Utah State Fair 2010

We've been in Utah for four years and for four years running we've been to the Utah State Fair. No mutton bustin' this year. No Ben either. He's busy campaigning. Thankfully, my mom came along to help keep the kids in line, which is no small task considering all three tend to run in different directions. We had a great time and stayed until dark. It was especially fun to watch Robert get excited about all the rides, something he wasn't old enough to appreciate last year. James loved the fun house and I would guess he went through it over a dozen times. Good thing the unlimited ride wristbands were two-for-one the night we went! Oh, we saw a few sheep, goats, and cows as well; and we ate some fatty, fried fair food to boot!

A giant squash

This one grew a little to big for the kitchen, but was a huge hit with the kids.

Such a fun kid

I love this smile. And this kid!

Robert meets Jack

During our trip, we visited my Great Aunt Jeannie. She has one of those classic Jack-in-the-box toys, which Robert found and loved.

Here, he's showing Grandma Judd the Jack-in-the-box. I love the anticipation on his face as he awaits the pop.
And then the joy at that surprising moment. I enjoyed watching Robert as much as he enjoyed turning the crank and waiting for the pop.

California

My parent and I drove the kids to California over Labor Day weekend to visit my sister and celebrate my nephew's, Daniel, birthday. Of course, it's a long drive, but the kids really did fabulously. Either my mom or I sat in the back of the minivan to hand out the entertainment (crayons, Leapsters, reading Charlotte's Web, snacks, books, etc.) and settle disputes, but I couldn't have asked for them to be better. We arrived in time for the birthday pool party, spent a morning at the beach, an afternoon at The Wild Animal Park, some time at the park, ate lots of Pinkberry, and, of course, ate lots of other good food. I think there are more road trips in our future.

We stopped for a quick lunch at In-n-Out before visiting

the Wild Animal Park. Robert shared a burger with Daniel

and loved it. He looks pretty content eating here in this hat.

Uncle Sam was pleased with Robert's affinity for In-n-Out.

Something the two of them jointly appreciate.

Potty Training

Robert has decided that he'd like to use the toilet, so we're going along with the opportunity. Kate (and James to a lesser extent) are in on the new development. I don't know why, but I think potty training pictures are pretty darn cute, particularly when there's so much moral support going on. Also, it reminded me of this.

The Lion King

Ben and I took Kate and James to the Lion King at the Capitol Theater last week. It was their first big show and they had no idea what they were going to. In fact, neither was excited to go. I told James that there was a short break in the middle and if he wasn't having fun, we could leave. At intermission, I reminded him that this was his opportunity to leave, he declined. They loved it. The opening act included several elaborately costumed actors coming to the stage through the isles from the back of the theater. Both kids stared from side to side watching the "animals" come to the stage. They'd never seen anything quite like it. It was fun to watch them be so overwhelmed and curious and entertained.