July 30, 2010

Wardrobe Independence - The Sequel

Prior to Ava's first 4th of July holiday, her mischievous friend Lily Mae had tried convincing Ava to wear a silly outfit. For Christian's first Independence Day, Lily Mae put her cousin Lyle (pictured below) up to the same shenanigans.

At first, Christian was happy to oblige Lyle by trying on several ridiculous (albeit patriotic) headpieces...

...including this silly little number which Ava had rejected so many years ago.

Like his big sister, however, Christian was too smart to fall for Lily and Lyle's froggy tricks. So Christian cowboyed up and decided to wear this ensemble for the 4th of July instead.

Lyle's going to have to try harder if he wants to play Christian for a fool. Besides, this wasn't his first rodeo (okay, so maybe it was). Ava was dolled up for the 4th of July as well, but was not in the same good spirits has her little brother.

Sometimes it's tough to be three.

July 26, 2010

Historic Spring City

In June, we drove down to Spring City to attend a summer work party for the law firm where Fred (Krista's father) works. The party was hosted by one of Fred's coworkers who resides in what was once the Spring City judge's house upon its construction in 1875. Fred's coworker's wife was kind enough to give us a tour of her home, which she and her husband have done an absolutely amazing job of restoring.

Over the years, Spring City has become a magnet for fine artists due to all the lovely and inspiring scenery. Several local artists were at the party demonstrating their talents. It was fun (especially for Larry who has dabbled in the arts) to watch the painters transform a blank canvas into a beautiful landscape right before your eyes. Ava's cousin Annissa was in town; and while the two of them were too young to really enjoy watching the artists (despite Larry's efforts to make it seem really interesting) they had a wonderful time playing together.

In fact, you might say the two of them were pretty much inseparable throughout the day.

Ava and Annissa were so inseparable that we think Christian may have felt a little left out.

One of the highlights of the day was a horse-drawn wagon ride and tour of the the town. Our tour guide pointed out several historic landmarks (including the one you can see behind Owen and Larry in the picture below) and informed us that Spring City is one of only a handful of cities in which the entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Did we mention yet that Ava and Annissa were inseparable?

We had a wonderful time in Spring City and are already looking forward to joining Fred's coworkers there again next summer.

July 19, 2010

Paleontologist Pals

Since getting membership passes to Thanksgiving Point, we have loved going to the Museum of Ancient Life. Or as Ava calls it, the Dinosaur Museum. Her only complaint has been that we never took her sooner. In fact, she has asked us on several occasions, "Why didn't you tell me about the Dinosaur Museum when I was two?"

Several weeks ago, several of the Olsen cousins joined us at the museum. Here's Ava, Zoe, Annissa, and Zach checking out a replica of a baby dinosaur.

The museum has the largest collection of mounted dinosaur skeletons in the world. Here's Ava standing by a few of them in the museum entrance.

At this display, kids can turn the wheel to see a dinosaur change colors. Ava's favorite color to make the dinosaur was purple. Annissa's was pink.

Zach, Ava, and Annissa liked this exhibit of prehistoric sea life.

Everyone's favorite activity was playing at the erosion table where you can move sand to alter the flow of water. (Larry quite likes the erosion table as well.) Here's Annissa moving her dinosaur to higher ground.

The first time we went to the Dinosaur Museum, Ava was terrified of this shark replica and wouldn't go anywhere near it. As you can see here, she has since overcome her fear as she poses with Christian and Annissa amidst the shark's gaping jaws. Christian, however, looks a little nervous.

The cousins enjoyed the Dinosaur Museum so much that they all decided they wanted to become paleontologists. Here's Ava, Annissa, and Zach digging for dinosaur bones.

If you're ever in Lehi, come visit the Dinosaur Museum. Chances are we'll already be there.

July 12, 2010

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Back in May we went to a Bees game with some of Larry's coworkers and their families.

Ava was super excited to wear her baseball jacket to the game. Technically it's a volleyball jacket, but we weren't about to tell her differently.

Christian enjoyed the baseball game as well. Especially because he got to stay up way past his bedtime.

Unfortunately, the Bees are not very good this year and lost miserably. However, the loss did not dampen Christian's spirits.

We had a great time at the ball game and hope to go again.

July 5, 2010

Lunch with the Cousins

Once upon a time the Olsen cousins got together for lunch at Hires Big H—an Olsen family favorite. As you can see below, Sophie, Ava, and Annissa left their lunches practically untouched in favor of their ice cream.

Ava finished off her ice cream in no time at all, Annissa cleverly engineered a refill by dropping hers on the floor...

...Cousin Zoe licked her spoon clean...

...and Sophie resorted to using her fingers to get every last drop.

Christian was too little to have his own ice cream, but had fun playing with Aunt Betsy nonetheless.

Granny O coddled her newest granddaughter Kat.

Newest grandson James was there too with proud mommy Liz.

Annissa took a break from her ice cream to get a picture with her mommy Elissa.

Lauren and Erika had their hands full with the older boy cousins Seth and Zach, who were too busy playing to pose for a picture.

With bellies full, everyone headed home and they all lived happily ever after. The End.