The Frandsens: August 2009

Well we're giving this another try. My motivation this time? Staying in touch with the Horsley's while they are in Dominica and keeping the Perera's in the loop too (since you guys are probably the only ones who will read this blog). We love and miss you guys! So, here's a re-cap of some of the fun things we've done so far this summer...

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Let's start with Little Gym. This was Tate and Ella's last class there together (sniff) and the day became a little emotional for me! I think I may have even brought Chels to tears too (sorry!) because I realized how big they were since first starting these classes and that with Tate moving our hopes of pre-school and first ballet classes together weren't going to happen the way we may have planned... in many ways it was saying goodbye to more than just the class. (I promise this to be the only Nicholas Sparks moment in this post).

Tate and Ella posing on the mat

Inside the big blue circle- if I had the room for one of these I'd buy one! Hours of entertainment.

El-probably looking for Tate. Or thinking...and I quote, "Tate you're the best kid ever!!"

Peas in a pod..

Sharing a secret hug in the corner

I think Ella was sad to see it come to an end!

We've had lots of time at the park this summer!

I just had to put this in because it makes me laugh! We were at my cousin's wedding and there was a playground at the Cottonwood Club. Ella loves the slide and couldn't resist- even in her dress. The face she's pulling is because the slide was hot, but the hair standing on end is hilarious!

Playdate with Aunt Heather and Lucca...

Can't you just hear her saying "Cheeeese"?

Darling Lucca. Party beads and all. Did I forget to mention it was a dress-up playdate? Whoops! Sorry Shan!

"Hey Lucca, I know I'm supposed to share, but your beads totally go with my outfit!"

"Whatever!! Just cause you live in a cool city doesn't make you a fashionista!"
"I'm telling your dad."

Oakley Rodeo- a 4th of July tradition. Yee haw!

Gracie's first rodeo. I'm sure it won't be her last seeing how we're such big cowboys and all. Can't you tell by my hat? No? Just kidding. We loved it! Can't wait to go next year!

Thank goodness for candy and coffee! I think their faces say it all...

Ride 'em cowboy!

Ella and Grandma

The girls love to be outside! I took these pictures at Wheeler Farm. Minus the duck/goose poop all over the ground and the smell of farm animals, it's actually kinda fun.

Gracie Lou

Ella Bug

I love how Gracie has reached the point of idolizing and adoring Ella! She watches her every move and now trys to mimic whatever Ella says and does. For example- if Ella is feeling frustrated and comes over to pinch or hit me (like if she gets in trouble), She'll usually refrain and just pretend to do it while saying the action outloud ("piiiinch!" or "hiiiiit!"). I usually have to do everything I can to keep from laughing- but then here comes Gracie (who's been quietly observing) to follow through and actually act out the action for her! So funny!

Lazy summer days...

Looking for bugs (even though she's secretly terrified). Especially of snails! ???

Liberty Park

We've gone to Liberty a couple times this summer. If you haven't been- you should go! The playground is new with cool water features (side note- these are fountains made for playing, not like Gateway. I think it's really weird and totally hilarious how Utahns take a shopping mall fountain and turn it into an amusement park! Bringing chairs, coolers, a picnic lunch, etc.. No wonder they'll only build us one outdoor mall!! And they say that Utahns are rednecks.. ) Anyways, this park also has the Aviary, rides, and food. It's always a battle getting the girls to leave cause they have so much fun!

Sporting the hawk.

Riding the planes... "waaay cooool!"

Camping at Starvation Reservoir

Dirt and Gracie. Total daddy's girl.

Sand, Ella's favorite treat.

Chillin'

Jesse and Ella. I think he's trying to hug her but she was a little busy playing in the sand and water.

Lagoon! Make sure you wear your hazmat suits, gloves and Sars masks.. wait, better add a tetanus shot to the list too. All four of us were sick for two weeks afterwards!

Ella on the spaceships. I think this ride was a little big for her but being the safety-minded parents we are, we put her on because as Ryan said, "She's tall enough. The sign says so!"