I’ve kept myself busy these last few weeks. My mother-in-law has green beans coming out of her hair so she gave some to us. I froze a bunch but thought I’d try canning some too. Thanks to Michelle for letting me use her pressure cooker.

My little helper Evan.

Thanks to my family for having a baby shower for Barclay Baby #2 (No we don’t have a name yet). We are the last ones to have a baby this summer so it’s fun to see all the other babies at 3 months old and 2 weeks old. It was fun to get a few new things and the books were great! But most of all it’s always a fun time to just get together and talk.
Grandma Betty, Keri and Melissa’s friend Whitney

Aunt Diane and Crystal holding the new baby.

Aunt Gail and Anne in the back, and Evan sneaking some nuts (wait he doesn’t like nuts)

Aunt Cheryl being the grandma trying to explain to Evan that we are going to have a baby at our house soon.

Opening some cute books.

This shot is for my mom, she wanted to see how big my belly is.

All the fun clothes.

I’m in love with this giraffe. I almost bought Evan this outfit in the spring, but it just wasn’t as cute in 18 month size.

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.

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.