I forgot to mention that my brother Brian came to visit over Pioneer day. It was fun to have him and Farrah (his girlfriend) around and Evan just had a blast playing with the both of them. He even asked if he could help with anything around the house, how nice. He ended up washing and cleaning out Jon’s car which was super nice, and on Friday he mowed both the back and front yards. Jon appreciated that.

So thanks Brian for coming for a visit, hope you come again.

The Kolling women had a Baby Shower for Crystal last Saturday at Genevieve’s house. It was fun to get together and see all the baby stuff. I had gotten just some generic stuff like diapers and baby soap for her, it’s not the fun stuff but the needed. I figured she’d get enough quilts and blankets from people and this is her second girl. But later talking with her I found out that she had really wanted one of my little blankets. So while I had the sewing machine out I pulled out all the pink fabric and put together this little number. I’m happy with it and I hope they enjoy it too. I’ve got to find some time to run to Provo and visit the new baby and take her, her quilt.

Congrats to Brad and Crystal on the Birth of Katelyn Jane Kolling born Tuesday July 29th.!!

I’ve had all of these projects I’ve wanted to do before the baby comes, because I know I won’t have time after, so I’ve been plugging away at some of the sewing. Thanks Jon for being patient while the kitchen table has been covered in sewing stuff for the last few days. Bathroom cleaning is on my list too anyone want to come help with that one.

This is a diaper bag I’ve put together for a friend. It’s my first “bag” so I’m really happy the way it turned out, and I’m super in love with the fabric that I got at Broadbents in Lehi.

Below is the quit that I’ve put off doing the binding since April. I had never done binding on a quilt and was a little scared to be truthful. But it needed to get done. So I got out the directions and did it. I’m not going to say that it’s perfect or that I didn’t use my seam ripper a few times but I think it looks great and I even hand stitched the back of it.

At 37 weeks pregnant we’re counting down (or is it up) I don’t know, and I’m feeling really pregnant. I liked being this far along with Evan because it was December and we had snow. The hot weather 100+ just doesn’t make you feel so great pregnant or not.

We’ve been eating a lot of BBQ foods so I don’t have to heat up the kitchen, and it makes for a few less dishes to wash at the end of the night. The cravings this week were meet by Bratwurst in a toasted bun, macaroni salad with peas and ham, and some fresh fruit. It was all so yummy.

Happy Pioneer Day! Yes it is one of Utah’s State holidays. It commemorates the Mormon Pioneer’s entry into the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847. There’s a big Days of 47 Parade and Rodeo and many companies give their employees the day off. Jon even had the day off, Thanks Adam’s and Smith.

We had our own BBQ at the Barclay house where new mama Kimberly and little Eeva made an appearance. Then we drove up to Salt Lake City to Liberty Park to watch the fireworks with Scott and Anne, and Brian and Farrah. It was tons of fun, even though we didn’t get home until about 12:30am.

Evan jumping on Grandpa Barclay

My new favorite fireworks.

Scott and Anne.

Brian and Farrah.

Evan and Jon

Evan has decided that he doesn’t want to sleep in his crib for naps or during the night. Mommy and Daddy are tired of sharing their bed and don’t really enjoy kicking feet in their backs at 3 in the morning. Thus enters the toddler bed or as we call it “Evan’s Big Boy Bed.” And yes it’s in our bedroom. We are transitioning between still being in the same room with us but sleeping in his own bed. The first few nights were a little rough and then he did really good for a few nights and the last few have been so so as he is getting more teeth in. It’s all a work in progress, wish us luck.

Evan actually sleeping in the bed.

We finally are putting to use the great quilt Grandma Balke made, it’s a perfect size.

What to do on a Saturday Afternoon when it is 100 degrees?

1. Take pictures of your flower beds. The flowers are at their peak this time of year and looking at green makes you think it can’t be that hot.

2. Go see a movie. Think of your ticket as unlimited air conditioning, 2 hours of this makes anyone feel better.

3. Get dinner so you don’t have to heat up your kitchen.

4. Let the kids take their clothes off and play in the blow up pool. Hopefully they’ll splash you a little bit.

5. Sit yourself down on the grass in the cool shade with a cold drink.

I’m about a month out from my due date, August 21st. It’s the end of July in Utah. It’s hot and hotter. But all is well as we have Air Conditioning. I thought I’d show you all that yes I can still see my feet. Wish me luck…

Even has started to nice my bump. I ask him where’s the baby and he pats my belly. We all don’t know what we are getting into.