A Harper Moment: No Stinky Boys for Harper

Harper and I spent last Sunday morning having "a yittle party" at Liberty Park. The guests included Harper, Scout, Tolstoy (I'm reading War and Peace), and me. There were snacks and drinks but, according to Harper, it wasn't a picnic because we didn't have a basket or a red blanket (she made sure to let me know that we need to get both as quickly as possible). She played for an hour and we took three laps around the park. It was a great morning. 

As we were packing our stuff up and putting it in the car, Harper looked around and said, "Mommy, I'm just not going to marry a boy that is stinky."

She is the cutest little smarty pants I've ever known. 

Also, I'm glad to know that a stinky son-in-law will never have to be on my list of worries.

2013 Bucket List: New Hike #2

Whit and I hiked Twin Lakes and Lake Solitude last night, crossing another item off of my 2013 Bucket List. It was a beautiful evening and we had a great time. Whit fished a bit, we talked a lot, took some photos, and enjoyed a stunning pink sunset. Everything was perfect, until we took the wrong trail back and ended up at Solitude Ski Resort instead of the parking lot at Silver Lake, which is where you access the Twin Lakes trail. We had to walk two miles up the canyon road to get to the car, in the dark, and it was pretty scary (we still don't know which thought is scarier, creepy people in the dark or wild animals in the dark- it's definitely a toss up). Thankfully, we made it home safe and sound (aka uneaten and alive) and chalked the whole night up to adventure and a lesson learned.

Whit fishing at Twin Lakes.

A beautiful sky above Lake Solitude.

A Worn Out Scout

This photo.

It nearly kills me.

I love everything about it.

Last night, as I watched Harper riding her bike to the park in her fresh (and temporary) ink, a cocktail ring, and her favorite leggings, I nearly cried. True story. I found myself holding back tears as I watched her on her big girl bike, racing ahead of me, in a hurry to get to the playground and make as many friends and do as much playing as possible before it was time to go home and get ready for bed. 

I am guessing my emotional vulnerability might have been the fact that we had Scout with us. Something about that little dog gets me. I think it's because he's been with Harper since the beginning, since before she could walk, talk, or ride a bike. 

Scout, like me, has watched Harper grow and change on an almost daily basis. He's been there through all of the cuteness (and some not-so-cuteness) and has seen Harper go from baby to toddler to girl all in what feels like nothing more than the blink of an eye.

Scout has been a big part of Harper's life and I know that he holds a special place in her heart. He doesn't go adventuring with us as much as he used to but he's still with Harper every day. He sleeps with her, sometimes even as a pillow, and is always lounging around our house in random spots. After all this time and so many new toys, this little pup is still her favorite. She calls him "my Scout" and won't let any other child touch him. 

He has been on the airplane with Harper twice now. He was with us at Disneyland. He was a guest at our wedding and has been by Harper's side through sickness, sadness, and fun- lots of fun. Scout has been with us at the zoo, the movies, restaurants, grandma's houses, and countless other places. 

All of this, combined with many baths and several "surgeries", have worn Scout out- literally. He is quite matted and his stuffing is getting pretty bunched up. I'm afraid that if this particular Scout tries to keep up with Harper for much longer, he won't make it.

I absolutely can not let him get so tattered that he has to be thrown away. I can't do that to him or to Harper. I've considered finding someone to fix him (is that even a thing? Are there stuffed animal fixers out there?) and have even looked into doing it myself but am worried that I'll do more harm than good if I try.

This morning, I went ahead and ordered a new Scout (after just a little searching, I found the exact same dog- heaven bless Aurora Gifts for still making him) so that I can pack this special one away as a keepsake and I'm unsure about how to approach the subject with Harper. I don't want her to see this replacement as a new or different Scout- just an improved one, sort of like he went to the stuffed animal doctor for a rejuvenation. Does that make sense?

Chances are that she may not notice the difference. Scout is always fluffier after his bath and she may think that's all that happened, especially if I don't say anything about it. If she does notice, however, I am going to be a bit lost. 

What do you guys think? Am I terrible for even considering this? Have you ever replaced a favorite toy before? If so, what did you tell your little one? 

Cecret Lake and a Weekend Wrap Up

I've written before about my necessities- about the things that I need in order to feel whole and sane. They are simple things to most, but for me, they are necessary. My necessities include reading, piano, singing, yoga, and hiking.

I enjoy reading, music, and yoga alone, for the most part. I mean, I read to Harper and sing with Harper and sit at the piano with Harper but those things are more for her than for me. I like the peace of mind that comes from a few hours at the piano or an afternoon buried in a book. I think that being an only child has helped me to appreciate, and even need, alone time.

Still, I don't like to be by myself all the time, which is why hiking is so good for me. Hiking is my one necessity that I like sharing with people, especially when those people are Colt and Harper.

On Sunday evening, the three of us hiked Cecret Lake, via the Albion Meadows Trail. We hadn't intended on taking the Meadow Trail because we didn't think Harper would enjoy a four mile round trip but when we got up the canyon, the Cecret Lake Trail parking lot was full, making the long way our only option. I'm so glad it happened that way because the Meadows Trail was a new experience for us (we hiked Cecret Lake a few times last year). It was really beautiful and we saw what had to be at least a million wildflowers. The trail itself was more of an inclined walk than a hike, which made it totally doable for Harper. Colt and I alternated carrying her a few times but she did the majority of the four miles herself without one word of complaint. I was really proud of her. Every day, she finds some way to amaze and delight me.

Harper insisted on stopping to read "the instructions."

The wildflowers along the Albion Meadows Trail were breathtaking- seriously like something from a dream. I was pretty obsessed with them and even let Harper break the law by picking a few. We are pressing them now and plan on using them for a project in a month or so.

This hike really was the perfect way to polish off the weekend, which was a good one by the way. Since this post already has plenty of photos, I'll give you a quick wrap up:

We had some people over for drinks and to play Corn Hole on Friday night. Have you guys played Corn Hole? It is seriously addicting.

On Saturday, we took Hazel to the groomer and got some things done around the house. Then Colt, Harper, and I took a drive over Guardsman Pass and had lunch at Squatters in Park City. That night, we went to the Draper Rodeo to see our friend Tyson in the wild cow milking contest. It was so fun. I love rodeos. We are going to The Days of '47 Rodeo on Saturday and I'm really excited.

On Sunday morning, Colt golfed while Harper and I cleaned the cars and went on a picnic (she was dying to get a minion toy from McDonald's). Then we came home and got ready for our hike.

And before I knew it, the weekend was over, leaving me exhausted and grateful for more good memories made. I really don't think there is anything better than a summer weekend with the people that I love most.

Hiking Utah: Lake Mary and Lake Blanche

Last week, I crossed two of the hiking-related things off of my 2013 Bucket List (FINALLY! I can't say enough how much I like not being too busy to hike). On Wednesday night, Whit and I tried a new hike together. We did Lake Mary, which is located up Big Cottonwood Canyon. Lake Mary is beautiful and the hike was fairly easy so Harper joined us. The three of us had a great time. Harps and I both love Whit so much and will take any chance to hang out with her.

Then on Thursday, Colt, Tyson (our friend), and I hiked Lake Blanche, which is one of my favorite trails. It's pretty challenging so Harper stayed home with her grandma while we three made the six mile round trip to the lake and back. This particular night was probably one of my favorite hikes ever. It was just a little rainy, which was so refreshing, and everything looked so green and beautiful. I loved it.

I hiked again yesterday with Colt and Harper. We did the Albion Meadows Trail and hiked Cecret Lake. It was so fun and the wildflowers were to die for. I'm uploading the photos now and will share them in the next post. :)

Currently:

Loving: summer and all of the good stuff (watermelon, hiking, holidays, camping, skirts, dresses, huarache sandals, snow cones, and pool parties) that comes with it.

Reading: Carrie. Stephen King is one of my favorite authors. Whenever I read something of his, my writing seems to flow better and come easier. His writing style is really inspiring to me.

Listening to: lots and lots of piano music.

Thinking about: so much stuff, as usual. This part of my "Currently" posts is always a hard one for me. I could write endlessly about what I'm thinking about (and I do, in my personal journal) but I really struggle to put it into a concise statement.

Basically, I've got parenting on the brain right now. More specifically, I've got parenting a kid (as opposed to a toddler) on the brain. Harper as a kid is so different- a whole new world for us. Harper as a kid is putting Colt and I both to the test every day. She is curious and gets bored easily and her emotions are up and down with each changing minute (think of the biggest roller coaster you've ever ridden and then times it by ten and you might get a feeling for what we go through on a daily- nay, hourly- basis around here). She changes her clothes about twice an hour and is constantly getting into mischief. For example, I came out from practicing last night and found her with matches, trying to light her own sparkler. Colt had been watching her and was momentarily distracted by something. He isn't around Harper as much as I am and underestimated her and the speed in which she can think of, and execute, a naughty plan.

I'm reading all I can and trying to be patient. Each day is getting better as I learn how to communicate with Harper the kid and as Harper the kid learns what she can/can't say and do.

It's not all bad, however. Harper as a kid is super fun. She and I giggle countless times each day. We also enjoy dance parties and other activities. I love seeing her try new things, like hitting a baseball for the first time and riding her bike to the park. I love talking to her and hearing what she has to say about different things. I love seeing her learn and grow every day and can't believe how quickly she picks things up. We have her signed up for dance and gymnastics in the fall and want to find a soccer league for her. I'm even thinking of starting her out with some simple piano lessons. She's so open to everything right now. I want to expose her to lots of activities so that when the time comes, she can find "her thing."

Working on: keeping up with The Sandy Closet. We are selling inventory pretty quickly and have had to thrift a couple of times a week to keep up. It's been so fun, especially with Whit as my partner. There are few people in the world that really get me. Whit is one of them. I love her and love working with her on this little project.

I'm also spending a lot of time at the piano. I'll be performing at Ciera's Miss America send-off party in August and am doing a lot of preparation for that. I don't have time to learn anything new, which means that I'll be pulling from my repertoire. I spent the last two weeks reviving a few pieces. I hope to make a final choice by the end of the week. I'm leaning towards a Debussy Danse because it isn't as common as some of my other options. Plus, it has some parts that are big and fast and others that are lyrical and jazzy, and I think the particular audience I'll be playing for would enjoy a mix like that.

Looking forward to: my birthday! It's right around the corner. We are deciding between camping and a weekend in Park City. Either way, I can't wait!

I think that's about it. The days go by so quickly that I can barely keep up (I'll have a four year old before I know it and I just don't know what to think of that) with them. They are wonderful days, though, so I can hardly complain.

In case this somewhat long-winded post wasn't enough for you, here is what we have "currently" been up to, according to instagram...

Sunday Evening at Silver Lake

Hello and Happy Monday, my friends. I hope that everyone had a great holiday weekend. I know that we did, and not only was it great, it was busy.

Colt got home from a fishing trip in Montana on the 4th and we didn't stop going until last night at bedtime. Fireworks, a swim party (or two!) at Colt's parents' house, fishing, food (lots of it), movies (we saw Despicable Me 2 and Monsters University and we all preferred Despicable Me- it was so funny), scouting for deer, and a visit with the goats at Colt's Grandma's house are just a few of the things that made up our Independence Day weekend.

I loved it all and am grateful to have enjoyed some special moments with my favorite people. Colt and I have both had hectic schedules the past couple of months and quality time together has basically been nonexistent. This weekend gave us the chance to make up for that a bit. I'm really loving July. I can't say enough how nice it is to finally have a little free time.

This coming week is looking like a good one, too. We have a couple of hikes planned, as well as a possible campout. I also want to thrift with Whitney (I need to add inventory to The Sandy Closet) and to enjoy several bike rides/park visits with Miss Harper. Heaven knows that she deserves them. She was unbelievably patient with our chaotic schedules throughout May and June.

I didn't take many photos of our weekend because I kept forgetting my camera. I made sure to have it last night, however, as we polished off our weekend with a visit to Silver Lake. Thanks to some recent rain, Big Cottonwood Canyon was especially green and beautiful. Harper had a great time exploring and using her "noculars" to look at birds, ducks, and deer. She was excited to see white, yellow, purple, AND pink flowers.