August 19th

I knew it would happen eventually. Cora has one more year until she's an official teenager. Twelve. 12. twelve. What a weird word. Especially when you realize that's how old your first-born is. How did this happen?!

We had a fun birthday for her. We went to Roaring Springs, then came back to the house to have her traditional b-day donuts.  

That morning, before Jane and Oliver went to school, Cora opened her presents.

It looks like the bunnies helped her open the fancy new hobbit hole lego set.  She had fun putting it together while the other kiddies were at school. (We went to Roaring Springs after school until close.)

Cora had cousin Malory and our neighbor Zoey join us at the water park. Then they spent the night. My mom and step-dad came over for the treats. =)

Yay for birthdays! And hooray for another year of happy, healthy children! 

Before and After

 

 

Haha. I tricked you into opening another one of my posts about flowers. =)

 

But it's a good one, especially if you like before and after pictures . . . of flowers.

 

 

The photo below was taken in June, shortly after planting time. 

 Same spot, 3 months later . . .

 



 Look how much they filled out!  I think this is where the term "flower power" came from. 

If it's not, then it should be.

 

 

I totally blew my chance to take a "before" picture of the flower bed underneath this sentence.

 

 

Believe me when I say it looked pitiful at first - big old spaces between each single plant.

But it gradually expanded into one huge, happy glob of glory.

 

 

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I wanted to throw in some close-ups of some o' my faves . . .

 

 

 

I looooove these moss roses. I can't get enough of this particular color combo. This is the basket hanging right outside our kitchen window.

 It's been a welcome distraction as I warsh the daily dishes. 

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I planted this pot of gold (and purple and white) back in June as well. It is comprised of flowers I got with a Franz Witte gift card Maria gave me last year on my birthday. Thanks, Maria!

 



I love the stripey effect on these precious yellow treasures. 

 

 

As the summer progressed, this bucket of bliss spilled out all over the edges.

 

The best kind of mess.





Can you stand one more "before and after" set?

 

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If you're still here, take a look. If not, fine . . .  I'm sorry you don't like my thousands of flower posts.

 

 

Both pics below are the same pot.

 



 

The white carnations slowly got choked out by all the zinnias and moss roses around the sides.

 

But that's okay. I enjoyed the carnations while they lasted.

And I am still pleased with the zinnias' perfectly proportionate petals.

 



Better bask in the remaining blossomic beauty of our yard before the cold kills it all.

 

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{I heart flowers}



Games We Play

These pics are from July, FYI. (Couldn't resist a rhyme.)

I got Oliver some Toy Story dominoes during the summer. He still occasionally likes to play this game with me or anyone else around. I'm not sure why some of the pieces are not connected to the others. We do know how to play. Really...

 

We love Bananagrams. It's one of the games we always play on Lytle family camping trips. I enjoy word games. I'm not the quickest or best at them, but I like how they make my brain work.

 





These are the words Jane used one round.  =) 

 



 

That was Cora's spot on the left, mine on the right. I wanna play again soon. It's been a few months.

 

 

That's it for now. Sorry so short. =)

I Spoke Too Soon

Well, my aforementioned "best summer ever!" certainly did not turn out the way I planned.  No more will I be blabbing about forthcoming fun stuff. From now on I will only report about things that actually happened.  (Mentioning goals is different, and important, so I will likely still do that.)

Summer was a bummer for a couple of reasons.

1. Barry Manilow never came. Apparently he has way better things to do than visit silly Boise
(and  Salt Lake and Denver. Those two stops were canceled as well ).  His concert was originally set for June 8. Due to "scheduling conflicts" it was bumped to July 13th. That was the weekend I was set to come home a day early from a Lytle family camping trip so I could make it to the concert with my mom and sister.

The morning of the supposed concert, Ryan's brother approached me in the campground and asked if I'd heard the bad news. Uhhh, nope. How would I have heard any bad news when I was away from the Internet and all civilization?? Well, he said he'd driven up past the lodge where there was cell phone service to call his wife and check Facebook. One of his FB friends had shared that Barry was "postponing" that night's concert. Nnnnoooooooo.... I felt robbed. DANG IT!  We had been so excited to go. ='(  So I ended up staying the extra night camping since I had no real reason to leave.

It's been two months with no mention of a reschedule, so I finally called to get a refund today. I somehow doubt Mr. Manilow will make the effort to perform for his Idaho fans (he has at least 3 of them that I know of).  Oh well!  I'll have to settle for studio recordings of all his smash hits.

2. I hated myself for weeks after being a total dork at the much-anticipated They Might Be Giants in-store signing the day of their concert (June 9).  Really. I was so annoyed with me. Three months after the fact, I'm finally able to release information about it. Even though it's going to make me feel idiotic again. 

So, for starters, I went to the signing alone because nobody I knew wanted to go. That was my first bad idea. But the biggest bad idea was what I decided to wear. I wanted to be noticed, remembered. I adore the Johns (the two front men of the band). They create music that makes me feel happy. It's like nothing else out there; it's so unique and has the most awesome beats/sounds/melodies, in my reliable opinion.

I'm the type of person who needs frequent validation. If I go out of my way to do something to get attention and nobody acknowledges my efforts, I feel awkward and unappreciated. Pretty dumb, but true.

Anyway. One of the songs from their most recent album is "Call You Mom".  It is catchy, fun, and clever. Here are a few lines of it:

"I think I'd like to call you Mom
'Cause you remind me of my mom
I'm gonna go put on my sailor suit
And we'll go out on the town
...... (later in the song)
And then I'm gonna call her You
'Cause she'll remind me of you
I'm gonna dress her in a sailor suit
That would look very cute"

So I found in a closet an infant-sized white-and-light-blue sailor suit that my brother wore as a baby.
I thought I'd be "cute" and fasten it around my neck (using an elastic strap) at the signing.
And that I would print off one of those "Hello my name is" tags and handwrite "Mom" in the appropriate spot. I kept thinking, this is gonna be good . . . they're gonna notice me. Can anyone guess how this ends?

The time arrived and I departed for downtown over an hour early so I could have a spot to wait for the big, up close and personal moment. I was there plllllenty early. I thought about leaving the sailor suit in the car, but told myself I'd taken the time (a few stinking minutes) to put together my "costume", and that I would be brave and go for it.

I put it on as the band was setting up their instruments. I was feeling self-conscious, but I was at the point of no return, or so I thought. Some hippie dude walked past and said, "Hey, you got yer sailor suit! But you don't remind me of my mom . . . I wish!" I smiled and muttered,  "that would be weird."

But at least someone knew what I was going for. I saw a couple of Ryan's childhood friends there. I worried that they were embarrassed for me.

After the band played their short set, they situated themselves behind a table so fans could line up and get stuff signed. I stood a few people behind Ryan's friends. I had just learned that the store would be allowing photos to be taken of each fan standing behind John and John. GREAT! I didn't have a camera since mine was broken! And I don't have a phone that I can retrieve pictures from. Because I'm a cheapskate. And I am super slow at attaining newfangled electronics (some of which are now oldfangled because I am always that late to the party).  I had thought of borrowing someone's camera for the day, but I didn't want to inconvenience anyone, plus I thought I'd just live in the moment and not worry about taking pictures.

So, a once in a lifetime photo-op and no camera. Crud. I casually (nervously) asked Ryan's old pal, Tim, if he would take a picture of me and the Johns when it was my turn, and if he could just send it to my email. He said he would. He seemed at the time like he really would send it. Soon I was up. I had brought along a CD, "The Spine", which I had just discovered and ordered the previous week. Somehow I missed this gem from 2004.

Anyway, I clumsily approached the table and presented the CD to "Flansy", asking him if he would sign my spine.  Ha. He sort of snickered as he repeated my carefully planned line. I told him I'd just gotten it last week and he said, "that's cool". Meanwhile, John Linnel was saying something. He was trying to politely tell me to get out of the way because there was someone behind the table trying to get a picture taken. Aaaaaghh! I felt sooooooo sheepish. Let's not forget I was wearing that silly sailor suit about my neck. (I should note that I was wearing a real shirt too; not just the tiny sailor suit. In case anyone was getting extra worried for me.) I wanted to remove the darn neck decoration before my picture, but I didn't want to hold up the long line, so I kept it on.

Neither of the Johns acknowledged the sailor suit. And why would they? They are men. They were facing a huge crowd of folks wanting their crap autographed. They were nearing the end of a lengthy, likely tiring tour. But since they didn't say anything, I assumed they thought I was a dunderhead for doing it. Maybe they did, maybe they didn't. It shouldn't matter. Maybe they have seen crazier things in their day. And I'm not saying it was crazy of me to do. It just didn't turn out the way I'd hoped.

So I kicked myself for it. I could not get over it for a long time. It even put a damper on my experience at the actual concert that night. It was a super entertaining show, but I kept feeling haunted by the fool I had made of myself that afternoon. I don't think I would have felt so dumb if I hadn't been alone (at the signing). I was extra vulnerable because of it. (I brought Ryan, Gavin, Maren and Erin to the concert with me.)

Back to the black part of that day. It seems like such a little thing now, but it was causing me serious anguish. I kept replaying over and over in my head what I wished I had done, which was "throw the sailor suit to the very back of the car before going to the signing". When I got home that night after the concert, I tossed the suit in a box in the garage so I wouldn't have to look at it. I tore up the name tag and threw it away. I had trouble sleeping because I was so mad at myself. I cried the next day about it, trying to purge it from my mind. I couldn't listen to any TMBG music for a few weeks because it brought back a flood of remorse.

As I type this now, I realize I was over-reacting a little, but at the time I was truly tormented. Mostly because I had ruined my chance of getting a shareable picture of me with two of my favorite musicians. I'd looked like a ninny for it.

Three months later and I still haven't received the picture. I don't know if I even want it anyway. Ryan and I saw the guy one evening a couple of weeks after the concert, and he said he hadn't even looked at any of the pictures on his camera because he'd been so busy, but that he would get to it. I will believe it when I see it.

After posting this story, I won't be surprised if I get picked up tomorrow and taken away to a place with straight jackets and white, padded rooms.

I just hope it has a ball pit. And refreshments.

Wonder Bunnies!

We went ahead and got two precious bunnies on August 7th.

 

The idea originally spawned a few months ago when I opened my big yapper about a family from our church who was trying to find homes for their unexpected litter of bunnies.  Suggesting rabbits as a pet option was my desperate attempt to steer the kids (and Ryan) away from the idea that they want a dog.  I know in my heart that they truly don't want a dog.  Mainly because I have told them that they can either have ME or a dog, but not both. ;)

 

So I took Cora to see the bunnies. She decided right away that she would like to have one.  But we weren't quite ready for any. 

 

 Over the next few weeks, Cora and Jane somehow convinced Ryan to commence construction on a hutch. That process took at least a couple of weeks. But then we still weren't ready to get bunnies since we had a couple of family trips planned and we didn't want to find a sitter for brand new babies.

 

 After our Oregon trip, we were set at last.

 

We'd done the research to decide what kind of bunnies to get, how to care for them, etc.

 

We knew we had to get two bunnies since they are social creatures. The day finally arrived to get them. I was admittedly a little mad at myself for even bringing up the idea of pet bunnies.

I worried that they wouldn't be friendly.

 

Long story short, I stopped fretting after the first day of having these sweet wee ones. They seemed a little nervous at first, but not for long.

 

Here they are...

We can't get over how cuuuuute they are!

 



 

 They are Holland Lops. They were five weeks old when we took them home from Zamzows.

They were a lucky find. We had specifically decided on this breed, and they had just arrived at the store a couple of days earlier. Perfect timing! I am so glad we got these two.

 

I love it when they stand up like that! It's like they're trying to fit in with us humans -- only they are WAY cuter than we are.

 



 

I'm so glad they seem to like us! We've had them for just over a month now.

 

 

 

Awwwww....

 

 

 

I'm seriously in bunny love with them.  The girls decided to name the white and tan one Mable and the gray one is Mimi.

(We are almost positive they are both girls. I guess we will find out soon if all our sources are wrong. But so far, so good.)

 

Look at those feet!  =)

 

 



 

I wonder if they have any clue how cute they look from behind.

 

 



 

They are so soft and cuddly!

 

 

 

 

See what I'm talking about?!  The gray one's little face is a perpetual picture of innocence. Sometimes, like in this picture, she doesn't even look real.

 

 

 



 

We are all so happy with the fluffy, sweet,  quiet  new additions to our family.

They are like tiny rays of sunshine upon our souls. Yes, they've hopped their way into our hearts. And I'm not even exaggerating.

 

 



Oregon Coast

Welp. Our summer family vacation took place July 29-Aug 2 in the lovely little town of Florence, Oregon.

We were joined by Ryan's parents, two of his sisters, and their kiddies. The lot of us temporarily inhabited two houses adjacent to the beach. They weren't the snazziest accommodations, but they were comfortable and super close to the ocean.

Ryan wanted a picture of the snow-capped mountains we passed on our way to the coast...

And here some of us are on the beach. Wow, that was a quick change of scenery.

 

Shimmery water as far as the eye could see. And then some.

 

 

 

 

 

 

As usual, it was absolutely dazzling.

 

I'm not going to get too detailed about every little move we made the entire trip, so don't be too bummed about that.

 

One of the afternoons we drove to a nice, easy hiking trail. It was perfect for the kids and Ryan's preggo sisters. =)   Actually, was ideal for anyone who doesn't loathe effortless, earthy walks .

 

 

At the end of the shortish trail was this good-looking waterfall. 

 

Oliver, Jane, Malory, Cora, Ethan, Alex and Tomi. (Not pictured: Royce. He was napping in the van with Grandpa.)

 



 

We had fun negotiating these boulders. Easy does it, Cora!

 



 

My little girl isn't little anymore. =/

 

 

 

 

One day we visited the Heceta Head Lighthouse. 

 

 Bethany looking concerned.

 

 



 

What a view! 

 

It turns out our new camera has a decent zoom function. According to my contact-bedecked eyes, this rocky hill was covered with moving black specks. Turns out they were black and white birds. The kids thought they looked like penguins. Some photographer guy next to us told us what they were, but I don't know how to spell that word. It starts with an M.

 

 

 

Next we explored some tide pools.

 

 

I hadn't seen any since my 5th-grade science club trip. 

 

 

The kids had a bunch of fun here. I'd have posted more pictures of each outing, but it took FOREVER to upload the ones I did, so these will have to be enough for ya. 

 

We spent plenty of time on the beach. It was chilly as usual, but the kids didn't care.

 



 

 





 

 

This is the view from our window. It was foggy a lot of the time, but you can sort of see the ocean if you have a good imagination.

 

 

This is another picturesque pit stop we took, which included more nature walking.

 



 

 

This path also led to a beach.



 

 

 

We opted for a couple more easy as pie hikes on our last full day on the coast.

  

We were looking for the so-called Hobbit Trail. We first stopped at the wrong place. We figured out it wasn't right after walking down the path for a few moments. But we saw some cute lizards on the way, so it wasn't a total waste of time.

 

The Hobbit trail was on the opposite side of the road. The sign was tucked back enough that we couldn't see it from the car.

 



 

 

 

 

 It was pretty cool. The pictures don't do it justice. Many of the trees were mossy, twisted and old. As you can surely see.

 

The trail led to a secluded beach. We must have been there on a slow day -- we were the only ones frolicking on the sand. Or maybe it was that we scared everyone else away. I am good at that. :/  Either way, we had fun and it was beautiful out there.

 

I had to wear my glasses for a day because one of my contacts had ripped and was giving me fits, and I hadn't brought a spare pair. I'm just glad I had the foresight (haha) to bring the glasses as backup. I got them over two years ago and I never wear them in public (for personal reasons -- including but not limited to depth perception issues) and I only rarely wear them at home. 

I like them because they have pale blue and black giraffe print on the sides. =) 

 

 

 



 

We had cousin Malory with us. She even hitched a ride to Oregon with us.

 



 

The kids had an impromptu, music-free dance party. =)  

 

 

 

 

 

Awesome trees.

 

 

 Awesome kids beneath awesome trees.

 

 

 



I'd say our trip to the coast was a success. 

Below is a photo of the dense mountain greenery on the drive home.  

 

The only regret was running out of time/luck to find any sort of souvenir stores. Florence didn't seem as touristy as Seaside is (where we went last year). That could be a good thing unless you have a trinket-loving 10-year-old wanting a special treasure to take home with her. Yes, a town void of gift shops is the perfect place to vacation ... unless the mom involved wouldn't have minded stumbling upon a cool candy store or two before heading home. ;) 

 

Anyway, yay for the Oregon coast!