Show and Tell

Our nanny had a dentist appointment this morning so I took James and Kate to preschool and Robert to work for a couple of hours. It was show and tell at school. Kate took her toys of current obsession -- four Disney princess figures and Dopey (one of the "Hi-Hos" as James and Kate call them). James took his tool box and a few tools. How fun for me to watch them help the other kids guess what was hiding in their backpacks -- in Spanish! I certainly miss out on many things because I work full-time. Mornings like this remind me of that in a very big way.

The Utah 2009 legislative session comes to an end. Finally.

The Utah legislative session ended Thursday night. 45 days of drama. DRAMA. DRAMA. Ben loved every minute (or so it seemed). Julie survived. Three kids and a might-be-home-before-bedtime-but-highly-unlikely husband for 45 days is way too long.

To celebrate the end, a few of Mayor Becker's staff organized a fabulous dinner in the bell tower of the City and County Building, which included a hike to the tippy, tippy top! It was a lovely evening.

As for the session, well, it seems Ben is quite an effective lobbyist. While he didn't get everything SLC hoped for, but was key in getting $20 million to rebuild the dilapidated, unsightly, and unsafe viaduct on North Temple, which will make way for a shorter structure that will open lots of space for pedestrian development and a TRAX transfer hub to the airport. Way to go, Ben!
What a dedicated group of individuals you're looking at. Thank goodness there are those who like the drama. For all the complaining we hear (and contribute to) about politics. If there weren't some nuts out there to go for it, nothing would get done.
You're looking at my hero there. It will be good to have him around again!


North roof of the City and County Building from the bell tower.

I think I counted 6 cranes over there working on what I think is part of the City Creek development. Big project!

Too early?

Ben had Kate out with him late Sunday night. They were planting the first seeds in the garden. Peas, I think. It's early March. Is it too early to plant seeds in Utah? It snowed on Monday. Good luck little peas. Stay tuned . . .She was quite a cute gardener out there in her PJs.

Econcomic Stimulus - doing our part.

Last Saturday Ben and I went to the State fair grounds to check out the bike swap I'd seen advertised during the previous week. I had hoped to find a cheap bike (as in I took $100 bucks out of the ATM on the way) I could use for commuting to work and back. My idea of a "swap" and the reality of the event were not aligned. Ben and I each left with a bike. New bikes. But, last season's, so they were discounted (ah, that's what they meant by "swap"). I went from the swap to a bike store and added a kids trailer, a helmet, a basket, two locks, and a bike pump to the day (which, by the way had already included a trip to the grocery store - cha ching - and before its end, added a stop at Costco - cha ching, cha ching). At the end of the day, the following thoughts made me feel good (less bad?) about my spending. 1. We did our part to help the American economy. 2. We needed most of the food anyway. 3. I did get a commuter bike. 4. Exercise is important. 5. Hours and hours of family time to come. 6. We need another trailer for any serious riding. 7. We're going to need a rack on our van if we want to ride anywhere other than our neighborhood. 8. Can't wait to go for another ride.James on his trike (that he's too big for this year), Dad with Kate and Robert in tow, and our friend Dave in town for a visit.
Kate thinks this is the way to ride a bike. Robert was fairly oblivious to the whole affair. I also read since that a kid is supposed to be a year old before riding in one of these and that kids are supposed to wear a helmet while riding. Hmm. I don't think I can wait five more months to take Robert along again. If we ride slowly, on paved roads, is he okay?
James taking a break.

More puppies!

A friend of mine recently got two new puppies -- big puppies! 30 pounds at 14 weeks! We met and visited the adorable newfoundland sisters on Sunday. They entertained Kate beyond belief (as you can see by her face). One of the puppies, in her attempt to play with a three-year-old, actually knocked Kate over. Kate cried for a few minutes, but quickly warmed back up to the less "playful" pup.
After visiting the newfies, we headed to Grandma's for a family visit. The Pack cousins welcomed a new puppy to their family on Friday. Surprise! This sweet little cockapoo was also a hit with Kate. Remember Kate's excitement over Grandpa's new puppy last month? And, next month we're going to visit Johnston's twin dachshund puppies in California. (One of these days my little puppy-lover is going to realize that a puppy might actually be something she could own. Uh-oh!)