Sweet Reward

 I haven't said much about the garden, but it is thriving, despite a heat wave/drought after our early summer flood.  Our late summer garden is not a very pretty thing--everything is overgrown, partially covered in powdery mildew, and limp from the baking sun, but productive.  Pictured below is a sampling of the first tomato pick, as well as a few squash, cucumber, and zucchini.

Dallin thought it might be fun to try an heirloom black tomato this year, and it is the hardiest and happiest of the lot; it will soon be as tall as him.  The heirloom black aren't quite black, but more of a purple-green, and truly melt-in-your-mouth delicious.  We planted the yellow pear again, and it gives us cups and cups of sweet treats.  We also have two different types of cherry tomatoes, one of which makes fruit the size of a golf ball, and wonderfully juicy.  
 

My Little Miss!

Maren Marie is TWO years old! 

I wanted to celebrate her special day by documenting some of her cute mannerisms.  She has become much more verbal in the last six weeks, and is able to communicate fairly well in a monosyllable style.

For example, she might say the following: "Mommy come.  Boots me.  Wee-wee.  Help."  (Interpretation: "Mommy come with me.  Help me put my boots on.  I want to go on the swing.")

Or this one: "Daddy come.  See room.  Pretty.  Ezra, me.  Wow." 
(Interpretation: "Daddy come with me.  Do you see the family room?  It's so pretty because Ezra and I cleaned it.  Wow!")

Or this one: "Mommy!  Ezra no-no.  Boom me.  Sad me."
(Interpretation: "Mommy, Ezra hurt me.  I'm sad.")

Maren has never used her own name.  She refers to herself as, "Me," and when she describes her actions she uses that pronoun with it, "Sleepy me."  "Happy me."  "Pretty me."

She rarely ever uses the word, "yes," even if the answer to a question is in the affirmative.  Instead, she communicates her approval with "Huh."  So, people who talk to her, but don't know her well think she is hard of hearing (he he).

"Maren, do you like to play outside?"
"Huh."
"Do you like to play outside? (a little louder)
"Huh."
Puzzled looks and knowing giggles from Mom follow... it is just one of her funny quirks.

I hope Maren doesn't hate me later for this, but I think the moment is precious: fancy free with her favorite pink boots--and little else, watering the vegetable garden.  We love our sweetie girl!

Summer Highlights

We have had such a great summer!  The best part was spending lots of time with both sets of grandparents, many aunts and uncles, and most of our cousins!

In mid-June we saw my six siblings, my parents, and my niece and nephew in Utah.  In late June, we met Ian for the first time, and spent a few days with Rhys and Liz.  We attended the wedding of a close family friend, and saw more extended family on Dallin's side.  Reva and her kids spent nearly a month at Grandma Roslyn's house, and we had many opportunities to socialize with them while they were here.

Here are some of our summer highlights with family:

Family camping trip at Redman Campground in Big Cottonwood Canyon.

Camryn and Ezra in the meadow next to the campsite.

Judd & Camryn (Utah cousins) with Ezra & Maren at Grandma's house

Celebrating the marriage of Dustin & Liliya at the Salt Lake Temple

We got to meet Ian for the first time!

Playing with the Wisconsin (in-transit-to-Texas) cousins at a water park

Hanging out in downtown Golden at the favorite ice cream shop

We celebrated three upcoming birthdays for Forster (almost 6), Ezra (almost 4), Maren (almost 2)