the dog days of summer: they're pretty great

The long, hot days of this Utah summer are dragging on perfectly. I always feel like after the 4th of July summer tends to wind down in the best way. We've been grilling like it's all we know how to do and squeezing in every bit of outside time possible. 

Summer thunderstorms have begun rolling in periodically and I tried to explain to Jeff how they make me feel and that they're my absolute favorite. My explanation didn't come across exactly like it feels in my head and I ended up crying, then laughing and ultimately saying that I feel squishy??? I don't really know what I'm trying to say. Maybe I feel nostalgic for those early mornings growing up on the farm or maybe something else entirely, but the point is I love late summer and it just continues to get better from here on out. Summer melting into Fall is absolute bliss.

Baby boy and I hit the road early to beat the heat then once the temperature starts its downhill slide for the day we're back outside.

 Tacos...so many tacos this summer and somehow still not enough

 this face

 Waffles, fish feeding, and successfully fitting 4 children and 4 adults in one vehicle to Bridal Veil Falls

 Hikes with Amanda and a zonked out Afton. Calvin was a bobble head by the end too.

 A couple of pool honeys at grandma and grandpa's

And this goofer now sits

at last

image via

at long last September has arrived. blessed be the day! 

not only is September the month of my birth and husband's too (which automatically makes it amazing) but it just has the best feel about it. you know what i mean?

the air starts getting a little crisp, the mountains begin to tint orange, Saturdays are spent watching college football and exploring canyons full of acorns, evening strolls usually end at a fruit stand, my green cruiser really racks up the mileage around town, our baby pumpkins are ready for picking, and i even get the urge to bake.

i just think you're the best, September. so here's to you. may all 30 days be as great as i anticipate.

Birthday Week 2011

We celebrate birthdays all week at the Tucker house since Jeff's day is 4 days after mine.

On my day I went to lunch with my mom and Meg and her boys. It was great to skip out on work for some girl time.


Then Jeff and I took our annual fall trip to Park City.
We shopped and soaked in the amazing fall air as we strolled Main Street, then found ourselves at Easy Street Steak & Seafood for dinner.
It. Was. DELICIOUS.
But don't eat upstairs with the stuffy white table clothes, go down stairs to the fireplace and live music.

And Jeff spoiled me with a new cruiser! It took us a couple days to put together (great price = shipped in box with lots of parts) but it was worth the wait.

I now find every excuse to run errands or deliver goodies to neighbors. Who knew a basket on a cute bike could be so motivating?

Thursday we went to the Jimmer All-star game. It was crazy.

Jeff's day so far has included home made mini donuts (thanks meg!), watching football, and playing tennis.

(Photo from BYU vs. Utah game. Let's not talk about it)

Not a bad birthday week indeed.

A Bicycle Made For Two

"...You'll look sweet upon the seat
Of a bicycle made for two.

We will go 'tandem'
As man and wife,
...
'Peddling' away
Down the road of life."

-Harry Dacre

Its pretty fun taking on this crazy, busy life together.
That's Jeff's cute bum on a bicycle made for two. I wish we could ride it everywhere together.
Except not that exact bike (no brakes = nearly died on our way to picnic)

Nonetheless, two vacations minus my hubby (stupid but wonderful school) reminds me how happy I am we're taking this journey together.

What post would be complete without a photo of the pup.