Since he's been gone

This week Brandon started his 6-week field trip where he is gone 3-4 days each week. Some other wives of geology students and I started a dinner group for when the boys are gone. It has been really fun-- last night I made Cafe Rio pork salads and now everyone thinks I'm a great cook. Boy, do I have them fooled.

With all this free time I have come up with some new projects to occupy myself. This week I learned how to make jewelry and I made this ring. It was my first one so it has several flaws, but I think it looks pretty cool.

And luckily, Violet hasn't forgotten who Daddy is. She was very happy to see him when he got home tonight.

Guess who LOVES kitties?

Violet does. Last night I was at a friend's house and her cat came over to investigate Violet. Violet started smiling and kicking and squealing with delight. Every time the cat would walk by, Violet reached out and tried to pet him. When he walked away, Violet would stick both arms out at him and yell until he came back. It melted my heart, but it still probably isn't enough to cure Brandon of his cat hatred.

Graduation and Arches

Violet loved going to Arches on Saturday. She seemed to take in all the scenery and she was smiling and talking most of the time. She did have a short nap on the way to Delicate Arch, and she LOVED the Redvines that we fed her. Thanks, Mom and Dad, for coming to graduation!

Violet's new favorite game

I don't know how this girl is going to survive to be an adult.

Easter madness

This past week and a half has been a blast. Poodle and I shopped all week and did other fun things (in this picture we are bowling). Violet can sure spot a pushover when she sees one, becuase when Poodle was here, she was constantly demanding to be held and played with. Once Poodle left, Violet went back to entertaining herself. We also got to wear matching scarves! I gave Poodle one of the scarves that Mom brought me from Paris, and she loved it. That day we ate unleavened bread for the Passover. Actually it was supposed to be cinnamon rolls, but the dough decided to be Jewish and it wouldn't rise. So, we had scones.

On Easter Violet got to meet her aunt Lena for the first time. I know this picture makes it look like Violet didn't like her very much, but she did. She was just tired when I took this picture.

After that, we had dinner and watched conference at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Violet was good the entire time and enjoyed just playing with her feet.