quote of the day

Spencer was searching on the computer "invisobol cars" as I came over to update our blog this afternoon. "Why are you looking up invisible cars Spencer?" I asked

Without missing a beat, he answered, "I want to see pictures of them"

BATHROOM FINISHED!

I don't know which was harder: getting Anne ready to go to the bathroom, or getting the bathroom ready, but we're having a fireside at our house tonight, so we used it as a deadline to get this project done, and though our poor garden shows that we've had house project this summer, our bathroom is DONE!!! I've been getting up an hour early most days, to touch up paint, scrub paint off of hinges, finish caulking, and other little projects in the bathroom or whole basement.  It was such a rush to finish the basement before, that we had quite a list of things we'd try to get to later, and finally have!  I even got the curtains made that I've had planned for MONTHS, so here are the finished shots:
BEFORE:

AFTER:

HILARIOUS LUCY and ANNE POTTY TRAINED!!

 She wanted to go get ponies as a prize, but Emily brought some out of the Barbie box that Anne didn't remember, and she was thrilled!

Anne FINALLY decided to learn to go potty!! We've bought Dora big girl pants, candy, and bribed w/ ponies, and it all finally clicked.  I even offered any of the children $15 (or the price of a package of diapers) if they could train her, but she actually refused intervention.  The first day she went, it was on the big toilet BY HERSELF w/ the DOOR SHUT--like we all do! We weren't sure if she actually went since she also flushed before she let us in, but after the 3rd time, we listened in fast enough, and there was success! She still wears a diaper at night and for naps, but otherwise, I think she's got it!--and Lucy got this HILARIOUS surprise face to show our happy reactions:

here's the video we took of her w/ her crazy face, and then doing all of her other "tricks": folding her arms, blowing kisses, etc. 

Happy Anniversary!!--14 years & counting!

Brian and I had a great night in SL for our anniversary this year.  We checked into our hotel, rode the free train to the temple to do sealings (and found the room we were married in), enjoyed a FABULOUS meal (pecan crusted cod w/ strawberry salsa, saffron sauce, & creme fraizze??, on top of spaghetti squash w/ creme brulee for dessert and a citrus glazed salmon over wild rice for Bri)  @ the Garden Restaurant atop the Joseph Smith Building, also stopping to see the spot where Brian proposed there.  We rode the train over to our favorite German deli on the way back to the hotel to get some gummi treats for the kids, and were back home the next morning for work and aerobics! It was really nice to have a little getaway and the children were great sports!

 this is where Brian proposed to me!--I still remember stepping into that room, where he wanted to show me the "view" and having the distinct impression, "He's going to ask me to marry him!!", which I immediately repressed- thinking, "Oh, no that couldn't be right---it's still light outside!"(perfect logic!)

 This is what I remember first--seeing the gorgeous flowers out the window--although in May, there were more tulips, etc.

 view of the temple right before we ate

 riding the train

Brian and I had a great night in SL for our anniversary this year.  We checked into our hotel, rode the free train to the temple to do sealings (and found the room we were married in), enjoyed a FABULOUS meal (pecan crusted cod w/ strawberry salsa, saffron sauce, & creme fraizze??, on top of spaghetti squash w/ creme brulee for dessert and a citrus glazed salmon over wild rice for Bri)  @ the Garden Restaurant atop the Joseph Smith Building, also stopping to see the spot where Brian proposed there.  We rode the train over to our favorite German deli on the way back to the hotel to get some gummi treats for the kids, and were back home the next morning for work and aerobics! It was really nice to have a little getaway and the children were great sports!

Pioneer Day sparklers

We didn't find them in time for the 4th, but it's great in Utah that we have a 2nd go-round of festivities w/ Pioneer day for the sparklers.  Aerials were made legal this year (to help revenue), and so NIGHTLY, you can see (or at least HEAR) fireworks all through July in the neighborhood.  Monday was Pioneer Day "observed", and since Brian didn't get the day off until the last possible moment (on the way to work--yes, he's a partner, and yes, they could work a little on communication!)--we worked on the bathroom, and then, thanks to Great Dad! (I looked at him @ 6PM and said, "We really need a pioneer day party b/c I don't know what to make for dinner this late!)--we had a little party of hotwings and sparklers that night. It was especially soothing to my "MissingMildenhallReunion wounds."  I had woken up that morning thinking we might still be able to make it to Kansas City in time, and kept going through solutions in my mind.  With Maddie having to be at Girls Camp the next week though, not to mention our anniversary date planned and paid for, it just wasn't coming together.  The hard part was that it wasn't absolutely impossible, and there are days I get tired of being practical (mind you, it's not too many days, but they are there!) , so just the inkling of hope kept me doubting my decisions! We definitely missed everyone, but did have a good week here.

 We heard many Harry Potter references that night, and rightly so, since we just enjoyed opening night of the LAST movie of the LAST book! Maddie went w/ a friend, and Brian & I took Brent that Friday it came out.  It was a really fun (though I came home, reviewed the book, and remembered HOW MUCH BETTER and WONDERFULLLLLLL the books are!--Hollywood just can't handle too much of a message of the power of goodness and love).  I laughed at Brian and Brent, who kept wondering why everyone was clapping and cheering in the theater all through the show.  I finally leaned over and explained it was the opening day excitement--and just enjoy it.  Brian didn't realize it was opening night, and worried we should've worn costumes or something to blend in--I don't think they ever did get into the cheering, etc., but I loved it---it always reminds me of movies at BYU's Varsity theater too--such a community experience :).

After our sparklers were gone, we watched fireworks over the fence at the end of our little street for a while (and the boys let Dad ignite snaps off of their heads)--and YES--we were wearing JACKETS in JULY!!! Anne had just had her bath, so she was chilly, but it was kind of a cloudy night, and we were VERY COOL!!!---have I mentioned how much I've loved this summer??

Duncan Reunion

Every Pioneer Day Weekend, (because it's so close to Grandma Duncan's birthday), ALL the Duncan's get together for a family reunion--I'm still amazed we can do it every year, but it keeps on going, and it's always fun since everyone can find SOMEone their age, and all it takes is a park, a picnic, and a lot of great people!
Spencer had me help him make a paper rocket, and that was his excitement aLL day--everyone also brings candy jars to have contests guessing #'s, and since NO ONE is exempt, Brian and I make sure we guess for Anne and Lucy (I had Anne this year, and notice who won from our family!!) They also had a "Human Rubber Band" and "Eskimo Blanket" besides playing a human form of quidditch, ultimate frisbee, and lots more.  This is Grandma's 90th Birthday!!--so we all put a book together for her, and got pictures taken with her.  Great day!

 Anne got in on the rocket action too (making Mom a professional rocket manufacturer)

 Anne's prize of lemon drops!

 guessing at all of the candy jars!

 7 of 9 Duncan children & spouses (one was home w/ the flu, and one is on a mission)

 human rubberband or "sling shot"--Brian's arm went numb from a collision in one!

 Lucy enjoying lemon drops (one in each hand & 2 in mouth)

 Lucy and Makena (eskimo blanket--almost a handheld trampoline --in background)

cloudy photo op

 We had a cloudy day, so I rushed the children outside (as the clouds blew away) to try a few more pictures--my real goal is to get them over to an old barn background a few blocks away...
You can see how excited they were to be there by the group shots at the end :).  We tried the shade of our "jungle bushes" once the clouds were gone---now it looks like we live in a rainforest!