It’s been pretty quiet around here this week. No major plans, we’ve just been sticking around the house and its been so great! The kids have been playing outside and doing lots of bike riding. I’m inside right now editing photos and returning emails while Addie has a quick nap. She’ll probably be up soon and then I need to run outside and move the sprinkler again…we planted grass a couple weeks ago and it’s growing like crazy! YAY for no more mud on my floors OR on Carson!
(BTW if you’ve written me an email in the past month or so, I’m so sorry if I haven’t gotten back to you. Keeping up with emails AND laundry right now has proven to be an impossible task. Sigh. If its been a while and you had a burning question would you mind emailing me again?)
Besides bike riding and playing with cousins the kids have enjoyed a few activities that we’ve done lately. I’ve been on the lookout for some easy and inexpensive things to keep them occupied and what we’ve tried so far the’ve really enjoyed.
The first thing we tried was this…the kids spent over an hour digging for their buried treasures. We’ll definately be doing this again! That entire Let’s Explore Blog is great! Lots of fun ideas, you should definately have a peak around.
We found these fun Gymboree books at Walmart the other day for like $5. They come with a board book that is filled with little songs and activity ideas and the stuff to do the activities with. They have Bubble Play that comes with bubbles, Music play that came with a little set of maraccas and Dance play that comes with a few colorful scarves. The kids love them.
Lets see. What else have we done. Oh, we got this book from the library the other day and did one project out of it so far.
The kids each did one of these landscape jars and had so much fun filling them up with all kinds of things. We explored all around town looking for dirt, different color rocks and flowers. It was a fun little adventure.
If you’re looking for more activities to keep the kids busy this summer I thought this was a great list of ideas too.
Thats what we’ve been doing around the house these days but we are definately starting to get excited about our upcoming summer plans. Me and Addie are super excited to be heading to Utah next week with my mom and dad and little sister. Ashley reports to the MTC on the 23rd but we’re heading up a bit earlier to take in a few of the sites and do some shopping.
I’ve been trying to come up with a list of all the places we need to check out while we’re there. Target is a must, we’re hoping to make it up to the Timpanogas Caves and will of course be touring around Temple Square but I need a few more ideas. Where do we absolutely HAVE to stop? Where’s a great place to eat? Your favorite shopping? Anyone know of a good place to shop for clothing/essentials for Sister Missionaries? I’d appreciate any ideas ya’ll might have.
We’re also getting excited to head to the lake at the end of July with Randal’s family. It really is the highlight of the kids summer.
It’s hard to believe that last summer I was pregnant with Addie and that this year I’ll be chasing her around everywhere trying to keep the sand out of her mouth no doubt. That girl is keeping us on our toes already, she turned 9 months yesterday and the little monkey is well on her way to walking. She pulls up to everything and then just this week she’s started letting go altogether and balancing there for a few seconds. Just look at that expression, she’s up to no good I tell ya!
What else are we looking forward to this summer? OH! I’ve been dying to get my hands on the newest Simple Scrapbooks special issue Mini-Albums in an Evening.
It looks so FUN, don’t you think? I need to remember to pack it with me when we head to the Lake! Speaking of Simple Scrapbooks, did you know they have a new website? I spent some time exploring around the site the other day and there are some really fun features. Be sure to check it out and while you’re there add me to your friend list ok?
I’m also excited about this new group I’m a part of here in town called a Make Ahead Meal Group. It’s so awesome! Its based on this book.
We have a group of 10 women who get together each month and swap freezer meals. I’m making Taco Soup this month.
So I will prepare 10 soups and bring them with me the evening of the ‘swap’ and come home with 10 different meals to stock up my freezer. Its going to be perfect for while I’m away in Utah. I’ve absolutely loved doing this! Another book about make ahead meals that I’ve heard is great is called The Big Cook. Its definately on my list of books to buy.
Rebecca Cooper is a 42-year-old wife and mother of four from Alberta, Canada. As a photographer, crafter, author, and blogger, she finds joy and fulfillment in celebrating everyday moments. She loves to read and eat chocolate, and is a firm believer in afternoon naps. Rebecca shares her family’s adventures, photo tips, simple craft projects + more right here at Simple as That.
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ok…if you are coming to Utah..you need to go to Cafe RIO…so good and so cheap! A fun place to go that would be very camera friendly for you is Thanksgiving Point in Lehi…you may have already have been there…great photo spots and a cool atmosphere! Good luck…and try to not cry to hard at at the MTC…!
I love that idea of a meal swap! I need to get that started in my town and it sounds like those books would be a great resource. Let’s see..while in Utah…I love going to the Garden restaurant or The Roof at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building when I’m there. The Quilted Bear is a huge craft-fair type place that’s fun to walk through! Have fun on your trip and good luck to your sister out in the field!
The book Frozen Assets is also a great freezer meal resource. There are (I believe) three versions – the origial, lite & favorites. I have the first two and they have been a valuable resource. Thanks for the add’l information.
Love all the links you shared! Sounds like you are having a good summer so far! Enjoy your time in Utah!
I have to second Cafe Rio. If you go at lunch or dinner time be prepared to stand in a looooonnng line. But it’s worth it. I would check out Sister Missionary Mall. It’s in the same shopping center as Church Distribution and Deseret Book on University Parkway. Enjoy that MTC experience!
When I was at your house the other day getting pictures I was wondering what all the food on your counter was about. LOL! Now I know! Funny that you blogged about this because my sister and I have talked about starting a group in Coaldale using this same idea. I’ll have to chat with you about it when I see you next. Thanks for all the great new sites to check out.
First of all, my favorite mini albums were the ones by YOU and CZ. Great, great work! Love that issue! Thanks for sharing your talent. I have a little hybrid album in there, but nothing like your totally cool halloween album – loved it!
You’ve got to try Tepanyaki Grill at the Jordon Commons or in Layton but you have to arrive at about 4:30pm to get in without a huge wait – it’s dinner and entertainment all in one and it’s too delicious to describe.
If you want to freeze your buns off in icy cold water there is always Bear Lake and raspberry shakes.
I’ve lived in Cache Valley and Dugway Proving Grounds Utah so I really don’t have much in the way of advice on things to see in Utah. But have fun and I am so excited for your sister to be a missionary.
Thanks for sharing all those great ideas Rebecca! My kids will love those.
Thanks for sharing all those great ideas Rebecca! My kids will love those. Oh, and Cafe Rio is fab! LOVE IT! There is a place here in Boise called Costa Vida which is almost exactly the same. I think I could eat there every day…
YAY! I will have to check out that book you recommended. I am always looking for more info and resources on cooking ahead.
Anything to make life more easy, eh?
Look at that cutie almost walking! Thanks for the toys in the ice idea. Love it!
LOVE the links!!! And I totally want to do that meal swap too! Maybe i’ll set it up in my ward! Enjoy your Utah trip!!!
You must must must go to Cafe Rio I am sure you have been to Qdoba in Kalispell by Target – Cafe Rio is 100 times better! Love the chicken taco salad, there dressing is to die for. Okay now I am hungry.
Here is a site for more ideas for your kids.
http://belladia.typepad.com/crafty_crow/
Have a fun trip!
Glad to hear the meal group is going good – I have been meaning to come but have been gone too much. Is is too late to start?
You must go to Cafe Rio. 100 times better than Qdoba in Kalispell. There chicken taco salad is so good!
Here is a site to try for more kids ideas.
http://belladia.typepad.com/crafty_crow/
Glad to hear the meal group is going good. I really wanted to join, but I was gone too much this last few months. Is is too late to join now?
For sure one “must stop” place is Elisha Snow’s house. Yeah…that is a definite must! 🙂
Hey Rebecca – I got the new Simple Mini Book issue and it is so awesome! I loved the idea & design of your halloween costume album. I had to make one of my own. I just finished it. Thanks for always inspiring me!
Val
Any chance we get to see photos of your scrap/craft room? You gave us a sneak peak one day but haven’t seen anything since. Thanks.
Thanks for featuring my ice treasures project – so glad you and your little ones enjoyed it! Thanks for the kind words about my blog too! 🙂 Amy @ Let’s Explore
Hey there – Where have you been? I hope that everything is OK…
I miss you blogging! Hope all is okay and that you are just having a busy spurt! ~Tanya
Here’s to hoping that all is well in the Cooper household. We miss your blogging and your inspiration. Hope you and yours have a great Christmas.
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