A Day at the Beach

What a great day I had at Alki beach with my little boys and our friends, Ann and Annabelle. We had a picnic and just played on the beach. You gotta love summer! Just had to share these great pics.

Happy Popping Day!

Joseph has affectionately termed the 4th of July "Popping Day" because of the fireworks that you hear popping all day and night. He's not a big fan. Last year we went to a park across the bay from the Space Needle to watch the fireworks and Joseph whined and held his hands over his ears the entire time. We were hoping this year would be a little bit different. We went to the firework tent and bought sparklers and pop-its and with the explanation that the sparklers don't make any noise, he told me he would do the sparklers but not the pop-its. He did well all through the day on the 4th; the random sounds of distant fireworks didn't seem to bother him at all. But then as it got darker, the fireworks got louder, and he got more tired, he just wanted to stay inside. This is as close as he got to doing fireworks:But we adults enjoyed them! (See our sparklers?)We had a few friends over and we BBQ'd, played a little whiffle ball, and did our lame fireworks. (The good ones are illegal in Seattle.) Justin was mesmerized by the sparklers!

Of course, fireworks aren't what this holiday is about. It was fun to talk to Joseph about our country and why we're so lucky to be free. I think he kind of understood it. It was wonderful to have Darren home for 4 days! He got Monday off too! So we went swimming and got lots of work done outside. What a refreshing long weekend!

Our fun family visit

We just finished spending the week with my mom and sister and boy did we have a good time. I love it when Utah comes to us and we get to play around town. Joseph and Justin were just in heaven. We hit the Children's Museum, the park, the beach, did some hiking at Camp Long, and Jordan and I even got to do a little shopping, sans kids, which doesn't happen very often. We also took advantage of our babysitters and Darren and I went to a movie together (If you're an Indiana Jones fan like me, you'll really enjoy the new one). Thanks, guys! We love you!

Justin is 1!

Well, my baby is 1. (Almost two weeks ago.) I think it's taken me so long to blog about it because I'm in denial. Can you believe how much they grow and learn and change in just one year? The whole baby thing was just as incredible and fun to experience for the second time around as it was with Joseph. We had a fun little family birthday party at home with a pile of presents and cake and ice cream. Justin actually understood and enjoyed the concept of ripping the wrapping paper off the gifts. And Joseph was very willing to be of help when needed. He absolutely loves all his presents! A big thanks to all our family who spoiled him rotten.
Here is the opening of the presents:


The obligatory cake eating:



The new toy enjoyment:

A Night at the Theater

Last weekend was our second annual trip to the Seattle Children's Theater. My friend, Ann and I have made it a tradition to take our kids out to dinner and a play once a year. Once a year, the Children's Theater does a play geared especially to 4-6 year olds and this year it was called Busytown and based on Richard Scarry's book pictured above. It was all about different occupations that make a town busy with silly songs and dances. It was so adorable and the kids loved it. It's so fun to enjoy a little "culture" here in our city. I think I enjoyed it as much as Joseph! Justin wasn't thrilled, but he did surprisingly well (thanks to the licorice I sneaked in).

Joseph and Annabelle
Me and my boys

3 Cheers for Grandma and Grandpa!

What a fun weekend we had with Grandma and Grandpa Jolley! They came to visit on Saturday night and stayed until Tuesday. On Sunday, they got to come with us to our Stake Conference where Elder Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles was there! I was especially excited to hear from him after he gave my favorite conference talk about motherhood. He is truly an apostle of God and we were so blessed to partake of his spirit. On Monday, Joseph was Grandpa's little helper as he fixed our gate in the backyard and planted tomato seeds. Thanks, Grandpa! Then, we rode the water taxi across the bay to have lunch downtown with Darren. Then we checked out Pike Place Market. We barbequed hamburgers for dinner and made smores over the coals for dessert.
Of course, Joseph is in love with his grandparents, but it was especially fun to see how much Justin loves them too! Thanks for the great visit, we love you!

On the move

This is what Justin wants to be doing every waking moment these days.