LAS DAINES-ES: July

Blogger and I have been in a fight. I'd like to think we've resolved our issues, because I can't afford to get any more behind on this blog!

Highlights from July:

We took a trip to Idaho. Baca had a slip 'n slide! Good times.

Eve had her first ever professional photo shoot. By which I mean that I made a conscious effort to have good lighting and a cute bow in her hair AT THE SAME TIME. It was a huge effort.

On a trip into downtown Boise for the farmers' market, Charlie ran up the steps of a Capitol building for the first time in his life. Does that make me a negligent parent? Maybe. I'm probably also being derelict in my duty to prepare him for the zombie apocalypse. Later, at the farmers' market I encouraged my dad to buy some heirloom beets, which were declared a huge success at dinner later that night. From the farm to the table, as they say.

Antonia makes her first ever purchase:
strawberry lemonade at the farmers' market.

As many of the Halls, current and former, as could make it converged on a lovely and spacious condo in Eden, UT for a little reunion of sorts. It was a low-key affair, lots of talking, cooking, eating, relaxing by the pool and walks. Each married couple took a turn cooking dinner one night, which is always one of the most fun aspects of these family getaways. On our night we made black bean burgers with mango relish and some other healthy stuff and I think I might have ALMOST convinced some of the dudes that bean burgers can be tasty.

This is Jo's youngest, Si. He's so squishable.

Ostensibly relaxing in a comfy armchair, but really trying to win "cutest couple."

Little boys doin' little boy stuff. Climbin' on big rocks.

Antonia climbin' on big rocks.

Evie loves raspberries! Somewhere there is a picture of me
at about this age, in a highchair with a messy face,
and the resemblance is startling. Wish I had that picture...

The boys went on a hike with Grandpa.
The only granddaughter who was old enough to care
made her feelings known on the consolation "hike" for the little girls.
But she's so cute when she's morose.

The three oldest granddaughters. Note Antonia's continued sullenness.

These two crazy kids are having a baby in March. Babies having babies!
(They're actually quite grown up, it's just that I used to change
Evan's diapers, so he'll always be a baby to me.)

Try to imagine the awesome sound effects accompanying this scene.
The light saber swoosh sounds alone are professional quality :)

Enjoying the theater room, the best feature of our rental.
I think they were watching "Finding Nemo"

After the Utah/Idaho trip we fell back into our usual routine. Will and I taught our music lessongs, Will worked a few hours a week for the school district, Antonia and Charlie loved/hated each other, Eve laughed at everyone, especially anyone who was crying. ("I'm not laughing at you, I'm laughing AT you!") Also, at one point, sillyness was outlawed, apparently.