Resourceful

Matt, of all people, has been upset about the demise of the Elmo stroller. So to preserve a bit of it, he removed the cover before we threw out the stroller frame.

Matt and I were still debating what to do with it (after laundering it, first and foremost) when Riley decided for us:

(Clifford was also acquired at that killer rummage sale.)

Sweet Ride

Check out the $5 stroller I scored at a rummage sale this weekend:


I'll admit, it's nothing fancy. But it feels like a major upgrade after dealing with this:

(Yes, those back three tires are missing. Classy.)

World's Best Dad

I'm afraid if I were to list all the reasons why Matt is the world's best dad, it would 1. make ME look like a slacker mom and 2. make all the other moms jealous.

Let's just leave it at this: Matt is a 100-percent involved dad who goes above and beyond every single day. Which makes Riley and me awfully darn lucky to have him around.

Grandma's a Good Listener

My sister Sheri and I went berry picking yesterday–our favorite summer activity. Meanwhile, Riley got to spend some quality time at Grandma's. When I dropped Riley off, she was really sad. I knew she'd be fine, and of course, when I returned, she was happy as could be.

As we headed home, I asked, "What did you do with Grandma?"

"I cried," she said. "And it hurt Grandma's ears."

Ah, quality time, indeed. (For me and Sheri, at least...)

My Shopping Buddy

Riley and I popped into Anthropolgie today to check out the sale rack. After I tried on a shirt, Riley exclaimed, "Mommy, you look really cute in that!"

I was flattered. But I left empty handed.

I mean, can you trust the judgement of a pajama-wearing two-year old?

Cousins

While we were in Utah, Riley's cousins, Alex and Shea, were visiting from Houston. It was our first time to see them since Christmas 2007. We still can't believe how much they've grown up–they've become excellent babysitters (with Grandma's supervision, of course). And to say Riley adored them would be an understatement.

The Wedding Day

My sister got married last Saturday. The festivities didn't begin until that afternoon, so Matt, Riley & I spent the morning visiting a historic farm nearby. We fed the geese, introduced Zelf to the goats, checked out the pigs...and convinced Riley that the duck bite she received was actually a kiss. (She didn't fall for it.)



At the farm, we saw a couple from afar getting wedding photos taken. Lo and behold, it was Julie and her soon-to-be husband. I spent the rest of the day coveting her wedding dress.


The wedding itself was really lovely–except the part afterward when Riley refused to cooperate for the all-nieces photo. Notice someone missing? (Even the babies cooperated, for pete's sake!)

We also seized the opportunity to get a photo of the Dougall siblings (minus the overseas brother).

The wedding reception was later that evening, and we loved every minute of it, thanks to great company, the most delicious wedding cake ever, and Matt's parents, who babysat Riley!

Congrats, Scott & Julie!

Home Sweet Home

We just returned from a whirlwind trip to Salt Lake City for my sister Julie's wedding. We had a great time, and we enjoyed spending time with both our families. I will include more details about our trip once (er...if) I get all caught up here at home.

But for now, suffice it to say, we're all glad to be done with this:

The 12-hour drive, each way. Bleh.

Moving On

In case you haven't noticed, this girl loves wearing jammies.

But, after a week of 80-degree weather, I think a new clothing obsession is brewing...