Wild Irises

My super talented sister-in-law, Hannah, loves taking pictures.  When we were living in Utah last summer she had asked a few times to take pictures of Cambrie.  Unfortunately Cambrie was less than cooperative during those few months and it never happened.  We decided to try again this year.  Up in Hyde Park there was a patch of wild irises growing and it was a very picturesque location for pictures.  Here are some of my favorites:

You have to understand, that not all of my favorites are the "perfect poses."  I love seeing my girls' personalities.

McKenzie so desperately wanted to climb on the fence like her sister.

We had hoped to get some pretty pictures of Cambrie holding a bouquet of irises, she insisted on a dandelion.  When we finally bribed her into holding a single iris, this is the reaction we got:

And then...

Run, Kenzie!  Run!

After that little stunt she spent a lot of time in the back of the car, just waiting.

Meanwhile, Cambrie started playing in the patch of purple irises.  Pretty!

Once McKenzie was let free, she preferred playing in the gravel rather than the flowers....ah...my girls...

What I found to be the most picturesque shots of the day-Cambrie giving her sister a hug and trying to tell her the flowers aren't all that bad.

And these mountain shots:

Little Red Riding Hood

This year my mom talked me into doing the Little Red Riding Hood bike ride with her in Logan.  It's not just any bike ride, it's 100 miles worth of woman power!  Each year they have a fun theme and totally run with it.  This year, it was Fabulous 50's, with a dash of rock n' roll.  At the event there were women dressed up in poodle skirts, a rock band, the big bad wolf decked out in leather, an open top convertible, darling race jerseys, and an incredibly fun atmosphere.  I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into by going on a century bike ride, but I figured that if my mom can do it (and has a few times) then I can at least survive.  

They had fantastic rest stop every 20 miles, completely stocked with water, GU drinks, bananas, cantaloupe, grapes, oranges, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, Oreos, trail mix, candy bars, and Chomp blocks.  So really, it was just like five 20 miles rides, totally doable.  We sure looked great and full of energy at the start of our ride. 

By the time we made it to our lunch break, right around 54 miles.  I was feeling pretty good, but that's as far as I've ever ridden.  And to think that I had to do all of that again...I tried not to think about it.  But Hannah had brought the girls to come see us right around 60 miles, and that was an emotional boost.  Cambrie loves coming and watching my races, I love it. 

We originally started with five women in our riding group, Lynne, Jen, Nan, my mom and I.  Lynne and Jen were very competitive and very strong.  We let them go ahead about the same time I met up with the girls.  With just Nan, my mom and I, it was more of a relaxed ride, but still not easy.  At the rest stop at mile 75, I was contemplating the easiest way to get to the finish line.  For the entire race we had been drafting off each other to take turns pulling and resting.  I decided that it was my turn to just rest.  I rode at the back of the back for the next 20 miles, just trying to hang on.  Luckily we met up with another group which put me at the back of seven women and gave me ample opportunity to rest.  If it wasn't for those strong women, and the very powerful and super sweet, Nan, I would have had a much harder time making it to the finish line.  When we finished I felt fantastic.  We were done!  I just rode my bike a crazy 100 miles in five an a half hours, and didn't feel like death.  The race organizers gave each participant a voucher for a free ice-cream sundae.  Yea!  The soda shoppe had ice-cream with all the toppings, chocolate, candy, sprinkles, fudge, crushed candy bars, and jars full of colorful gum balls.  So much fun! 

My birthday

This year my birthday snuck up on everyone, including me.  Between getting my sister ready for her mission, my Grandma's wedding preparations, Hannah's baby showers, Memorial Day, and upcoming races, my birthday totally slipped my mind for I think the first time ever.  Since none of us were expecting it, my birthday was incredibly low-key.  We had fancy waffles for breakfast (with whipped cream), and began the day with a birthday song. 

Even sweet McKenzie sang to me, then proceeded to make her waffle look as festive as mine. 

The rest of the day was just spent hanging out.  Since we were worn out from everything, I requested we just play games all day.  We played Phase 10 and Pinochle (of course).  Then it was time for presents.  I got a rain check from Camille...who knew that rain could pay for a really cute scarf?

 A recipe binder from Hannah...yea! 

A new book on my kindle from Jeremy...happy reading :)  And chocolate milk from my Dad...he knows me so well. 

Then it was time for cake and ice-cream.  My amazing sister-in-law made the ice-cream and did a fantastic job.  And my mom made the waffle bowls and cones.

 

Top it all off with freshly baked cheesecake and you have one fantastic birthday celebration.

Pinkalicious Power Wheels

Leesa and her neighbor, Shauna, love their granddaughters, and love to have fun things for them to play with.  They each own one of these mini Pinkalicious power wheels that are perfect for their little princess to ride around on.  And while McKenzie can't steer her ride, she can at least push the button to make it go. 

The girls had a blast riding around on these, even when it started to rain.  The only problem we had was when Cambrie decided to start playing bumper cars.  McKenzie couldn't figure out why her sister wanted to bump into her. 

 When the rain started falling hard enough, we had to basically peel them off of their toys since they were having too much fun to go inside. 

Picasso

Apparently Cambrie ran out of paper on the drive from Utah.  Resourceful?  Yes.  Was it all over her legs, arms, feet and face?  Yes.  Was she in trouble?  No.  I thought it was too cute. 

Why do you ask?

Why yes, I wear a spoon on my head.  Don't you?

Galoshes!

 

I don't know about you, but isn't the word, "galoshes" just a fun word to say?  Galoshes.  Galoshes.  Galoshes.  It makes me giggle. We have had an onslaught of rain here the last few weeks, and so when Cambrie asked for some galoshes I said yes.  Because A: it's practical in the rain right?  and B: it's just fun to say the word galoshes!  As luck would have it, it rained the day after we bought the galoshes and Cambrie got to put them to good use.  She also got out her winter coat...her winter gloves...and her umbrella.  She was very well prepared for rain play. 

McKenzie came out to join the fun too and the two girls just had fun chasing each other in the rain.

When Cambrie started jumping in the puddles, McKenzie stared at her for a few moments, then started stomping right along with her.  I loved watching my two cute girls play.