Oscar Stew

We still have more to post about our summer, but it’s time to take an update break again. Don’t worry, we’ve laid down all 13 chapters of pics and memories from our Tour de Utah…but that doesn’t mean the party ended when we came home! While our life is always like a party (that can be good or bad), consider this an after-party post about getting back into the swing of things…  

Whatcha doin’ Ellie? Are you exfoliating your T-zone?

Looks like the tape is starting to itch. Aaah…AAaahh…AAAHH…

Oh I get it! That device you’re wearing is a new invention: The SneezeStopper 3000!

“Side effects may include drooling while on camera. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice monkey-like tendencies…”

Another new thing Ellie has tried out is brushing her teeth. Apparently she wanted to survey the toothbrush selection before being forced to settle on the one we bought for her!

What’s that Drew? You say you don’t use this toothbrush to brush your teeth anymore? What do you use it for?!

Grandpa & Grandma J spent a few days at our place while on their trek east to attend Uncle Dan’s white coat ceremony. All the men got to work right away on making an insulated utility room in the basement. Drew is very proud that this tape measure doesn’t pull down his shorts:

Drew’s holding the wall up, but is it straight? I think he can feel it in his shoulders!

Brinley approves of her 1st grade desk, and is ready to be assessed. Hiiiiiiyah!!!

See that angry look on Drew’s face? He had to suffer through quite a vicious hazing before becoming a Bobcat. Poor kid…

Grandpa & Grandma J went to Missouri to see Dan receive his white doctor’s coat, but they weren’t the only ones to see it live: 

Someday you two will be telling the story about how you were watching a live video on the internet to your grandkids, and they’re just going to laugh and laugh! Way to go Uncle Doctor Dan!

Oh blessed day! The first day of scourge…I mean skooge has finally arrived!

It had rained the night before, but that didn’t stop Brinley from helping the greater good by cleaning off the slide…with her butt.

No big deal! Brinley’s too ecstatic about being at school again to worry about her soggy seat.

Rowan is excited too, but only because she got to wear a backpack!

Ellie…was not thrilled.

Rowan insists that she wear pajamas, brush her teeth and say her prayers before naptime. I’m not going argue with that! Afterward it was time to crack open her backpack and discover the surprise inside! A lunch just like the big kids have!

Are a handful of raisins for a cheese cube a fair trade? The negotiations continue…

Looks like Eleanor is going to remain deep in thought about this transaction…very deep!

Like a flash of lightning a silent third party has showed up and wanted his fair share. It doesn’t look like he’s interested in what everyone else’s opinions are either!

Ew. Cheddar is a cannibal!

Hey Rowan, do you think Cheddar might be interested in your whole wheat PBJ too?

Roastie and Eleanoo got to enjoy the new play area at the zoo where the old yuck-tastic duck pond used to be. This is Ellie’s interpretation of the Riverdance:

Rowan really is quite proud that she has a lunchbox like the bigs do. And unlike her little sis, she believes in a fair share for everyone.

So Ellie, how good is that unconditional love sandwich?

Don’t you think you ought to share too? Sorry Ellie, that doesn’t work. I’m still here!

Hello, old foe. It’s good to see you…at the zoo.

Wait, is that Hammy?!

The rodent that laid waste to the backyard garden before I was even born? Say it ain’t so!

And Mommy just said hello to him like they were BFFs!!!

You two need to keep the perspective that Hammy lives at the zoo. While there may be an abundance of grub available to him, it’s only a matter of time until WHACK! Hammy = Snow leopard poop. (insert evil chuckle here)

That’s great Mommy, but what do we do about this crazy lookin’ dude over here?!

Hey Rowan! Was your lunch made with all-natural organic Flubber? Because you’re starting to float!

Here’s something else that’s all-natural and organic: Kids and caramel popcorn. Its Friday movie night!

We’re settled into our seats and the snacks are tasty. What sort of flick did we choose? Romantic comedy? Action? Documentary?

According to Rowan, it’s a horror movie! Who knew that Megamind was so terrifying?!

Welcome to Tour de Utah part deux! It had only been 6 days since our last road trip, and as much fun as it is to spend 10 hours in the car, we decided that it might be fun for the kids to make an overnight stop in Grand Junction on our way down to St. Geezy. Y’know, break up the monotony and keep whining to a minimum? Riiiiiight.

Ryan isn’t much of a fitness instructor, but it was still 2 hours to Junktown when we made this potty break and we really didn’t want to stop again. So, he bravely accepted the duty of naptime inducer and hustled the monkeys through the paces…Hup two tree fowar!

Step 2: After knocking out the calorie burn it was time to load their stomachs. Rowan’s still floating! Giv’er more chow!

Keep chomping away at that string cheese Ellie! We need all your blood around your tummy!

Even Ryan was feeling the burn from all those jumping jacks. Whew! Good thing you brought your wake-up juice…Nice lower lip there, weirdo!

The combination couldn’t be more perfect! Physically fatigued, stomach full, and all the comforts of home within arms’ reach…

Kerrrrrrrrrrrrsplat. That was the sound of our plan failing miserably…

1½ hours later, Ellie was starting to look a little droopy. But it was too late to start a nap now, so we gave her the whole bottle of sugar pills. Zing!

Ok, well let’s go do stuff…The name of the letterbox near where this pic was taken is called “No Use”. It seems to me that the rock is useful in making kids smile! Score!

At long last, the pool of liquid happiness!

Hey Rowan, whatcha doin’? Ah, working on your cannonball technique. Lookin’ good!

Hey, what’s with the bubbles?!

Oh I see, you guys are in the hot tub. Well if food & exercise don’t get them to sleep, boiling them is the next logical step.

Olympic diver Ro-Taite contemplates the difficulty and technique of her next leap…into Daddy’s arms.

Are you guys waterlogged? The best part of staying at this hotel was watching Eleanor freak out every time the elevator gave her a fuzzy feeling inside…

Suppertime! What’s for dinner? High speed aluminum tubing…on a stick.

Why is it cool to put a perfectly good airplane up on a skewer? Eleanor can’t figure it out either.

Rowan was convinced the airplane was about to go potty on her. You might want to close your mouth!

Daddy explained that airplanes are put on sticks to provide very decorative shade. And airplanes always look cooler when they at least appear to be flying…

I don’t think Ellie is buying that explanation. But how would she know? She’s the daughter of a pilot but has never set foot on a plane!

After another short dip in the pool, there’s no better way to end the day than shoveling down a cup of yogurt in the nude…

Thanks to Drew for filling that pie hole. It was July 4th, and we were so proud of ourselves when the kids passed out long before the fireworks! Our plan finally worked…kinda…

G’mornin’ kids, what’s up? Today’s our last day on Tour de Utah: Part 1 You guys have been troopers while we hustled around to all things we’ve had to do. Go ahead and give yourselves a pat on the back. Or a PB&J for breakfast. Darn you resourceful & early-waking children!

Today is a very special day for your parents. We’re remembering old times! You see, Mommy & Daddy both spent many childhood years living in California; years that are filled with fond memories. There is a symbol of that time that just so happens to have made its way into Utah, and there is no way we are going to miss it. Dig in! Aww, nice teamwork you two!   

Whaddya think Eleanor? Cool hats, fresh ingredients, delicious fries, cold drinks, ain’t it the best?!

Ok, we may have rushed you into this. While Animal Style is the only way to go, I don’t think onions are on your favorite’s list just yet!

This isn’t Rowan’s 1st time to the criss-crossed-palm-tree-land-of-deliciousness. She once enjoyed a thick strawberry shake while still in the womb. Oh, is that a surprise Ro-dog?

Brinley may have finished her burger sooner than her colleagues. No matter, there was plenty of take-home work to be done while she waited on the others…

Excellent sticker-puzzle-solving skills Binnie! Please notify the manager of that location you are displaying that there are serious flood control problems to be dealt with immediately!

Speaking of flood control, are you actually stealing my fries? I am flooding with anger!

Hey Drew, can you show me how delicious your burger is? Ok, that’s not exactly what I meant, but we’ll go with that!

Lookin’ good Ellie, but remember to savor it!

When I said savor it, I definitely meant putting that chunk of lettuce on your chin for later. Yup.

You might recall taking a later nap than usual today Ellie. As a matter of fact, right now is your regular bedtime. So what does that mean? Party time, and a burger to-go! All the necessary ingredients for a late night disaster! And no judging the ghetto-dirty carseat, cause I know!!  Thats what happens when you give a 17 month old her own ice-cream cone!

Now we can’t include all the super-secret details of our most excellent West Fest party, but we will admit to cruising around the way we used to. Oh yeah!

If it wasn’t for Ryan’s cousin Mike, we never would have found a spot this good to enjoy the show!

Ooh. Aah. And Happy Birthday West Valley City!

How was the finale? Excellent! Usually kids are quick to complain that the show is over, but this time they’re excited! Because it means another ride around the ‘hood in the back of Mike’s truck! Hold on!

Early the next morning we blasted our way back to Planet Denver to enjoy some precious time off before our next leg on the Tour de Utah began. No, Drew & Brinley aren’t gettin’ down to the YMCA song; they’re just imitating the most scenic view of the drive across Wyoming…