Peru

In June, Chris's dad took all the brothers on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Peru. The excursion was an exhausting journey of planes, trains and airplanes, which doesn't appeal to me. But after looking at these photos of Machu Picchu I can see it was worth all the effort. I was also very pleased with all my fun gifts.

Motorcycles are the new guitars

The winter before last, Chris bought an old Yamaha bike and has spent countless hours fixing it up. It ended up being a much-needed distraction from school and the occasional grumpy wife. A couple of weeks ago, he took a three day trip to Escalante with my dad, brother and bro-in-law. He had an awesome time.

Happy Mama

For Mother's Day, Chris surprised me with a new bike (and basket). I told him right away that the bike would be useless without a trailer for Maren, so he quickly got one and hooked it up. I love it and take Maren out two or three times a day...if the weather permits, which it hasn't lately. Mapleton is perfect bicycle country and I take Maren to visit sheep and llamas, and feed the horses. I would love to report that she loves it too (and she did for a while) but now she fusses and fights that I try to strap her in. I hope it is just a phase.

Chris also introduced me to She & Him. This is a charming album that Maren and I rock out to in the car. She loves the song "Sing" and will actually chirp right along (Daaa Da Da Da...)

Graduation and more

Hurray! Chris graduated! I feel guilty for not posting this a little sooner, since it is a very momentous occasion. Chris and I have both commented that the two years flew by quicker than we expected (and then Chris says he is done with school for the rest of his life...no argument from me).

The house we have been living in for the past two and half years sold, so we have moved in with Chris's parents for a couple of months. I never realized how much I love the rural life until now. I take several bicycle rides with Maren each day and we drive past all the little "farms" and say hi to the animals. It is so peaceful and I have started fantasizing about owing a little house with a garden and chickens and an orchard filled with sheep. I would spend my days making bread and drying my laundry outside... At least for the next few months we are going to enjoy this life.

i love dirt

Now that the weather is a little more spring-like, Maren wants to spent all her waking hours in the backyard. She has lately discovered that dirt is the best toy ever. She also has a runny nose so dirt sticks above her lip making her look a little like Hitler. And yes, her hair pretty much ALWAYS looks like that (and sometimes worse). She hates it when I wash it, comb it, put it in pigtails...you get the picture.
Chris and I watched Fantastic Mr. Fox last night and it was cussing fantastic! You'll have to watch it to get that reference. Maren even liked it, since it features many animals.

Happy Easter

The Easter Bunny left this cute rabbit in Maren's basket. She calls it a "hop, hop, hop." Our family enjoyed a churchless General Conference; I especially loved all the talks about women and mothers. (Maren is totally zoned out because she is watching TV.)

On another note, we are counting down the days to Chris's graduation...can't believe it has been two years!

A Better Easter Egg

I read in my Sunset Magazine that dying brown eggs results in richer color. We tried it last night for FHE and they turned out awesome! You have to leave them in for at least 10 minutes to get that deep shade. Maren was pretty fascinated and kept saying "egg, egg."