The longest drive to Logan, EVER!

I figured the day would come when we realized that roads trips were not in our family's best interest but I really thought I had a few years before the dread of driving anywhere with Pearl would come full force. But no, Pearl has decided that sitting in a "big girl" car seat and driving to Logan on quite possibly the hottest day of the year in tons of traffic is not her idea of a good time. It doesn't matter that Jeff and I have never ceased to disappoint her with any of our trips - I mean who can complain when they get to go see the grandmas or buy cool stuff - because she was determined to push us both to the limits. I honestly thought Jeff was going to turn the truck around and go home (doesn't every one's dad threaten this at one time or another?). I naively thought our 4th of July weekend was going to be fun when we began the drive to Logan. Yes, Logan. We've tried the fireworks shows down in Salt Lake (well the free ones) and even drove up the University of Utah to scope out the valley shows in years past and well, nothing compares to USU fireworks which you can watch from just about anywhere in the valley.

Anyway, back to the drive. We left Bountiful late, thinking we could avoid traffic if we took the back roads but noooooo, traffic was horrible! Oh sure the freeway looked clear but for some reason we took the back roads and got stuck. Pearl didn't even make it 15 minutes before starting her ear splitting banshee screams. I know everyone thinks their kid screams the loudest, but seriously Pearl's screams can shatter glass. My child screams like a girl, a very loud, very high pitched girl. She'd been screaming at us the entire week (which you would think would be our first clue to just stay home) and yet, we figured a long car ride would somehow be entertaining enough to avoid the screaming. Boy were we wrong. By the time we got to Farmington, Pearl was not only angry about being in her car seat but she was hungry too. Not to mention she had thrown all of her toys to the floor, spilled Cheerios everywhere, and ticked Jeff and I off so much that now we were fighting. URGHHH!!! We ended up at Taco Time after what seemed like 4 hours on the road. By the time we got to Logan (no the screaming did not end with full tummies or a nap in Pearl's case), I was ready to just turn around and go back home. I mean what was another 2+ hours of screaming from Pearl and yelling between Jeff and I? Well, Jeff and I don't really yell at each other, more like bickering until I cry then turn as far away from him as humanly possible in a vehicle all while staring out the window not saying a word (and inside boiling mad because I know that's exactly what he wants me to do so he doesn't have to keep talking to me) while Jeff in the meantime blasts the radio full force to drone out any and all conversations. As soon as I walked in to my parents' house my mom could tell something was up and all I had to do was say here's your granddaughter for her to know that we had just experienced the longest drive to Logan, EVER!!!

We did end up watching the fireworks from the elementary school. Jeff even broke out a box of sparklers. Are all men little boys when it comes to fire and explosives? Pearl wasn't nearly as fascinated with the sparklers as Jeff had hoped but hey, he tried. She did seem to like the fireworks but couldn't figure out why everyone was clapping and not in bed, since it was obviously way past bedtime. I was still so ticked off at Pearl and Jeff that I didn't want to take any pictures of the night's events. Hence, no pictures on the blog of our 4th of July weekend. It was fun seeing the family though and we had a nice visit with my Uncle Randal who was up from Nevada for the weekend. I really hope her attitude the past week is due to teeth coming and not her personality! Honestly, I kept thinking she's not even 2 yet, how can she be acting like the terrible two's? I mean, I know she is feisty but good grief if this is a sign of what's to come I don't know if I'll survive 'till she's 12. Jeff and I joke about how it's a good thing she is so dang cute or else we would have given her up a long time ago! But this week, it's the truth!

My kid really is clean, sometimes

After posting the sprinkler and sandbox pictures (yes I broke blogging rule #1, never write two posts in one night so please read on) I thought I better let everyone know that yes, I do give Pearl a bath every night and she does at times have her hair combed with a clean face. I can't guarantee that this lasts for more than 5.8 seconds after she wakes up but hey, she is clean when she goes to bed. Plus I can't help but want to brag about how dang cute she is, especially in a new dress thanks to Costco. Who doesn't love Costco? I mean, I'll admit it was about a year before Jeff and I finally ventured in to see what the fuss was all about but now date night is going to Costco and neither one of us complain.



And who doesn't love a cute baby bum shot? Aren't those little chubby legs the cutest thing you've ever seen?

Deep down we're all kids at heart

Summer is officially here now that Pearl has discovered sprinklers! Need I say more? Deep down after looking at these pictures and videos, you know we all want to strip down and run through the sprinklers, play in the sand box, and then run into the house all while our moms are yelling at us to not track in any more mud. It's funny but having a kid makes me feel more like a kid too. I mean, it's been way too long since I stopped to look at a bug, smell (or in Pearl's case eat) a beautiful flower, play in the dirt, or just laugh. I'm so grateful to have this adorable little girl in my life who makes me smile every single day.


How on earth does Pearl crawl on the cement? She has scrapes and callosus all over her knees and feet but doesn't seem to care at all. Oh and ignore my voice, PLEASE!!! I was still sick when we filmed these and honestly sound like I'm going through puberty.

Here's the pictures and video of the new sandbox Pearl got for her birthday.

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Jewkes and Uncle Kurtis for the sandbox, we just love it. Now if we could only get Pearl to keep the sand in the sandbox!

Let the party begin!

I've pondered all night about a title for this post but nothing is coming to me. How do you sum up a great Saturday filled with family, friends, good food, balloons, pinata exploding with candy, and a wagon full of presents? Not to mention the fact that I've been sick all week and literally have gone from not even being able to whisper to sounding like a 14 year old boy going through puberty. Yesterday we celebrated Pearl and Jeff's birthdays with a big party! Thank you to all of our family and friends who came despite the 100 degree weather. Luckily a small patch of our yard is shaded most of the day so we all squeezed close for some great food - thanks again Jeff - and birthday well-wishes. I am constantly amazed at the kindness shown to our family. We wish we could have spent more time visiting with each of you but want you to know how much we love and cherish you all! After a very yummy lunch and some melted cake and ice cream, Jeff and Pearl opened presents. Pearl got a lot of new books which I guess is a hint to me to read everyday to her. It's so hard to read a book when all she wants to do is run around or eat it. Jeff even got a few gifts - a cool squirt gun (more like a squirt cannon gun, nothing like the squirt guns I had as a kid) and a huge box of Mike and Ikes from his co-worker (an inside hint to bring them to work). Then we had all the little kids hit the pinata but it was Kurtis who bashed it open. After the party officially ended, we took my family to the pool to really wear out Pearl and Ruby for the day. I think it worked because Pearl was exhausted by the time we got her to bed. Oh did I mention that after the pool, we went to one of my friend's surprise birthday party? What a day! There were too many pictures to post so take a few minutes to enjoy the slideshow.

For those of you who didn't make it to the party, I thought you might like to play our "How well do you know Jeff and Pearl" game. Go ahead, take your best guesses and I'll post the answers later this week.

1. What was the name of Jeff’s dog as a kid?


2. How many brothers and sisters does Jeff have?


3. Pearl and Jeff both have more pairs of these than Jenny.


4. Who was Jeff’s best friend growing up?


5. Where was Jeff born?


6. Where was Pearl born?


7. What was Jeff’s 1st paying job?


8. How much did Pearl weigh when she was born?


9. How much does Pearl weigh now?


10. Where did Jeff serve his mission?


11. What is the grossest thing Jeff has ever eaten? A. Dog meat B. Fish eyes C. Duck embryo D. Bullfrog


12. What does Jeff’s middle initial (“R”) stand for?


13. Who was Pearl named after? A. Her great-great-great grandma B. Her mom C. An old lady Jenny knew growing up D. No one special – we just liked the name


14. Who was Jeff named after? A. His grandpa B. His sister’s crush C. A neighbor D. TV star


15. What is the name of Pearl’s teacher at daycare?


16. Does Pearl have 3 teeth?


17. Has Jeff ever caught his bed on fire?


18. Has Jeff ever been taken to jail?


19. What 4 animals can Pearl imitate?


20. What does Jeff eat for breakfast everyday?


21. What does Pearl eat for breakfast?


22. Has Jeff ever gone skinny dipping?


23. What color is Pearl’s room?


24. What color did Jeff want to paint his room as a kid?


25. How many speeding tickets has Jeff gotten?


26. What was Jeff’s 1st vehicle? A. Pontiac Grand am B. Nission pickup truck C. 1974 Cadillac D. Ford Tempo


27. What were Pearl’s first words?


28. Does Pearl suck her thumb?


29. What was Jeff’s favorite part about working for EA Millers Beef? A. Hawaiian shirt day B. Ice cream Friday C. Company parties D. Tours of the “kill” floor


30. Has Pearl ever eaten a worm?

All about me

I have to explain the title of the post a bit. Back in college Jeff got a tee-shirt from some accounting firm that said "It's all about me and KPMG." Naturally everything is now "about me" in our house (you'll notice a favorite family saying is "I do what I want, when I want" not exactly the best family motto but hey it makes us laugh) and so I dedicate this post to you Jeff, with a few pictures of Pearl but only because it shows what a great dad you are. Not only do I get the chance to brag about how much of a fabulous dad and husband you are, but I get to also congratulate you on competing in your first road bike race yesterday. Jeff has been training for the Tour de Cure bike race in Brigham City to raise money for diabetes research for the past few months. Except for getting sick with pneumonia this spring and watching Pearl while I'm off gallivanting across the country, he's been pretty dedicated to his training schedule. He rode with his team from work, the largest team in the country, and has really enjoyed this new hobby. Plus he got to buy a new $$$ bike, helmet, and of course shoes which makes it even more exciting. The race was supposed to be 60 miles but when he registered yesterday morning found out the course was actually 69 miles. Jeff made it 50 miles and then hitched a ride back to the finish line. Not bad for someone who was sick for weeks earlier this spring and for a first timer. I am so proud of him!!! That's 49 more miles than I could or would want to ride.

I had been trying to prep Pearl for the clapping and cheering when Jeff crossed the finish line but she didn't seem to get the idea that you were supposed to cheer before everyone rode off again. Oh well, she did look cute in her new ESPN Zone outfit I got her in Baltimore (thought it would make daddy's day to see her in a sporty outfit). Afterwards, we went with Jeff's parents, who are always so good about coming and supporting our adventures, to Maddox for lunch. Grandma and Grandpa Spring couldn't wait to give Pearl her birthday presents - a new puppy dog and a lawnmower. How cool! I was relieved that it wasn't a pooping puppy dog myself - I can handle a dog I can turn on and off.

Jeff was pretty tired afterwards and has spent the rest of Father's Day weekend taking 3 hour naps on the couch and relaxing on his new Adirondack chair Pearl got him for Father's Day. Doesn't he look HOT in it?!!! Jeff, you're the best! I love you so much and am so proud of you. I love how much you make me laugh. You're a great help around the house, yard, and with Pearl. I mean, you must be the coolest dad ever for letting Pearl play in the dirt, puddles, or back of your pickup truck while you work outside (notice how black her legs were from playing in the truck but she absolutely loved it - giggling and squealing with delight in her makeshift playpen). Plus I have to be honest, you've changed more diapers than I ever anticipated or dreamed you would! Happy Father's Day!!!