Yes, Even more pictures.

The sun was streaming through our living room windows making everything glow with dusk. Grant and I were rolling around the floor, playing with toys. Grant using me as a human jungle gym, and in return, I using him to pour out the affection in kisses and snuggles and nuzzles, that being around him always elicits.

My baby. He is growing so fast. And so I take photos. Trying in vain to slow time. Trying to capture ever single expression, every pudgy finger and budding tooth. Every fuzzy hair and chubby toe. Because I know, all too soon, all I will have are these photos. He will be grown into a gangly boy who smells like a wet dog when he comes in from play. I will love him just as much, but he will be different.

Gone will be the sweet smell. Gone will the those chubby little baby thighs that beckon for a squeeze. Gone will be the feathery hair that tickles my chin when I hold him. The wet, slobbery kisses, the wide eyed curiosity, they round little belly that calls for many a raspberry. Gone, gone, gone.

And so, I take photos.











(Don't worry, he thinks it is funny when I do this. Perhaps I relished in too much Twilight while preggo. His funny little vampire tooth came first at the top.)

















One day I will look at all of these photos. And they will make me sad (just like my Mum), but perhaps, I can close my eyes after looking at them, and bring back the memories of some of the sweetest days of my life. Filled with the wonder and bliss that comes with being a young mother playing with her baby in the early evening sun.

Slowly but surely.

Slowly but surely I am shrinking. Total weight loss down to 12 lbs so far! Thanks in large part to Lindsey's plan! I think it really helps to have to 'fess up' to someone and have them hold you accountable. If you need a boost in motivation, I would suggest checking out her site. You can do it online!

I definitely have more energy and feel better about myself already even though I have a way's to go. I WILL be a hot mama once again!

I have been sticking to my diet. Can you believe I haven't had any sugar since Sunday? And then, it was only a few pieces of jello popcorn. I stayed away from the peanut butter bars. This is huge for me. Me who loves all things peanut butter. Who loves all things sugary and sweet.

I also have had to stay away from all my favorite food blogs (especially food gawker). It is a complete addiction and so in order to not crave all of that utter deliciousness, I can't look at it either.

My motivations are: Self confidence. Enjoying to shop for myself again. Having people say "YOU have three kids?". Feeling physically better. Wanting to take a few dance classes and looking decent while doing it. NOT hating Sunday mornings trying to find something to wear that doesn't make me look pregnant, and last but not least... perhaps another baby? And a pregnancy that will be easier on me than Grant's was.

And let's not forget NOT having people ask me if I am expecting. Seriously. Grant had a CONDO to himself when I was pregnant and getting rid of it is the ultimate challenge.

I think I have just realized that I really CAN do it. It isn't something I DON'T have control over... I do, I just needed to grasp that. I am a total emotional eater. Addicted to carbs and sugar and fried food and well... you get the picture. And I enjoy baking and cooking. A lot.

But I am changing that. And allowing myself time to do it.

I will still enjoy foods that I love, just once and awhile instead of all the time. In fact, my birthday is coming up next Thursday. Don't think I haven't thought about that chocolate cake from Art City Trolley that I can going to savor. I have thought about it every day. But I can wait.

In the meantime, maybe I will get addicted to cleaning. My husband would sure appreciate it.

A Perfect Day.

I LOVE the fourth of July. I guess it is funny in a way, considering I am more Canadian than American, but I DO! I love the patriotism, the time spent with family, the community participation... and of course, FIREWORKS!

We set out bright and early for the parade in Provo. Last year I was massively pregnant and seriously uncomfortable. We didn't have camp chairs and so I was sitting on the asphalt with a sore tailbone and butt, in the scorching heat, and so completely uncomfortable that I couldn't enjoy it at all. I usually love parades.

But this year was perfect. A light rain shower and the fact that we had to sit a little behind the kids so we couldn't participate in their enjoyment as much, were the only negatives. It wasn't too hot, we had camp chairs with us, and best of all... I wasn't pregnant!

Blake had one minor meltdown when everyone around him got t-shirts that were being handed out but he didn't. Other than that, it was a blast and a perfect way to start our day!


Flavors from the Provo Parade.

I love marching bands!



This was the cutest wonder woman I have ever seen.



Jen & Larry brought the treats!



But I must say, he is yummier than any taffy...



Jen always thinks so!





This car looked like it was covered in copper... sooo cool!



I told you... I love marching bands. And shiny instruments!



And drums.



I love that Utah has such a big population of "Islanders"... Such a great culture!



And these guys had great rhythm. All while flashing "hang loose" gestures to the crowd!



And only in Provo will you see a parade with Mormon Missionaries from the training center! The crowds go wild when they come walking by!



You gotta love people. This was my favorite... the rather portly superhero; Captain America!





I was sad they didn't have the jets fly over in formation this year at the beginning... that is always our favorite part. I guess you have to cutback somehow with this economy!

After the parade we took the kids for burgers. That was a big mistake on my part. I have been eating really healthy lately as part of my nutrition and excersize program that I am doing with the help of my wonderful trainer and friend Lindsey.

So, greasy diner type food did NOT sit well with my system and that is a mistake I will not soon repeat! I guess you have to ease back into the unhealthy eating habits!

Later in the day we headed up Provo canyon to South Fork Park to have a picnic with Dave's parents and Jenny and Larry. It was so beautiful...

If we ever move, I truly will miss the amazing canyons that Utah has.



At the park!



Grant had his first wagon ride!





I think it is hilarious when Blake or Syd pick up Grant!



As usual, I took too many photos.

Dave looking stud-ly.



The kiddos



Sydney, the tongue biter. Especially when being affectionate.



And she actually let me take some pictures! CALL THE PRESS! Seriously, without pulling a face every moment. It is a 4th of July miracle!



This is the kind of face I usually get...



This one will be framed :)



And no, I didn't brush her hair. She was having too much fun to sit still for that! I see all these little girls with perfect ponytails and ribbons and think that can't be very much fun!



I was so sad this one was a little out of focus because I adore Blake's smile in it. Not for blowing up but definitely an album keeper!



He was showing me somthing... I don't know what it was... I was too busy trying to capture his eyes :)





Jenny looks so good with a baby, don't you all agree ;)





And Jenny did such a great job in netting us a fine new uncle... Larry!



After our picnic, we headed to Pleasant Grove for fireworks. We go every year as they definitely have one of the best firework displays in the valley in our opinion!

Dave's brother Adam and Aunt Lauren joined us.

Blake had made all of these little cards with smiley faces on them (seriously, he spent like an hour on them before we left that afternoon), to hand out to people. Sure enough, when we got there, he set out among the crowds (with Dave and I watching carefully), handing out these papers. He tried to get the first people to give him a dollar for them (HAHAHAH! We were dying at that one!), but then he decided to just give them out to make people happy. And it worked. At first people were a bit hesitant, thinking some horrible parents were sending their 6 year old soliciting for business, but when they realized what he was giving them, smiles and laughter ensued. It was the cutest thing to watch people get such a kick out of it.

He is such a sweet, thoughtful little boy. We all agreed that he would make an amazing politician someday. He has no fear of talking and connecting to anyone, no matter their age or what they look like. I love that about him.

The fireworks did not dissapoint and I left as I do every year, with a feeling of pure bliss and gratitude for the beautiful, free country that we live in. Grateful for those who fought, and those who are now fighting to preserve our freedoms. Grateful for our wonderful children and family, and for every day like this one; that is spent together.

How blessed we are!

HOUSE FOR SALE!

Well, we are sorry to have to say goodbye to this house and our wonderful neighborhood and friends. If you know of anyone who is looking...

It is a 4 bedroom, 2 bath home (plumbed for three baths). Split level but not in the traditional way. Very open and lots of upgrades, granite and great tilework throughout. 2 car garage, and there is an unfinished family room in the basement.

If you have any questions, feel free to drop an email to dillydallyart@gmail.com and I can refer you to our realtor.






















Master Bedroom






Master bathroom



Hall Bath



1st bedroom



2nd bedroom



Basement bedroom

First Camp-out of the Year.

That title is really misleading. The reason being that Dave and I haven't "camped out" since the first year of our marriage when I made him take me home at 3 am because it was freezing and I was on my way to a bad case of Strep.

Our kids have NEVER been on a camp-out. I guess I am more of a luxury hotel kind of girl than a roughing it in the woods kind of girl. Although I did like it when I was younger.

One of my good friends Angela invited a few of us for a Mommy camp-out up in Logan, where her parents have a few private camp sites. We decided that on Friday night, the Mom's would have a "Girls Only" camp night and the hubby's and kids would come up on Saturday to join us. Only Staci and Ang and I went. We were all nannies back in CT a long time ago and now live only minutes apart from each other and have forged even stronger friendships.

It was SO much fun. We made fajita packets over the fire, ate lots of treats, talked a lot and slept in a fun little 70's era camper. It was REALLY cold but we managed to stay warm through the night.

The camper.



The camp fire area



The river that runs around the site.



Some views from the camp area.



Pretty eh?



I wish I would have gotten some more pics of the girls but no-makeup = not very camera friendly females!!! I did manage to snap this one of Staci enjoying some kid-free R&R.



I was so excited for the kids and Dave to join us on Saturday and couldn't stop looking out the window of the camper where I was huddled with my Pride & Prejudice book.

Finally they pulled up and I ran out to greet them. We had SO much fun. The kids played with some of Ang's kids and neices and nephews. There was some slides and swings onsite that they had fun on. They kicked Blake's soccer ball around, played some baseball, waded in the bank of the river, and this, I think, was one of the highlights for them (and made ME extremely nervous! Good thing they have a brave Dad!).



and higher!





Syd's turn!





Staci's husband Rod arrived around 8 or so. They got everything set up and then Jaylee, Staci's 4 year old, went into the tent, fell asleep for a bit and then threw up all over everything. So, they packed up and headed back home. Not fun considering Rod had just driven for 2+ hours with the kids to get up there. We were sad they had to go but it sounds like it was a good thing as Jay was sick for most of the night.

When it got dark we had dutch oven dinners and then the kids got to roast their own marshmallows. Then Dave took them on a "Snipe" hunt with flashlights where they got scared (in a good way) out of their minds.

Sydney told me the most fun part for her was sleeping in the tent. They were unbelievably excited to use our new 10 person tent that we got from Santa ;)

I didn't have to argue at all for them to come to bed around 10 or so. It was going to be a COLD night (I think it ended up being in the high 40's!) so I was prepared with a lot of extra blankets and clothes.

We put Grant's play-yard right in the tent. I layed a thick fleece blanket in that, and then he was in his fleece snowsuit with another fleece blanket on top, and a flannel blanket tucked around his head. I then covered the whole thing with another blanket to keep in some heat. It worked. He was warm and toasty (and maybe even a little sweaty) all night long!



Luckily the sleeping bags we had were super warm and we all slept pretty well (me with the aid of my good friend Ambien).

Dave and I woke up in the morning to the sound of bicyclists along the road talking to each other. There must have been a really big race because they were coming in swarms.

Syd woke up next and I got some cute photos.



Ummmm, yeah, no makeup + bad angle equals NOT CUTE, but I love this photo anyways.



That hair was going to be fun to brush out!



Funny face.




Scratchin' some "skeeto" bites.




The queen of goofy faces.



How I keep em' warm at night!



Good morning sleepy-head!



Blake loves camping.



When we got up we headed to the road to wave to, and greet the cyclists. It was fun watching them. Dave and I agreed that would be a fun sport to take up together when the kids are a little older. And the beautiful scenery of Utah would make it such a great place to such a hobby!

After breakfast this morning, Blake and Syd got to do a little fishing with Ang's neice which they LOVED, and spent some more time on the rope swing with Angela's husband Bryan while Dave and I packed up. We headed back home a little after noon.

Packing for camping with small children is a LOT of work and planning, especially for only 1 night (with the kids), but it was completely worth it and so much fun. The kids were so well behaved and it was awesome seeing them having the time of their lives. I can't wait for us to go again. And I think the kids would agree!

Thanks Angela for such a wonderful time!

Blake's 6th Birthday

Well, I have procrastinated this post far too long. My first born is now 6!!! We had a small family party for him, next year I promised a big shebang with all his friends, but this year, we kept it budget friendly (and nerve friendly!).

It was a good day except for the fact that I was putting the finishing touches on my decorating as he and Dave were almost home from his soccer practice and I wanted everything to be a surprise and ready, and while taking his cake out of the fridge, it slipped out of my hands and face down on the floor. I cried and called Dave and told him to turn around to go buy a cake. I put quite a lot of time and thought into that cake so it was disappointing.

Before.



After :(



Proof positive, I have the best family because they ate most of it anyway. It was really yummy though. Good thing I washed my floor that afternoon!

These pictures aren't the best, they were taken with my cheap digital point & shoot.



Blake chose this batman cake from the grocery store.







He LOVED his new lego set from Grandma and Grandpa O. It was a big pirate one, and we had a lot of fun putting it together and he and Syd played with it for most of the next day.

He also got a real "kid tough" digital camera from Mom and Dad. I think he also might have lost it already :( But that was another of his favorite presents.

Aunt Krissy got him a Nerf dart gun that has quite a lot of power behind it. That is why it comes with goggles. Which Blake wasn't wearing when Uncle Adam accidentally hit him in the eye (he wasn't aiming for Blake's eyes and felt pretty bad!). But the birthday boy was okay after a little while and enjoyed the rest of his new toys; a remote control truck from Adam and Lauren, a t-ball set and water guns from grandma and grandpa, a Hungry, Hungry Hippos game from Jenny and Larry and lots of "cop" cars and firetrucks from Mom and Dad.

I cannot believe he will be in school full time this fall. I am sure proud of my oldest boy. So sweet and kind, always thinking of others. Smart and cheerful. Helpful and loving. Our little athlete. Such a good big brother whose sister adores him.

What a lucky Mom I am!

Baby For Rent

Ok, not really, but if anyone would like to borrow him for a night this Saturday, let me know! We are heading to go camping as a family with some friends and babies and camping just don't mix. He is really cute? And well behaved? No toilet trained though... LOL