We just discovered that Bean loves this guy.



I'm sure a trip to the toystore to buy the "tickle-me" version will be in our near future.

Do I hear a birthday party theme coming?

The Annual "I'm so ready for Spring!" post

Every year it's the same story. Somewhere mid-February when the earth begins to thaw I get major cabin fever as I am anxious and excited to head outdoors. This year spring has felt a little slow coming as the snow keeps flying. (If I'm being honest, I am getting as tired of people complaining about the poor weather as I am the poor weather itself. Not that I am completely guiltless in this aspect. But it is Utah and if you have been here for longer than a few years than you should know that it usually snows in April. Possibly May. Sometimes June. Anyway.) I was able to get out in our backyard this last week on a warm day and snap some pictures. I swear I have the same pictures from each year. I don't know what it is about watching the world come alive, but it makes me want to capture it all on film (or SD card. whatever.) This is a close up of our Euonymus alata aka "Burning Bush." I can't wait to spend some real time in our garden this year.


Since we are somewhat limited on space in our backyard, I practice using my green thumb at my parents house. (They are so nice to let me practice on their turf! I've learned a lot of things by trial and error that way.) I know that Spring has truly arrived when my dad pulls out his step ladder and shears and heads out to prune the trees. He is so amazing. 72 years old this year and he can still do this!

I fear for the day that he no longer can do it because I'm not sure I'll be able to. It's a lot of hard work! But he has some of the prettiest trees in the neighborhood.