Recipe for Fun

Homemade Slide

Ingredients:

1 vintage leather armchair

1 creative toddler

Directions:

Step 1: Push seat cushion off of chair until it lands on the floor slanted against the face of the seat.

Step 2: Celebrate your success and prepare for your adventure with a triumphant "ta da!"

Step 3: Sit on top of slanting cushion

Step 4: Slide down!

Step 5: Climb onto chair and repeat as desired for hours of entertainment! (She really enjoys it a lot more than she appears to.)

(Sorry about the orientation, my editing capabilities are limited on this computer and I'm too selfish and lazy to go in the other room to upload.)

Chef Melia

I'm not the only one who has been in a cooking craze for the past few months. Melia is becoming a wonderful helper in the kitchen- both in the preparation and consumption of our culinary efforts.

Looking at Laurel

Today I was tagged by a dear friend, and because I could never let her down, this one is for you, Mel...

1.) What are some things you usually do everyday?

Unfortunately my current routine consists of very drab, practical things like homework, cleaning, laundry, changing diapers, etc. Someday, I hope to fill my schedule with more items from questions 2, 4, 6, and 7.

2.) What would be your dream vacation?
Bret and I always fantasize about a 2-3 month tour of Europe. Although we would have to walk from country to country to compensate for the astronomical amount of calories we would consume. Sigh.

3.) What is your favorite meal to cook? (feel free to share the recipe if you'd like)
Anything new! I made a new year resolution to make at least one new recipe each week, and so far I've exceeded my goal! Check out what I've been cooking (and the rest of the Blanchard family) here.

4.) What should you be doing more of?

Exercising, relaxing, studying the scriptures, and playing with my family. Guilt? Check.

5.) Any OCD habits you can't kick? (or maybe you don't want to)

Haha! I knew that Bret would probably be THRILLED to answer this question for me, so here is our combined response:

-alphabetized DVDs

-fall asleep with right leg bent

-shower routine (hair, body, face, shave)

-arrangement of kitchen cupboard contents (Bret is NOT allowed to put groceries away)

-making a bed (it takes me at least 30 minutes because every fold and crease has to be magazine worthy)

and that's just the tip of the iceberg, folks. :)

6.) Have any unfinished projects?

How about MY LIFE?! Seriously. Details: my college degree (finally in progress! Hooray!), house (both home improvements and decor), weight loss, family (we need to cap Melia's selfishness by introducing siblings), the list is endless.

7.) What are your hobbies and interests? (anything you like to do in your sparetime?)

If I had spare time, it would be spent painting, building/restoring furniture, sewing, decorating, and entertaining.

8.) What are your three favorite movies and who are your favorite actors/actresses?

Oh golly, Bret and I watch way too many movies to just choose three favorites, but off the top of my head: Hello Dolly, Sleeping Beauty, and How to Steal to a Million. As far as favorite actors and actresses are concerned, I'm not really into celebrity watching, but I usually get excited when I see Audrey Hepburn, Gene Kelly, Gregory Peck, Bill Cosby, Jack Black, and/or Matt Damon on screen.

Spread the interview and pick a few friends: You know my policy: tag yourself!

Spontaneous Shoot

Last week we were pleasantly surprised with a short visit from our beloved friends, The Johnsons. Amazing Amelia, stylist and photographer extraordinaire, exercised her array of talents to create yet another masterpiece- with Bret and I as the canvases! Although the ascot wasn't exactly Bret's cup of tea, we had fun playing "dress up" for a few minutes so that Amelia could snap a few photos.

Mr. and Mrs. Farrer

FYI: We are MADLY in love with each other!!!

An Awesome Aquarium

Several weeks ago, Kage was kind enough to invite all of his cousins to go to one of his favorite play spots - The Living Planet Aquarium. From the babies to the grandparents, we all had a blast! So many fascinating exhibits and creatures to learn about! Melia and I can't wait to go back and take Bret!

The Group

I just love this picture of Miss Mia enjoying an exhibit. In fact, she loved it so much that we lost her a couple of times when she would run away from the group to find it.

Our handsome host

The sting ray pond. I chickened out of "the challenge" several years ago when I visited this Aquarium on a date. I've always regretted that lack of courage, so this time I bit the bullet and touched a sting ray! It was just as icky as I expected, but I'm proud of my accomplishment. Melia was terrified and wouldn't even put her hand in the water. I don't blame her one bit!

The grandbabies making an absolute mockery of our attempt for a cute photo.

Hooray for "scary" exhibits that encourage babies to snuggle with the nearest adult!

Foreign Festivities

For New Years Eve, our dear friends Rachel and Dorian trekked to Springville for their semi-annual visit. Of course we were lame in several regards: the first being Rachel and I couldn't stay awake until midnight to ring in the new year, and the second being we didn't get a picture of us or them the entire duration of their trip, even during the party! However, we did document the FABULOUS Japanese meal that Dorian prepared. (We make sure to only capture the REALLY important stuff!) Curry, yakisoba, gyosa....my mouth is watering at the mere memory. Although Melia was alseep for the feast, she thoroughly enjoy TWO plates of leftovers the next day. (Yet another reason why I adore my child! How many toddlers do you know that eat yakisoba and curry?!) Thanks again, beloved Morgans!