Sibling Rivalry

Tate was digging a hole on one side of the sandbox and it was all fun until along came little crewella devil. The problem? She kept rolling down the hill and pushing the sand back into his hole. If you can't tell by the expressions on his face, he wasn't too happy about it.

So he dished it out and dumped sand all over her.

To which she responded to in true Ella fashion: defiance

(Her smirk in the second picture - what a little butt. She sat there trying not to smile - and I was trying even harder).

Emotions

Today was a big day over at the O'Neals house.

A monumental day. One that is talked about five years prior to.

Kindergarten.

The anticipation started early this morning, 3 am to be exact.

He climbed into bed with me and was wide awake, full of excitement.

There, we whispered back and forth to each other.

Morning came it was time to start the process of getting ready.

Then we were out the door.

My little boy, all grown up.

DId You Know

... that if you don't want to bother scrubbing burned on food from the pan, you simply fill the pan with water and a couple of drops of fabric softener and let it soak for an hour.

... that if you have a stinky odor and your not sure how to get ride of it you just need to stuff a fabric softener sheet in. I'll be trying that out on my little guys running shoes asap. The fabric sheets also repel bees and mosquitos, just stuff one in you pocket or around the outdoors at your next party.

... that grease cutting dishwasher soap can take grease out of clothes? Apply the soap on the grease spots before dropping into the washing machine.

... that by mixing 1 capful of fabric softener with 1 quart water you can remove wallpaper? Using a sponge, wipe the solution onto the wallpaper. Let it soak for 20 to 30 minutes, then easily scrape the paper from the walls.

... that all you have to do to clean the measuring cap of your liquid laundry detergent is drop it in the washing machine? When the cycle is through, the cap will be nice and clean, ready to be put back on the bottle.

E.

enough said.

Cabin Part...

Day Four.

A visit to Provo River Waterfalls and a ride home.

Back to reality.

Cabin Part 3

Day Three.

The lake.

Time for fishing, swimming, and rafting.

With the help from his Dad, Tate reeled in his first fish.

He picked it up, showed it off, and then I yelled "throw it back in!" See that poor little fish just leaving Tate's hand... about to smack the water and have his life knocked out. Poor Guy.

(note to self: next time advice to gently let the fish go).

Yep, sad story.

Only the little fishy really was only knocked out and when Trev stepped in it scared him back to life.

I may have been a little overly obsessed with my camera and taking pictures this trip.

See another little session that took place that night, here.

Cabin Part 2

Day Two.

Devoted to crafts, Park City, long walks, good food, and more pictures.

Cabin Part 1

We spent the 24th of July weekend up in what we think is a little haven right here in our neck of the woods.

Don't believe me, let the pictures prove you wrong...

(Our first evening there. I took a couple of outfits to photograph Ella in that my little sister and I used to wear when we were this age. You know what that means, more pictures)!

BBall

Tate loves Basketball. He opens the closet door upstairs and pretends like its a hoop and plays for hours. He runs around acting like he is someone on the Ja*z and even keeps score.

I was a little hesitant to get him a basketball hoop for his birthday because I was worried it would be too tall for him. He proved me wrong. Now we spend those hours outside playing pig or horse... or if your lucky you just may see a game of Ja*z against La*ers taking place in our own driveway!

(I love his little bright red face, and the sweat literally dripping down it).

Bday Party

We celebrated #5 this year with Tate's little friends. I decided to get a little crafty for the first time in a long time... and made the party decorations this year.

The theme:

We watched The Little Rascals and ate lots of treats.

It was fun to watch our boy feel loved from his family and friends.

Thanks everyone!