Adios, Pulsiphers

Our neighbors the Pulsiphers have graduated and are leaving sunny So Cal for Idaho.

They have lived in our apartment complex since before we moved in and their son Nathan was born just a few days after Joy, so we've grown accustomed to watching our kids grow and reach new milestones together. It's strange to think that when Joy starts nursery in a few weeks, Nathan won't be there.

I suppose that's something we'll have to get used to as the years go by: many hellos, and many goodbyes as we move in and out of wards and neighborhoods. God be with you 'til we meet again.

Memorial Weekend in Arrowhead

Last week we headed up to my parents' cabin for Memorial Day weekend. Although the previous weekend was blistering hot, as we drove up the mountain on Friday it was bitter cold and snowy. So the next day we did what any rational person would do . . .

. . . we went hiking. And yes, that's snow on the ground. Actually, our hike was cut short because Joy apparently likes the cold even less than her mama does, and she let everyone know it. When the boss says it's time to head back to the car, we don't argue with her.

Here she is at a lower elevation with more civilized temperatures. In case you're wondering what she's holding, those are Grandma's cosmetics that she's commandeered. Maybe she will be a girly girl after all. Heaven help me--I won't know what to do with her.

Back at the ranch--er, cabin--we donned warmer clothes and fed peanuts to the neighborhood squirrels.

"Hey! Where'd that little girl with the munchies go?!?"

Fortunately the skies cleared on Monday and we were able to venture outside for some fresh air. Happy Memorial Day, everyone!

More Adventures in the High Chair

Here are some of the latest developments in our daughter's efforts to self-feed:

Joy decided to share her pureed peaches with the bib AND the tray. Now if we could just teach her to be so generous with her toys.

Cheerios, goldfish crackers, and other tasty munchies always taste better when every last one has been dumped out of the container.

No Cheerio left behind.

In Which We Revisit the Peafowl

Joy and I joined Matthew, Paul, and their moms at the Arboretum today. Hooray for free third Tuesdays!

And hooray for shade on a hot day!

As always, the peafowl were my favorite part of the trip (partly because I get to use the word "peafowl" in a post - there's something strangely satisfying about that word).

This stone bench was a close runner-up, though. It's tranquil and inviting, in a random sort of way.

Clippies

Is it any surprise that this girl's favorite word is "ippie" (clippie)?

What? Did you think putting all those clips in her hair was MY idea? When a toddler presses clip after clip against her hair and gives you that "what are you waiting for?" look, resistance is futile.

Happy Reunion

Joy and I stayed with Grandma H while Daddy went on an overnight campout this weekend.

When he got back, Joy was so excited to see him that she reached up to be held and just hugged him for a long, long time. You'd have thought he'd been gone a year. It was so sweet.

The Boutique

Suzette from church organized a boutique this evening. She is a consultant for Modbe Clothing, and she invited anyone else with wares to peddle to come share.

Here I am modeling one of the Modbe suits. And if you believe that, I have oceanfront property in Montana to sell you.

Gina brought her vast inventory of Tickled Pink hair bows.

Here's Sarah's menagerie of stuffed animals.

And here's my humble contribution. I've been meaning to organize my favorite recipes into a cookbook for some time, and this boutique was the motivation I needed to finally get 70+ of them typed up and bound. It's nice to have them all in one book, and the spiral binding is a heck of a lot more user friendly than the 3-ring binder I was using before. In short, I'm a satisfied customer. Hopefully everyone else who bought one is, too. :)

Baby Pictures

Awww . . . aren't they cute?

Little green onions are starting to come up among the baby greens in my lettuce container. You know, buying plants from a nursery is definitely a quicker way to garden, but there is something really exciting to me about planting seeds and seeing a little plant emerge a few days later.

And in case you were expecting a picture of my OTHER baby . . .

. . . here she is learning to wield a spoon with impressive dexterity. Way to go, Joy!

Mother/Daughter's Day

We went out to my parents' home today. It's Mother's Day, but most of the attention still centered on Little Girl, as usual. Come to think of it, it's been that way since before she was born--it was on Mother's Day that we informed our moms they would soon be grandmas.

Here's Joy strolling with Grandpa after going up and down the steps and stomping on the drain covers a few times.

Three generations of ladies in red. I was clapping to get Joy to smile; apparently it worked.

Out and About

There's loads of fun to be had at the park . . .

. . . contemplating the local flora . . .

. . . playing with other kids ("sharing" means I get to play with your toys all I want, right?) . . .

. . . and playing with the sprinklers. I wish I had videoed this so you could hear her giggle.

Thanks for sharing your adventures, Joy.

In Which We Visit the Mouse

When my friend Roxanne was recently in town, she gave me her Disneyland passes with a couple days still unused. Thanks to her generosity, Joy was able to pay her first visit to . . .

. . . The Magic Kingdom. I haven't been there in years, and though much of it is familiar some things have definitely changed.

For one thing, Tomorrowland now sports a Jedi Academy where a Jedi master instructs young Padawans in the art of light saber combat. And if you think I'm geeky for digging the Star Wars show, just wait . . .

. . . I'm about to gush about Tomorrowland's landscaping. The plants in this picture are purple sage, swiss chard, lavender, and I believe some sort of mint. The whole area seemed to be landscaped with herbs and salad greens. Edible landscaping - the way of the future.

In case you're wondering, we did go on some rides, too. Here's an action shot of Jessica and Nathan on the Rockets . . .

. . . and a picture of Joy and me on the Pinocchio ride. Yes, I broke down and got her one of those animal backpacks with a leash/tail. I'm liking it so far, but Joy still can't figure out why she suddenly jerks to a stop for no apparent reason.

I'd show pictures of the other rides we went on, but they don't allow flash photos on Pirates of the Caribbean, and on the Buzz Lightyear ride I was too busy blasting evil robots to bother with a camera. Remember, I'm geeky.

Toward the end of our trip, Jessica and I met up with a few other moms from church who were there for the day. Everyone smile and say, "Mickey!"

Does It Come In Black?

You've got to admit it--black bumblebees are pretty snazzy . . .

. . . in a "look but don't touch" sort of way.

Tres de Mayo

We had a great time at the ward's early Cinco de Mayo party today, but the only half-decent picture I snapped was of Joy savoring her favorite item on the menu . . .

. . . chips, chips, and more chips.

Too bad I didn't get a picture of her baptizing my new shoes with horchata. Of course, since they weren't fully immersed it didn't really count. Maybe we'll try again when they're eight years old.

Where the Sidewalk Ends

Dear Mr. Silverstein, . . .

. . . saw this and thought of you.

Hope all's well.

Love,

Kimberly and Joy