Along the path...

In case you didn't know--it's your birthday today! Hope it's a good one full of all the best things in life. Have a wonderful day! Love your stinkin' guts!!!

Shout hurray! In any language - I hope you have a wonderful birthday today, Renee !!!

Last night I babysat two nieces while their parents went to a meeting. Adam, Renee and the girls had gone swimming before I came and EL hadn't wanted to get fully dressed again. Clothing and clothing changes are definitely a thorn in her side. At least she is wearing pants in the pictures. (She'll LOVE these shots when she's older and her prom date is coming to pick her up...) The evening began with a make over for all three of us by stylist AJ. Next I painted the girls' toe and fingernails. AJ thought it was pretty cool when I let her paint my fingernails. (Who's the favorite aunt now, Erika?) Bath time came next followed by jammies, giggles and bedtime stories--but I only have pictures from the make over. Aren't we beautiful? AJ and EL, it was so fun hanging out with you. Love yer guts!

On Monday night Renee and I hit our first Zumba class, followed closely on the heels of two tribal dance classes a couple of friends and I are taking on Tuesday nights from LaRa Zorn . In Zumba and the classes we worked on our abs. Needless to say there are ab muscles in there somewhere and I've definitely been feeling them since. More abs in tonight's practice? Bring it!

Last night my entire family and I went to Gardener's Village in Salt Lake for dinner in the old mill ( Archibald's ) and to walk around the village. It was such a surprise to have us all there together--even my sister and brother-in-law and their kids were able to make it. By the time we had finished with dinner, the shops had closed. It was still the witching hour as we walked around the shops to meet the witches. So much fun! Thanks for coming and for spoiling me rotten. At work my coworkers took me to lunch at the Thai Chili Garden , provided cake and ice cream, and were way too kind all day long. Thanks to everyone for their calls, emails, Facebook notes, etc. I appreciate your thoughts and wishes. It was a good day.

On Saturday we hiked Donut Falls in Little Cottonwood Canyon--starting at the Spruces campground. My compliments to Adam and Renee's camera for capturing the colors so well--and to the lady who offered to snap us all together. It was a beautiful hike that I would recommend to anyone. Be aware though that there are streams and waterfalls; they tend to draw the kids. We saw deer and chipmunks and snakes and wildflowers and other hikers and castles (big rocks that RD stood on). Here we are at the end of the trail. My particularly saucy do is compliments to the niece I'd had on my shoulders part of the way. Thanks, EL!

I did it! Today I braved a shot of wheat grass and am forever grateful to the Jamba Juice employee (Alexa) who recommended the orange juice shot as a chaser over an orange wedge. I'm not sure why today was such a momentous day. Wheat grass is something I've wanted to try for a while, but haven't dared do - kind of like my purchasing soy milk and hesitance to drink. (Thanks, Renee , for the recent soy smoothie introduction!) All I can say now is wow, wheat grass - talk about fresh!

Last Saturday, before the sudden cold snap, we took a family to the Hogle Zoo. The weather was perfect--not too hot, not too cold. The animals were out and about. The zoo wasn't too crowded, and we got to see them feed a penguin fish. RD loved the lizard his dad told him was a dinosaur. IC said she liked the zebras the best. In this picture, AL was a little nervous at first when the giraffe started to lower and tried to pull herself up the pole until she realized that the animal would rise up and sink down. Then, she was fine. She had a ball going around in circles and waving at everyone as we passed. The rest of my nieces and nephews who were old enough to care about riding on a carousel had ridden the turn before. What a fun day! Becca thanks for sharing this picture!

Renee took pictures this past week of Bekah and Nathan's kids. She's quite the budding photographer. Nathan posted part of the pictures on Facebook--and I couldn't resist stealing a few to post here. RD and AM are so adorable! Here is the proof... Doesn't AM look so happy here? Surprise! I don't know if I want to know what RD is thinking about--probably some sort of mischief! Such a silly boy So sweet! RD is 3 years old, and AM is 7 months old.

I don't cook much any more. Leftovers get really tiring and it's not much fun cooking for one. Mom's birthday was this past weekend and I offered to make Sunday dinner so she wouldn't have to cook for all of us. Since my ward starts at 12:30, it had to be something really quick that could come together from about 4-5 or a crockpot meal. I opted for the later. About 10 am, I loaded my large crockpot with 2 lbs of baby carrots, brown rice for about 13 people, 2 cans of cricken broth, plus some chicken boullion for added flavor, about 20-25 chicken tenders, and a can of cream of mushroom and a can of cream of chicken soup. For seasoning, I had hoped to use a dry onion soup mix on top. No luck. None in the cupboard. Instead I opted for celery seed, rosemary, dehydrated onion, parsley, and pepper. I'm trying to remember because I thought it turned out pretty well and might want to recreate it later. After church, I was a little worried there wasn't enough liquid in w...

Aunt Ella was in town this weekend for Chase's farewell. He leaves for Ireland on Wednesday. Here Aunt Ella sits by Renee and holds EL at Michelle and Brad's. Uncle Jim came, but caught a bug and stayed in bed. What a way to spend vacation. Sick in bed!