deer valley part two

Once upon a time, the Stewart's went to see Idina Menzel up at Deer Valley. The music was really good, she talked quite a bit, and her dress was the best performance dress I have ever seen (yellow, long, cut-out back, tan leather skinny belt), but the real thing I remember were 6 squirmy kids, sitting smack dab in the middle of people who were there to listen with all seriousness. Unfortunately, the group of pre-teens we had the good fortune to sit next to last time, were nowhere to be found. Instead, we were sitting by those who enjoy fine wine and fancy crackers. And so, we brought out the candy, and the Iphones, and the toys, and willed our children to be quiet so we could enjoy a night out, already! And I think we found a compromise, of sorts. There were no major melt-downs, but there were some giggles and laughs, and when Lucy saw Samantha, she screamed, "SAMMY!!!!!!" at the top of her lungs, because she loves her just that much.

And then Scott tried to take a picture with Lucy and me, and she screamed, because she wasn't loving me that much right then. She was in one of her, "all about daddy stages." Oh, and these few were all the pictures I took, since there were very strict signs about no picture taking. I think the fine print mentioned a public execution if you took a picture with your "professional" camera. Which means Iphones were okay, I think (why didn't I take pictures with my Iphone?!) Except now they offer an Iphone camera class at the U, and I'm not sure if that qualifies the "Ip" as a professional camera. Confusing. Anyway, I was intimidated, and so quickly, and clandestinely snapped these shots. Whew. Summer activity documented.


The end. Except a warm shout-out to Lynette for securing us the tickets. Thank you!

the day after

Scott and I had originally planned to get away the weekend of the Cecret Hike, but that didn't work out. And then we thought we would go camping, but that didn't work out either. We decided to take advantage of the mountains anyway and enjoy them as much as possible. And since we had a rare, rare Sunday dinner home, we decided to go back up for some more tin foil dinners. This time, we did Calzones. And they were delicious. We're so fancy. You will have to imagine them, since I didn't take a picture.

We usually like to head up Millcreek. It's kind of our thing. It's close, we have the perfect little hidden spot, right next to a trailhead, that's never taken, and we can bring Oliver. This Sunday, we decided to get all crazy, and go up Big Cottonwood instead. Big mistake. Huge! The spots were all taken. We were so sad. And then I spied a tucked away gem. Apparently, at the "Amphitheater," you can pay for your picnic site. We gladly forked over $7. Although not as private as our normal place, it comes with running water for the bathrooms, and a children's playground. Pretty sweet.

I discovered a couple of things on this adventure. That Lucy knows her name, and know no longer needs to be introduced. She would go up to strangers and say, "I Lucy." Also, she liked to go far, far away from Scott and I and see how long she can push it, before we make her come back. She has no sense of personal space, as she went up to a cute little girl about her age, stood right in front of her, and gently touched her face with her hand.

One of my favorite things about Lucy is the sparkle in her eye. She is full of mischief and fun. You can see it in the photos, I think. What a sweet little weekend. I wonder if our next baby will be as well documented as Lucy is!

cecret lake

We hiked, threw rocks, ate fruit snacks (Lucy), had a mini tantrum (Lucy), got mosquito bites, almost got a parking ticket, and relished in the grandeur and beauty (Scott and Lindsey.) Utah Mountains are gorgeous, and Scott and I are often left asking, why don't we spend more time in them. WHY?! WHY?! It was a perfect early evening hike, and was serene, despite the popularity of the trail.

part three

You know, just another day at the market, doing my thing. This particular weekend Scott was out of town fishing, and I'm just lucky enough to have an awesome friend like Kim to go with me. Want an example of how Kim is a much better friend than I am? Just look at the BW photos she took below. She took photos of me and Lucy, and I didn't take a single one of her. Super lame on my part. But I loved spending time with my Lucy and my awesome bosom buddy, as Anne Shirley would say.

There was a petting zoo this time around, and me oh my, Lucy was in love. Little piglets are super cute. So cute, that we didn't even stop to look at the other animals. I kind of have a routine at the market, and it always involves limeades. See how much Lucy is enjoying it too? Keeping the McDermott tradition alive with mint limeades. I have such happy memories of making my own as a kid, with mint from the backyard.

Sometimes I feel like Scott and I just run, run, run; always cleaning and cooking, and errand shopping and poopy diaper changing. It's fun to look back and realize we really did play, and have fun this summer.

tin foil dinners are my favorite

Traditions are the best, and tin foil dinners are at the top of my list of things to do in the summer. Scott and I have a system. We have a perfect spot we like up Millcreek Canyon. We like to make a stew, this time, with veggies from our CSA, and we like Petite Ecolier cookies for our S'mores. It's an art.

This year we headed up with the entire Stewart Clan, including Senor Ollie. Who refused all hot dog offerings, but accepted steak.

We sure love our family and the funniest part? Lucy burned out, and kept trying to go to the car.