Carnival

We went to the Orem Summerfest Carnival and Fireworks on Saturday. It was SO MUCH FUN!

1. Boys and rides. Our boys are at great ages for stuff like this. Its WAY more fun to watch them go on a bunch of rides than to go on any myself. Seriously. I think Jake and I were grinning from ear to ear watching our boys have so much fun. Jake took them on the strawberry ride and spun them all silly. I was worried it would be too much for them- but they both LOVED it. And Josh climbed way to the top of the huge potato sack slide and went down by himself. He was jumping up and down with excitement when he got to the bottom. We were so proud.

2. Smorgasbord, orgasboard.... (from Charlotte's Web). Jake and I kinda have a rule that whenever were at a fair/carnival sort of thing we have to get some carni food- and where possible- we have to try a new fried item since it seems like they're always coming up with crazy ones these days (my favorite so far? Fried peanut butter and jelly sandwich). So Jake got some nachos and a yummy frozen lemonade and then we got down to the nasty stuff and tried fried twinkies and Oreos. Both pretty good. Very not healthy, but good.

3. Fireworks. Orem City did NOT disappoint. We were all "oohing" and "ahhhing" a lot. I was happy my boys are both old enough not to be scared by the loud bangs and pops anymore- and Naomi only got scared during the finale (probably because she was so tired and worn out by then).

And a few highlights from the WA trip. I really can't give it justice- but here goes a little shout out:

1. The Beach. I don't care that the water is too cold to swim in. I still love looking out over wave after wave, remembering the power of the moons pull and how small I am compared to the giants that rule that space. Listening to them crash, smelling the sea air, feeling the sand between my toes, ahhhh!

2. Seattle. Such a cool city. I love big cities. I love the energy of them.

3. The Aquarium. The Seattle Aquarium is AWESOME. 'Nough said.

4. Great Grandma Blanche. Love her. Loved that the kids got to see her again and Naomi was able to meet her.

5. My big brother. I love that guy. Like Kari always says- he's just so naturally "cool". I honestly don't know many anyone that is as naturally and easily cool as him. And he is such a sweet uncle, he knows how to talk gross boy talk (poo, farts, smells, etc) and make my boys LAUGH- without taking it too far. And he makes such an effort to create meaningful moments with them.

6. Gramma Chris aka my Mama. I love my mom. I appreciate her even more at "home" for some reason. I guess because I'm able to relax more and feel like I can just be a daughter again. She is an amazing cook, incredibly thoughtful, serviceable, selfless, accommodating, and fun. No wonder Garrett and Kari's friends also all call her "Mom", "Mama", or some other derivative of the title. She loves to nurture others.

7. GREEN!!! It rained while I was there. It was cloudy while I was there. But you won't hear me complain. The sun came out for me while I was there too. And there were wildflowers and GREEN trees, ferns, underbrush, EVERYWHERE! The air is so much cleaner there. Literally. I love it. It will always be home.

8. Becca. Couldn't have made that long drive by myself. I'm glad she gave me the excuse to make the trip happen.

9. Missing my man. So maybe it wasn't a great thing while I was gone- but its always nice to realize how much you love and appreciate your spouse when you have to spend some time apart. I'm one lucky woman.

I'm sure there are a ton of things I'm missing..... but I'm done for now.