Of Barnacles and Babies

This year, Colin's office decided to throw their annual Summer Party at the new Draper Aquarium. It was a pretty cool experience for us to have free reign over the building after hours. They had penguins, sharks, and my personal favorite--the lovable scamps of the sea--otters. We would have let Phoebe pet a sting ray in the touch tank, but she was a little amped up and we were afraid it might turn into a "Hulk Splash!" episode. She was pretty excited about this octopus and just about had a giggle fit when the larger fish would swim up next to the glass. The ducks were a big hit too (go figure it'd be the one thing we see on almost a daily basis). In the end, Phoeb's interest in fish waned and she decided to occupy herself instead with tried and true toddler games. Her repertoire includes such classics as "Smack the Bench", "Let's Fake Narcolepsy!", "Name that goo!", and "SCREAM AT THE FIIIIISSSSHHH!!!" On the whole though, I'd say we had a pretty good time. 

Fishin' the fishes

I went on the annual Ricks fishing trip in Canada for the first time in 6 years with my dad and brother Nathan, who recently returned from his mission in Portugal.

Carry Me Back to Ol' Virginny!

While Colin was on the fishing trip with his family this year, I decided to spend my time with the baby at my folks house in Virginia. This was a really nice, laid back trip, since this time we didn't come over a holiday or a wedding. We spent a lot of time visiting (All nine kids were at home, and I got to visit with my brother and sister-in-law, my nephews, and both grandmas). Other than that, I spent a lot of time in lazy-lazy-loafing mode, and therefore didn't take very many pictures. Here are a few of the ones I did take:

Fourth of July

This was the first Fourth of July that Colin and I can remember where we have been able to celebrate with out extended family. This year we ended up going up Provo Canyon to have a picnic. Brian did an excellent job as grill master, and everyone else brought sides. Everything was delicious, but I don't think any of us could math the enthusiasm Phoebe had for this watermelon. Is there anyone on this earth happier than a naked one-year-old with a slice of watermelon and free reign over the grass? 

Phoebe at One Year

I feel a bit sad to be posting my last Phoebe month-to-month posts, but at the same time, she's getting a lot harder to keep in that basket!