The Princess Festival

A couple of months ago, my mother-in-law asked if she could take Ellie and her same-age cousin Kayda to the Princess Festival at Thanksgiving Point. Ever since I mentioned it to Ellie, she talked about it and looked forward to it until the magical day arrived. Clay's mom got the girls princess dresses and accessories, including princess dolls, did their hair and took them to the festival. Ellie had the time of her life. 

                             When her BFF, Jayne, asked Ellie to go again the next week, I couldn't say no.

I have to say, it is so fun having a little girl and watching her enjoy childhood with friends. But we are getting crazy excited to add our little boy to the family.

My favorite way to spend a summer saturday

Farmer's markets are one the best things about summer. We went to the one at Gardner Village over the weekend and really liked it. Aside from the lady who blatantly copied my brother's fresh mint limeade stand, but oh well. We had fun spending the morning in picturesque Gardner Village and sampling yummy things like local cheese and fresh salsa. Ellie loved the activities they had for kids. 

Getting ready to ride the cow train

I had to sneak this shot of my hottie patottie 

Ellie showing off the pet rock she made

This girl has no fear of animals. She has already asked me if she can have a puppy and has said, "One day, when I get older, I'll have a kitty or a puppy." I don't have the heart to tell her that her mom is allergic to them. 

The highlight of the day was the ride on farmer Brown's miniature horse. He was such a nice guy  and Ellie loved the ride. 

Love this daddy-daughter picture.

After the market, we headed back to my mom's for a swim. 

My sister Haley (who is leaving for a Europe study abroad this week!) and a 36-week shot of my belly.

A sprinkle for baby boy

My friend Karlee threw me a sprinkle for the baby boy who is making his debut pretty soon. The food was delicious and the company even better. It was so fun {and weird, I have to admit} to get little baby boy clothes and things I'll be using for him in less than a month. It just doesn't seem real that I will have a son. But I can't wait to meet the little dude, find out what he looks like, what his personality is like and watch his and Ellie's relationship develop.

Cute pinwheels made by Karlee
& coconut cupcakes in mini takeout boxes I made as "thank you" favors

These little sugar cookie cupcakes were SO good. I had no problem popping 4 or 5 in my mouth.

Karlee's asian chicken salad? Equally amazing.

Me with my mama, sister Haley, and three of my best friends (+Ellie, Max and Adelaide). Love you guys!

My little cutie.

These two had a blast running around downstairs while we girls talked about babies.

An adorable little tie handmade by Rachel, modeled by Haley. She'll be pretty happy I put this picture up.

These are just a few of the cute things from the sprinkle that I can't wait to see my baby boy in.

Thanks to my friends and family for making me and the bebe feel loved.

This is all starting to feel more real!

Summerfest

We kicked off our summer with with the Summerfest festival. They had a lot of fun rides for little kids and Ellie was loving every minute of it. 

The first carny game that caught Ellie's eye was fishing.

Her prize was an inflatable dolphin. She was thrilled, obviously.

She had on this expression of pure joy the whole time she rode the spaceship ride.

We had to hit up the carousel.

Ellie loved driving this dune buggy and made friends with the cute girl in the front.

Her last thrill was a boat ride with another little friend.

We waited for the parade to start, but it took way too long and  despite how sunny and nice it looks. it was windy and freezing. So we packed up and left. 

We can't wait for all the summer festivities that are coming up!

Mini Vacay in Park City

Our friend (and Clay's boss) hooked us up with a couple of nights at the Marriott Mountainside in Park City. We were so excited to take Ellie on a little trip just for her before baby boy comes next month. It was perfect. The only thing we would've done differently was stay longer.

During our stay, we enjoyed dinner at Good Thymes and Squatter's -- both were delicious.

All ready for our first time at the pool.

We spent a lot of time at the pool -- Ellie's favorite part of the trip.

Ellie contemplating life as we waited for our S'mores kit

We love that Ellie calls them "smarshmallows."

The resort had a lot of fun activities for kids and families, including this story time with cookies and milk, Bingo and chocolate tasting:

Ellie would sniff the chocolate first, like a true chocolate connoisseur, then say, "Mmmmm."

 We hit up the carousel at the Mountain Resort. It was faster than your usual carousel, so that was fun.

 Ellie also rode the Space Train, which the operator said is super old and appeared in "The Sandlot."

 Our friend Cherin came up to play for a few hours, and Ellie loved seeing her little friends Aspen and Ridge.

Ellie got all her swimming gear together then came up to us and said, "I've got everything!"

 Our trip wouldn't have been complete without ice cream, an oreo caramel apple and a truffle from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

Ellie and dad chattin' by the fire.

The pools

 Ellie has been such a daddy's girl lately. She cannot get enough of him. It's fun to watch. Maybe she is clinging on to him knowing my attention will be a little divided pretty soon.