Random Bits & Pieces

This is kind of a clearinghouse posting, with some pics that don't necessarily go together, but aren't enough for a posting on their own. Enjoy the buffet!

Tearing up paper = super fun times!Cole loves to empty out his toy cupboard, and then crawl in.I call this "Cole's Money Shot." Look at that boot-tay!
Hiking with the Thomsen's over Labor Day Weekend. The good parents we are, we forgot a jacket, so he wore his cousin Mitchell's pj top...which was a bit long.So cute!A little sleepy on the way back. Going, going....Gone.
(Thanks for the adorable hat, Grandma Nancy and Grandpa Randy!)

Mmm...the Chuck-a-rama of pictures. Delightful!

I Remember Camping!

Last weekend, Bryce and I had a short camping trip with Kelly and Jeremy. My mom and dad were so nice, and volunteered to watch Cole. (I heard they had a fantastic time showing him off at church!) We went up to the Uintahs, and had an awesome campsite. It was within walking distance of the Provo river, which was absolutely beautiful.
Bryce couldn't resist the temptation to wade across the river. I guess he's got a little Cap'n in him.We had an absolutely delicious dutch oven dinner of pot roast and potatoes, complete with peach cobbler for dessert.
We also had some ghetto-fun and duct-taped our tent together after the zipper broke.
That night, we made s'mores, watched the stars come out, and talked and laughed.The next morning - bacon and pancakes. The dogs suddenly had a new best friend.
Thank you, Kelly and Jeremy, for inviting us. This trip made me remember that, despite how much work it is, camping is one of my favorite things to do!!!

Farmer Cole

I'm in Love

Many of you know my "mild preference" for all things neat, tidy, clean, and orderly. Well, I have been given an amazing tool in my pursuit of cleanliness. If you haven't heard of a wonderful little thing called the "Rainbow Vacuum," prepare to be amazed. Okay, maybe I'm being a little dramatic. My Aunt Randa invited me to a demonstration at her house, and I went with the firm intention I would not be pulled in. I sat stoically while the presenter displayed fantastic attachments and spoke of how fluffy and clean my floors would be. But then, she said one simple phrase, "It sucks up vomit - you don't even have to touch it!" I knew then that this magical vacuum must be mine.

Knowing of my feelings towards dirt, my heroic mother decided to surprise me with the vacuum as an early Christmas gift. Yesterday, I spent the entire night vacuuming floors, stairs, tile, window tracks, and banisters. Bryce quickly became tired of me coming to him with the water basin and making him look at all the gross hair, dust, and dirt I had picked up. Even today at work, I'm thinking of all of the other things I could clean tonight - maybe the couch cushions - or the blinds! Oh, the endless possibilities!

So, I would like to thank my mom from the bottom of my heart for such an awesome and truly appreciated gift. She is truly a woman after my own heart. Thank you, Mom!!!

What's New in the World of Baby

Cole hit his 10 month mark in August, and I can't believe he'll be one in a couple of months. He's crawling all over the house, waving, eating pretty much anything we give him, and saying "Dada" and "Mama." He's doing well in day care, and will be moving from the Infant room into the Wobbler room at the end of the month. I'm expecting quite a few more calls about bumps on the head and tumbles. He's developing quite a little personality, and I had to put down some of my favorite things about him.

He's got monkey toes. He'll pretty much grab anything with them. He even plays the piano with his feet instead of his hands.He's loves to laugh and play chase and peekaboo.He hates having his hands touched. I can barely hold on to him when I try to walk him around.He loves to take things out of containers and put them back in. Here he is "helping" with the laundry.He eats his shoes.
He snores.
And finally, the best part? I think the spit-up valve may have shut off! (Knock on wood.) Cole is such a good kid, and I know we're very lucky to have such an easy-going baby!

Summer Lovin'

Summer really is the busiest - and funnest - time of year. We've been having a great summer, and wanted to share some of the recent goings-on:

Taking Cole to Wheeler Farm - thanks to Shan for indulging my whim and coming along with Tage and Afton:Cole seemed more interested in bugging Afton than feeding the ducks.
Going hiking up by the Crystal Lake trail head with Kelly, Jeremy, Britt, and Corey:Undercover picture of an actual argument over how much chocolate is necessary for a delicious s'more:Throwing Kelly a 30th *gasp* surprise party:The ghetto birthday cake yours truly made - nothing but the best for my friends.Enjoying a date night out to a movie, dinner, and mini golf (thanks for babysitting, Mom!):
Whew - is it possible I need a vacation from vacation? And miss out on the fun? No way!

More Pictures

Cole's daycare occassionally has photographers come in and take pictures of the kids, which you can then (of course) buy. Due to Cole's hatred of having his clothes changed and distrust of strange men, the pictures are usually a disasterous combination of red eyes and frowny faces. Amazingly enough, the most recent group, "Picture Me in the Past" (eye roll), did an amazing job. Here are a few of my favorites: