Independence Festival

For the 4th of July, we went to the Independence Festival on the Waterfront. There was a lot to do between food booths, crafts, inflatables, etc. but Ella liked the regular playground best.

The next item of business was to get out favorite Festival treat; funnel cake.

I don't know what it is about funnel cake but it really embodies the fun and flavor of Festivals. We took our yummy cake and went down to the boat dock. The harbor master was kind enough to let us sit along the dock to watch the fireworks. He said they usually don't let people sit there, but Ella won him over. We were literally on the water.

It rained for about 5 minutes and the best we could do was put our camp chairs over our heads and let it pass. I'm sure we looked ridiculous holding the chairs upside down to shelter ourselves from the rain. It blew over fast and then the show began...

We've never been so close to such big fireworks; it was like they were firing over our heads and reflecting at out feet, all at the same time.

Ella was a little scared but daddy held her close and she began to enjoy the show.

She even started naming the fireworks for family members. "This one's for mommy..."

She went all the way through daddy, granny, both grandpas, grandma angel, all her cousins and herself.

On the way to the car we saw a flame-thrower dancing inside the fountains.

It was a magical and memorable night.

Overdue Update-Summer 2009

So it's been a while since we posted last and here's the gist of what's been happening.

Jed-Studying for boards...the end.

That really is pretty much what I've been doing. For most of the month of June, I was going to the library every day. The week before the test, I was studying 10-12 hours per day. It was some good times! But, the last week Cyndi made some fun packages for me to help me get through it all. Thanks to everyone who was praying for us. I feel pretty good about the test--at least I feel that I passed!
Side note from Cyndi: Jed would never say it, but he also took the challenge on himself of reading the Book of Mormon while studying for boards and he did it! He really is an example to me. I love my wonderful husband. I love that he has his priorities so in tune with the gospel. I know we've been blessed as a family for his Priesthood leadership in our home.

After the test, Cyndi (with some financial help from my parents--thanks Mom and Dad!) took me to a nice Argentine restaurant called Palermo viejo. It was quite authentic and the meat was really good. If only it was as inexpensive as it was in Argentina!

This is the Parrilla platter; an array of steak, ribs, chorizo and sweet bread served with a chimichuri sauce. We're on the hunt for a good chimichuri sauce to make at home, any ideas?

4th of July Ward Breakfast 2009

For the 4th of July, Jed also sang "My Country Tis of Thee" in a quartet with some fellow ward members for the annual pancake breakfast. They sounded really great.

Cyndi-Projects
Cyndi keeps busy with DIY projects:

This is a scrappy quilt from Amy Butler Charm Packs. I'm kinda stuck though, so we'll see where it goes from here. The idea is a new quilt for Ella to move into a toddler bed with.

This next one is a set children's story panels. These were favorite boooks from Jed and Cyndi's childhood, along with some new faces.


And this is the big one:

A routine board for Ella to work through every morning while saying the rhyme:

Make my bed, Say my prayer, Brush my teeth, Comb my hair, Get dressed, Read Scriptures too, Eat, and Smile the whole day through!

When she's done each task, she flips the picture and eventually chooses a reward for the day, like going to the park, getting a sticker, etc. It's been a good way to set up the day. Thanks to my Mom Davis for the initial rhyme. This is the same morning pattern I went through growing up.

Ella-Social Bug/Steak Eater

Ella truly is happiest when with other kids. Every morning she wakes up and asks to see her friends today. She eats breakfast with pictures of her cousins and I constantly hear her saying how she loves them and they love her.

This was at the 4th of July breakfast.

And her she is with her idol, Kjersten. KJ is soooo patient and sweet with her.

Another funny thing we've noticed about Ella is her love of steak! And I mean the whole process, preparing, seasoning, grilling, checking, cutting, and mostly eating the steak.

Grilling with daddy, the middle steak was hers and she ate the WHOLE THING!!!

She made this face when daddy was cutting up her steak and she was so excited.

Pure 10 oz. joy!

Finishing the last bites. This gal just kept saying, "More."

She actually has become quite the helper in the kitchen and when asked what she wants to be when she grows up she said, "a cook." Maybe there's more steak in her future, we'll see.