What Not to Wear

I had a great weekend not too long ago filled with little people who made me laugh. I won't go into detail because Libby already did but I will say it was the best miniature human experience I think I have ever had.

All the kids are at a good age to interact and be ridiculous, they all have good parents who are not too reactionary or passive and for someone who does not have my own 2-legged dependents I thought it was a great day. The other important element is that I am old enough now to understand you don't have to impress or entertain them, they do that all on their own which makes it a lot less stressful.

(could ya, with those curls?)

We also had little visitors at our house the next day while Emily and Aaron went on a date to Costco. While the kids were with us my favorite thing happened, Lucas, the 2+ year old decided to dress (or undress) himself to work in the garden. With one of my garden gloves, his boy panties and one shoe he carried the Hudson Sprayer around the yard killing bugs with dish soap. I had about 10 pictures of this because it made me laugh so hard but I can't find them. Lucas also gave the neighborhood a good show while he was supervising Elliott who was fixing the sprinklers. Bottomless this little one bent over and rested his elbows on his knees with his little kid butt in the air and his business waving at the neighborhood. Emily and I just laughed.

When Timmy was little he was unbelievably cute and utterly ridiculous and he too insisted on dressing himself. Usually as a pirate, or a "Pirate King" to be precise. When Lucas was running around my yard all I could think of was tiny Timmy wandering between our house and Grandma's, often with taking Grandpa on an adventure.

Tim was little and fearless and Grandpa was in the late stages of Alzheimer's and they were the best of friends. We have photo of them walking down the street together; Grandpa in his jumpsuit (with the fancy seatbelty thing around the middle) and Tim in two different boots, pant leg tucked into one, a winter coat with a belt over the top to hold his sword. How sweet and unassuming, don't you wish you still felt that kind of freedom?

Little Timmy

(is it weird to post about other people's kids?)

The Sundance Kid

They have done it again, the Sundance Institute has lined up great movies for their free summer screening series (wow, what splendid and unintentional alliteration that was). Once upon a time I made out with my new boyfriend Elliott at one of these events just think of what can happen to you!

2008 Outdoor Film Festival
Six Degrees of Sundance

July 11 - August 27, 2008
Free Admission

This year's line up is:

Raising Arizona
July 11 Park City
July 14 Salt Lake City
July 16 Sundance Resort

The Iron Giant
July 18 Park City
July 21 Salt Lake City
July 23 Sundance Resort

Adventures of Power
Preceded by: The Loss Of a Wrestling Match Brigham Young University graduate Jed Cowley directed this short film from the '08 Sundance Film Festival about a wrestler preparing for the match of his life against a higher-ranked competitor.

July 25 Park City
July 28 Salt Lake City
July 30 Sundance Resort

Tootsie
August 01 Park City
August 04 Salt Lake City
August 06 Sundance Resort

Moulin Rouge
August 08 Park City
August 11 Salt Lake City
August 13 Sundance Resort

Harold and Maude
August 15 Park City
August 18 Salt Lake City
August 20 Sundance Resort

The Straight Story
August 22 Park City
August 25 Salt Lake City
August 27 Sundance Resort

If you don't know about these movies follow the link to the Institutes's web site and read up. Why would pay to watch movies inside when you can do it under the stars for free? No excuses, get out and enjoy the incredible Utah sky.

The Segway from Dessert to Oasis

My dad and I had a little daddy daughter date on Saturday that was such and unexpected pleasure. He asked me to meet him at Thanksgiving Point to test drive some scooters because he is in the market for alternate transportation. Not thrilled but looking for and adventure I agreed.

I have a bad attitude about Thanksgiving Point because of my work experience there when I did Forever Plaid there a million years ago and have written the whole place off. I will be the first to face my mistakes and say that I was wrong. It has grown into a really amazing place with a lot to offer and the gardens were so stunning. Really, unbelievable. I can't say enough about them or stress that you should make some time and go. The whole time dad and I kept saying, "we should bring Grandma here" or "why don't we have he whole family come and spend the day". It was just so unexpected and lovely. You want to go? I will meet you there, call me.

Something you should be prepared for is how large the gardens are. You can rent Rascal scooters, golf carts OR a Segway. Dad decided he wanted to try out the Segway and the Rascal but I was being obstinate because I was influenced by TV to think that Seways are less than cool. Those of you who have indulged in Arrested Development know what I am saying and will support my resistance to being seen on one.

(At this point I would like to call for a moment of silence in support of my boyfriend, Jason Batemen and his TV family the Blooth's who made me laugh so hard I cried for 3 good seasons of television.)

After my intensive training on the Segway (I got a certificate) we took off down the garden paths and against my will, I found I was enjoying myself. My camera is kaput or I would insert a picture of myself wearing a ridiculous helmet, smiling and speeding through the gardens. You can do the coolest things on those stupid scooters and I resent it because I was looking forward to telling everyone how stupid they are. Next time I am going to ride it in a dress so when you turn in circles you can get a twirling effect. Its gonna be cool.

So, come with me my friends on a relaxing adventure. Bring the kids, bring the grandmas, bring some snacks and lets enjoy an afternoon in the garden together. I promise not to tell anyone outside in the world that you rode a Segway or that you enjoyed it.