Reason #25 - Being an Aunt

So last week I went on a family vacation to Idaho, and while spending a week with a two year old and a 9 month old is not exactly restful, it was AWESOME! Sarah is finally old enough that she's stopped spitting up whenever I hold her, so we spent a lot more time hanging out with each other. And Libby was a non-stop treat the entire time, even when she was keeping me from my nap (it's really hard to ignore a little a little curly-haired toddler outside the door calling, "Ray Ray"). Some of my favorite Libby quotes were:
"Hiss, you've hissed your last!"
"Prince John the phony king of England!" (See Robinhood for both of the above quotes)
"Nice to meet you."
"You kill me!"
"Oh my gosh a penny!"
"Wanna dance Sarah?"
And of course my heart melts every time I hear her say, "Ray Ray".

Seriously, being an aunt is awesome. And I have to admit I was especially happy to be an aunt when Sarah and Libby did not want to sleep at night.

Libby's birthday blastoff party.

Me giving Libby the "Stinkeye".

Cute Sarah.

Trish and Mom doing "Pump" while Libby and I danced.

Reason #24 - The Indigo Girls

I love music. And I love a lot of different kinds of music. However, the Indigo Girls became a favorite when I was about 18, and they are the only band that has consistently stayed a favorite since then. I can listen to them when I am happy, sad, and everything in between. Last week, I FINALLY got to see them in concert. I wish I would have captured pictures of some of the sweet mullets in the crowd, but here are at least some pictures of the show...

Reason #23 - Summertime

Here are some of the reasons I love summertime:

1. The Centerville Parade on the 4th of July
2. Barbeques
3. Laying on the grass
4. Running at the park
5. Breakfast at Ruth's Diner
6. Looking at the stars
7. Camping
8. Going to Salmon
9. Riding the Scooter, because I can use all my senses to experience the summer.
10. Outdoor concerts
11. Going on vacation
12. Sleeping with my windows open
13. Fireworks
14. Lagoon (for real, I think that's what I'm doing for my birthday).
15. Baseball games
16. Eating dinner on the patio
17. Lake Powell
18. Spending every possibly waking moment outside
19. Eating popsicles
20. Chirping crickets, babbling brooks, and thunderstorms

Reason #22 - Mowing the Lawn

When I started mowing the lawn, I was small enough that it took the full weight of my body to get the mower turned around when I got to the edge of the yard. Those were the days when I was young enough to think mowing the lawn was a good time. At that age, anything Dad did seemed like it might be fun, even eating brussel sprouts. (Okay, I still eat brussel sprouts). Those darn parents are kind of tricky. Kind of like when my mom made a game out of putting the silverware away and that was SUPER FUN. Those games really only work for so long. But anyway, I'm getting off track...

So about two weeks ago, I was pretty sure there was a lion hiding in my grass. I didn't actually hear any roaring, but my lawn was probably about as tall as a typical African savanna. Downright embarrassing. Little by little I have tried to take on some yard work, but it's been hard to find the time. And mowing was the one thing I left up to my neighbors, since it is technically their job, and the only lawnmower here belongs to them. My neighbor's wife finally stepped up and got the job done, but it was still time to face facts... my house looks like the rental on the block.

Last Saturday I decided it was time to give my yard a little extra TLC. So, I borrowed the weed-whacker from my dad, and went to town early Saturday morning. I can't say my yard has the straightest or most beautiful edging job on the block, but at least now it looks like someone cares. And after all my work that day, I decided I was going to suck it up and mow the lawn too. And it turns out... I really enjoyed the whole experience.

I can't decide if this new love for yard work means I just love being outside now regardless of the activity, or that people who spend all their time gardening and working in the yard aren't really crazy. It's possible there is something great about making something beautiful. Or maybe... at 30... I'm just plain getting old. But regardless, I'm glad that once upon a time my dad led me to believe yard work was fun, because here I am 20 years later putting all my mad lawn mowing skills to work.