Mulberry Street

I thought I would share some of my favorite YouTube clips. It is an amazing site because you find pretty much anything you're looking for. "Most Beautiful Girl in the Room" by Flight of the Conchords "Here it goes again" by Ok Go "Mahna Mahna" by the Muppets So, what is your favorite YouTube clip? If you want to know how to paste the clip/video into your blog post here's how: -On the YouTube page copy the "embed" link from the YouTube clip, instead of the regular link. -(The "embed" link is to the right of the clip you are at, under the name of the individual who posted the clip.) -Paste the "embed" link onto your blog using the "Edit HTML" view of your blog post, not "compose." Thanks Eliza.

Seriously, did people really scour the nation looking for the best bathroom. What an assignment?! Check this out: http://www.walletpop.com/specials/best-bathrooms?icid=100214839x1208216106x1200475169

Summary All in all the trip was fabulous and Genevieve was a terrific traveler. It helped to get an extra seat on both flights allowing us to carry on her car seat. We had a great time with our families and appreciate their efforts in spending time with us in American Fork, Pocatello, Island Park, Idaho Falls, and Twin Falls. Lucky for all of you she started waking up multiple times during the night when we got home. I predict four new teeth. Did I mention our rental car? You gotta love SLC Airport car rentals. They have the highest fees and fewer cars. We’ve rented from this airport (various agencies) countless times and more often than not, our reserved car is not available. Usually that is a good thing because we get a free upgrade. Unfortunately for us, this time our upgrade was a two door with no trunk space, uncomfortable seats and bad gas mileage. A Jeep Wrangler, minus the knobby tires. Prior to Genevieve's arrival it would have been a fun choice, however, it was hard to en...

One reason our mileage was so high is because this view of the Tetons, just is not as spectacular as this view of the Tetons. Yup. We drove an extra three hours into Jackson just to snap a couple of pictures. We spent maybe 45 minutes there, most of which was spent eating crappy Dairy Queen at a park full of geese AND their poop. Was it worth it? Eric said, "You bet." Alisha is still undecided. The following pictures document how Genevieve spent her extra driving time from Island Park through Jackson to Idaho Falls.

It took very little to convince my dad to go on a hike with me while I was in ID. We decided on a short hike near Red Fish Lake and the adjoining Sawtooth Mountain Range . One section of the trail was shaded and cool, next to the stream. The rest of the trail was dry, dusty, and hot - this is how I remember hiking in Idaho. We followed Fish Hook Creek up a shallow canyon until it opened up into a beautiful meadow. The reward for the short two miles was a fabulous view of the mountains. It was spectacular and I remembered why I love the mountains of the west. On family camping trips as a kid, I never quite understood my parents' desire to just sit and enjoy nature. My memories of camping include all of us kids running around or messing with the fire, ignoring warnings from our parents. My Mom spent a ton of time cooking (all delicious meals) and my Dad poured over maps figuring out hiking trails or spent time getting all the fishing gear together. In hindsight, all activities were ...

We always love to spend time in the mountains and great outdoors so during this visit to Idaho we took full advantage. Eric's parents have a cabin in Island Park, near the Wyoming & Montana border. We spent several days there enjoying the peaceful surroundings. While at the cabin we played with nieces & nephews, spent plenty of time in the dirt, and saw some moose. We expected Idaho nights to be cold, especially for us, but didn't expect 40 degree mornings. Burr!!! But, that didn't keep me from running (I waited until it warmed up to 50 degrees) or Eric from going fishing with his brother and father. Genevieve had a great time exploring, rummaging around for rocks and sticks. Roy & Renee's cabin A male moose There were two moose (or meeses?) that hung around the cabin for over an hour. They gave us plenty of time to get some fantastic photos, only we were wary about getting too close (good thing we have that zoom lens). Eric and Genevieve playing in Big Sp...

Genevieve took her first trip to Yellowstone National Park to see the sights and catch a glimpse of animal life. Eric and I have been here countless times in our childhoods' but never appreciated it, as we do now. It is amazing to see the diverse geography in just one park. Various parts of the park really do look, feel, and smell like a planet in outer space. Family photo at Mammoth Springs Mammoth Springs more Mammoth Springs Waterfall in the park Female Elk in the Park Since we took over 600 photos I have added them to our shutterfly account and will post a link for your viewing pleasure, as soon as I upload all of them. Stay tuned...

We're back from our visit to the great state of Idaho. Days away from home: 9 Hours in the air: 7.5 Miles on the rental car: 1,537 Visits to the gas station: 7 Hours spent in the car: 33.5 States visited: 4 Photos taken: 687 Visits with family members: Overrated Just kidding, the time with family was "priceless" but there is no place like home. We're glad to be back home in our own beds with our own pillows, space, cat, and Daddy. Genevieve is also ready for a good long break from her car seat, we'll be walking a lot in the next week. See you next time Idaho!

I have a notepad on my desk with thoughts I would like to blog, when I get around to it. Eric found my notepad and added the following potential entry to my blogging list, "How cool my husband is." Well, since I have OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) I can't cross it off my list until I blog it, right?! Well, my husband is cool... - because he taught me to love opera - because he gets up with Genevieve on the weekends so I can sleep in or go for a run - because he works his tail off to provide for his humble wife and child - because he supported and encouraged me to graduate from college - because he loves riding his bike as much as a six year old - because he is thoughtful in every aspect of his life (callings, work, spouse, father, etc) - because he gives Genevieve a bath, reads her books, and puts her to bed - because he makes me yummy blueberry-bran muffins after my runs - because he'll watch some chick-flick-like things with me (women's gymnastics, my old m...

Eric and I took Genevieve to the Asian Festival in Reston on Saturday. It was a great day with low humidity and cooler temperatures, perfect for being outside. Ever since our trip to Thailand, we have been intrigued by everything Asian (we even tried to decorate Genevieve's room in an Asian theme - check it out next time you're over). This festival was a great way to re-experience all the people, smells, and items for sell that are present in most Asian cities. We walked around the booths, enjoyed delicious food, and watched several performances. We also picked up a "china-doll" dress for Genevieve that I can't wait to put her in, maybe it will fit her by Halloween. The festival highlighted China because of the current Olympic Games. It makes me almost want to hop on a 24 hour flight to go and see it all myself...almost. Eventually we'll make it to China but I am still burned out from my last 24 hour flight (Sylvia I don't expect any sympathy from yo...

So I have been craving taco salad for awhile, well ever since I had a ton of lettuce to get rid of, and I finally made them. I must say they were really good and it was easy to fry pre-made tortillas in a little bit of oil to make the shells. (Just beware of the spattered oil. Don't wear sandals while cooking and maybe use an old pan. I am still scrubbing oil off my pan and I am not sure if it will every be clean.) I didn't get a picture of my salad because I had already eaten half of it before I got out the camera. Amber made this salad Yummy huh!

Audrey what do you think? My evolving opinion: I am not sure if I could carry her in this for several hours. I feel like it will eventually cut off both her circulation and my circulation. I tried the "Tibetan" wrap but apparently I cut off 6 inches too many. I got it tied but the knot is less than secure. I also feel like the part of the fabric around her back/bottom slides up and all the weight sits on her legs. Last, I am not sure if I like the fabric, it is almost too thick and too rough making it difficult to tighten.

Have you heard of this website, wearyourbaby.com ? My sister, Audrey, told me about it so I am going to try it out with Genevieve. She recommends purchasing 6 yards of either crinkle cotton or gauze fabric. I found this youtube video on the rucksack carry . Although I don't speak German you get the idea, cool huh. If any of you are familiar with the wrapping techniques and can give me a crash course I would appreciate it. I want to learn before my trip next week. (See why I want to learn - travel.)

We got this box from Costco a few weeks back and found that its uses are countless. Genevieve discovered that it is just her size and perfect to play in. She usually brings a friend (aka Teddy Bears) and they sit there for minutes (which count as hours for a toddler) just enjoying their space. The Box and its newest inhabitant Genevieve can't quite step into the box so she uses the "back-in" method for getting into the box as demonstrated below. The box also doubles as a lounge chair (It works better with a stuffed toy for back support.) Towering over her stuffed bears (She likes to know that she is still in control.) The box also works as a "rest stop" if you catch my drift. (Eric has renamed it the litter box because she has now climbed into the box, squatted, then pooped four days in a row. Maybe we can move it into the bathroom so she gets the bigger picture. Here is a shot of her using the box for a quick potty break.) Someday she'll hate me for this ...

I've had this song in my head a lot lately. Well, actually I think of it every time Genevieve falls down. Enjoy this classic by Roxette . I also wanted to post some classic Celine Dion . Back in the day, my sisters and I used to take turns listening to this album on a walk-man. (I don't know how to import the youtube clip into my blog so if anyone does, please share that useful tip.)

Did I mention that our AC is broken? We just thought it wasn't running as efficiently as we thought it should. However, two weeks ago we discovered the compressor (a major and expensive part) had shorted out. The first company, Cropp Metcalfe, told us we had two options. 1) replace the compressor for $2,140 or 2) replace the heat pump unit for $6,000. I don't know about you, but I don't have two grand laying around, let alone six grand! So we got a second opinion (like the guy in this article) thanks to Eric's insistence. Why, because we hadn't had AC for a good month already what's another week or two?! The second company, Mann In, Inc., told us they could replace the compressor for less than $800. Well, it was better than prices with another zero. So they've ordered the part and maybe we'll have it replaced by the end of August. Just in time for the end of summer.

I have mentioned before how hard it is for a toddler to sit through church, especially a toddler that can't stand containment. Last Sunday we didn't take Genevieve out of Sacrament Meeting once. We were very proud of her and ourselves for this achievement. Well, today Genevieve repeated this good behavior and that deserves a pat on the back. The trick is bringing a ton of food (a variety of snacks including corn, cheerios, pretzels, dried fruit, watermelon, goldfish, and apple slices), sitting on a bench next to a wall (so she doesn't have an opportunity to escape), and surrounding ourselves with people capable of entertaining Genevieve (today that thanks goes to Eliza whom Genevieve sat with for half the meeting). I have noted this repeat experience because it makes me hopeful that our flight in a couple of weeks might actually be manageable. It is hard enough to entertain Genevieve for 1 hour but 4-5 hours inside an airplane is a completely different scenario. With any lu...

Genevieve never slept in our bed or our room. Her first night home from the hospital lasted about 1 hour before we took her to her own room. I love my sleep and get pretty cranky when I don't get enough. Genevieve was much too noisy to stay in our room depriving of us of the little sleep we would get, which is why she ended up in her own room so quickly. She has always been a pretty good sleeper and after she learned to fall asleep on her own we thought we were content. However, recently I wished I could cuddle up with her in my bed and take a nap with her once in awhile. Well, I got my chance during her most recent teething episode. She feel asleep in my arms so I took advantage of the opportunity to lay down on my bed with her. It was awful. Well, not awful just worrisome, tiring, and not nearly as enjoyable as I thought. I spent the entire hour and a half worrying. What if I woke her up at a time when she really needed the rest. What if I actually fall asleep and she falls off t...

I think Genevieve is teething again. As a new mom I am never completely sure if she is teething but this time I have had a few clues to help. 1. Fever 2. Pulling a board book from her mouth only to find the pages mutilated 3. I offered her a teething ring and she took it 4. Super cranky behavior So, using my deductive reasoning I have concluded that Genevieve is teething. Now, whether or not we'll see a tooth anytime soon is yet to be determined.

We went to an orchard to pick peaches today, even in the rain and cool weather. Lucky for us it warmed up to be a very steamy day in VA. We first went peach picking last year and the peaches were huge, juicy, and delicious. Naturally we expected the same this summer. Unfortunately we missed those huge, juicy, and delicious peaches by one day. We were directed to another part of the orchard with beautiful but not so ripe or large peaches. Oh well. The biggest peach I found today (It was also the juciest and after I ate half of the peach I discovered that the bugs agreed. Yuck! At least I got a good picture of it.) View of the orchard Family photo Our "peck" Eric carrying Genevieve (She tumbled to the ground every time we let her down, apparently she isn't used to uneven ground.) Emerson and Genevieve playing in the car (Does this count as a first date?) Alisha striking a pose Since we didn't gorge ourselves on peaches we headed to Linden, VA to eat at The Apple...