My latest project

I saw a cute appliqued onesie a few weeks ago at a boutique and it gave me the idea to make these shirts. I have two adorable nieces who are turning two this summer so I made one for each. I started with plain pink tees from Target and added the cupcake and ribbon sleeves. I will be honest-- I was pretty pleased with how they turned out. I was afraid it might turn into a train wreck since, once again, I had no idea what I was doing. Heck, I was just proud of myself for threading the dang bobbin on my own. Thanks to this and this, I came up with a gameplan and it seemed to work! Now I'm trying to think of some good boyish shirts to make.

Strawberry Days Rodeo

After camping we met up with our friends Sam and Kristol and went to Pleasant Grove's Strawberry Days Rodeo. We didn't think we would be able to go since it was pouring rain most of the day, but the weather ended up cooperating. The bull riding was awesome and the atmosphere was fun. There was definitely some sweet people watching going on! I still think my favorite part was when they let a bunch of horses drag some cowboys through the mud-- it was hilarious.

Notice Jackson is using his cowboy blanket for the occasion :)

Happy campers

Last weekend we went camping with our friends the Pickups. We headed up American Fork Canyon and it was beautiful. I think we were all just happy to be outside since it actually stopped raining for the first time in like two weeks!

Our campsite was awesome. There was a stream about 10 feet behind our tent and there were wildflowers everywhere. I had not been "camping" since I went with my dad many years ago, so it was a fun little adventure. We had tinfoil dinners and s'mores with Reeses Peanut Butter Cups in place of the Hershey bars (delicious!). I knew we were taking a big risk taking a 5 1/2 month-old, but Jackson did great. He actually went to bed a little earlier than usual and woke up around 4:30 a.m. All I had to do to get him to fall back asleep was hold his hand :) I think he slept better than I did because I couldn't stop worrying about stupid bears! Sean was nice and cozy in his new sleeping bag I bought for him for Father's Day. Testing it out at REI:

Simon and Jackson playing around-- Simon enjoyed finding big rocks and putting them in his mouth :)

We woke up to rain on Saturday morning so we ended up packing our stuff up a little early and taking a drive up to the trail head for Forest Lake. The road was pretty gnarly but needless to say, Sean loved it. We took a group shot Saturday morning on Brian's camera, so I'll post that pic. when I get it!

Dear Sean,

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!

Love, your two biggest fans

A blanket for my little man

I've been wanting to make a blanket for Jackson but I've learned in my short sewing career that I am very indecisive when it comes to picking out fabric-- too many choices! I ventured over to my favorite place, the Quilting Cottage, to try and get some ideas and I saw this adorable lime green fabric with dogs on it. I showed it to Jackson and when he instantly smiled I knew it was the one. A very nice lady who works there helped me pick out the cute flannel for the back and the fabric I used to bind the edges. She even cut the fabric for the binding for me and gave me a mini lesson in the store. Now THAT is what I call customer service. Eat your heart out JoAnn's!

To personalize it, I decided to stitch a "j" into one of the corners. Thankfully my friend (and neighbor) Katie showed me how. The blanket took longer than it probably should have and it is by no means perfect, but I am happy with how it turned out. It's nice and big and lightweight and I think J-dawg likes it :)

A trip to the zoo

After the IVF party on Saturday we headed to Hogle Zoo. I hadn't been to a zoo since we went to Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago six years ago. We had a great time and Jackson seemed to enjoy himself :)

I loved the prairie dog exhibit-- they were so funny. I can skip the little pond area next time because, wow, duck poo reeks! We went at a good time because the animals were really active since they had just been fed. This leopard kept coming right up to the glass-- it was really cool. I thought Jackson might cry, but he just sat quietly observing.



I think next year we'll invest in some season passes!

IVF baby reunion

We were invited to an in vitro baby reunion hosted by the Reproductive Care Center. The party was this past Saturday and was a lot of fun. I wanted a picture of Jackson with our doctor, Dr. Blauer.

This is the best of the two we took-- Jackson's crying in the other one :) I will forever be grateful to Dr. Blauer for everything he has done for us.

Also, Jackson's good luck struck once again! The RCC had a drawing for $1,000 off your next in vitro procedure and we won! He's our little good luck charm it seems :) We keep joking we're going to take him to Vegas...

Well, I know where I'll be Aug. 29

Running the Top of Utah half marathon-- emphasis on half. Yep, I've made up my mind. I think it is a good goal and I have more motivation in the gym knowing I am working towards something. I've always wanted to run a half and I figure now is as good a time as any. I've heard this one is scenic and (score!) downhill part of the way. I've been running a lot the last couple of months and am planning to start this 9-week training program soon (though I will have to shift the calendar back a day to avoid running on Sunday). If anyone has any words of wisdom or advice, send it my way. All I know is I'm going to need one sick playlist on my iPod to keep my booty movin' for 13 miles!

Idaho Falls, Bear Lake and St. George

We've been gone the past three weekends in a row. First up was Idaho Falls with a visit to grandma and grandpa and nana and papa. We got to see our nieces Riley and Roxy dance in their recital (Jackson and I kicked it in the nosebleeds of the Civic Auditorium and walked around the halls of good 'ol I.F. High most of the time). They are both great dancers and it was fun to see them all dressed up-- wishing now that I would have gotten some pictures!

Last weekend we went with our friends Sam and Kristol up to their awesome cabin in Bear Lake. After my whole family (and half of our ward) got food poisioning from one of the shake joints when I was a kid, I wasn't sure if Bear Lake would ever redeem itself. Luckily, the Ogden's have helped me see the light. It was a weekend of good food and good company. Kristol is having a baby boy later this month and I can't wait-- Jackson needs another buddy! Again, should have taken more pictures.

Finally, this past weekend we went to St. George with my sister and her family and stayed at an awesome townhouse courtesy of my brother-in-law's generous parents. We've never taken a trip together so it was a lot of fun. We hit up the outlets, Nielsen's frozen custard and In 'n Out (twice). We spent Saturday at the pool and Sean got in a couple of his crazy games of H-O-R-S-E with Dave and his brother-in-law. It was a relaxing weekend!

Walking around the St. George temple:

Aren't my niece and nephew the cutest?

Jackson (left) and Adam snoozing the afternoon away:

After being gone so much, I think we're going to stick close to home for awhile!