The Stucki's: July 2013

Temple Square ... July 2013

Temple Square

July 2013

It is so nice that my dad's place is one block from Temple Square. It is one of the most beautiful places on earth, and special to us as this is where Aaron and I were married almost 14 years ago! My kids love to come here every summer and spend time in the Visitors' Centers. It is the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Pioneer Park and City Creek ... July 2013

Pioneer Park and City Creek

July 2013

We spent a fun morning walking around the Pioneer Park Farmer's Market with Mike, Sherrelyn and Shrader, and saw some very interesting things.

Yes, that is a RAT on that guy's shoulder. And yes, I did not stay close for too long.

I couldn't resist these awesome swords for Sophie and Ryan that are made from pool noodles.

Sophie loved to pose on this statue at City Creek Center.

The Farm ... July 27, 2013

The Farm

July 27, 2013

I have great memories of this place. My aunt's parents have a home in Morgan, Utah. In 1984, when I was 9 years old, we had a huge Larsen reunion at a nearby lodge and spent some days here at the Farm tubing down the river. I also came here several times when I was in college and living with my cousin Robyn. Almost 30 years after my first time here Aunt Linda invited us here again for another big Larsen reunion. This time all the Larsen cousins AND all their kids!! It was great to see everyone and our kids had a great time running the river.

My favorite picture of the day. A rare sweet and peaceful moment for Ryan and Ashley.

My cute Dad and me!

Cousin Mike helping the kids stop the tube. That water was COLD!

I have a picture of my brother and I in the same spot when I was Ashley's age and Nate was Ryan's age. These kids had a great day!

4-Wheeler ride around the farm.

My handsome boys.

Cousin Robyn and me! I hadn't seen Robyn in too many years. It was so fun to spend time catching up with her.

The three Larsen brothers: Don, Tom and Robert. Love them all. They are all great. great men. I am proud to be a Larsen. They have all been great examples to their extended family.

Katie's 11th Birthday ... July 25, 2013

Katie's 11th Birthday

July 25, 2013

Summer birthdays are the best!!! We got to spend the whole day together celebrating Katie. Instead of the traditional chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast, Katie opted to have breakfast out at one of our favorite restaurants, Blue Lemon. Grandpa Larsen met us there and we had a delicious start to the day. We went to the Roy pool with Sherrelyn and Shrader all day, then met at Grandpa's place that evening for pizza and DQ ice cream cake with Mike, Sherrelyn and Shrader Larsen, and Bob, Molly and Lindsay Larsen. Katie is growing up too quickly, but turning into the most lovely girl. She is developing her talents in sports, in drama and musically. She is so helpful to me and such a great big sister. She is a natural leader and works hard at everything she sets her mind to. One of those things is not keeping her room clean, but we like to focus on the positive in these birthday posts! We love you Katie and we are so grateful you are our girl!!

Sophie's Birthday ... July 19, 2013

Sophie's 3rd Birthday

July 19, 2013

This was a great birthday for Sophie's favorite things!! Sophie LOVES Hello Kitty, Disney Princesses, Sophia the First, and Dora. She got lots of toys with these things and was very happy! Grandpa was there to celebrate Sophie, as was Uncle Robert. We had a Dora cake from Baskin Robbins and the traditional chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast.

Quotes to Remember

We were in Munich and just checking into our Hotel and both the girls needed to go to the bathroom. We all ran upstairs to our rooms and they both bolted into the bathroom. They began to fight over which one was going to use the toilet first. They argue for a few seconds when Katie shouts, "Mom, which one of us do you want to pee their pants?!" (May, 2009)
We were driving home from church last week and I said something like, "We are going to buy a Toyota Sequoia". Suddenly from the back we hear our 4 year old, Ashley, pipe up ... "You killed my Father...Prepare to Die!"...somehow she confused "Toyota Sequoia" with "Inigo Montoya" from the Princess Bride! (May, 2009)
Ashley and I were playing a card game when she says to me, "pause the game, I have to go to the bathroom". This is when I realized the technology gap between my childhood and hers.
I asked Ashley what country she was born in (she was born in Canada). She told me that she couldn't remember, so I tried to give her a hint. I said, "you were born in Cannnn...". To which she immediately exclaimed in triumph..."CANDYLAND!!"
Katie woke us up this morning telling us we needed to get up. Heather told her that her head hurt and she wasn't going to get up yet. Katie responds, "But you don't WALK on your head, so get up!"