30 Weeks

State Fair

We had a blast at the Utah State Fair this year. I haven't been in over a decade, and Sadie and Ryan haven't ever gone.

We were worried Sadie would freak out if we put her on the pony, but to our surprise, she loved it! She was actually really mad we made her get off.

She loved seeing all the animals.

We saw a short sea lion show.

Sadie got to "help out" on the farm.

Brushing sheep, milking and feeding the cow and picking apples...

Watching the piglets and their mom.

Good times!

Octoberfest

Apparently Octoberfest starts late August, so we couldn't pass up the chance to have good weather and fun!

Sadie talked about this bull for weeks. It did take some convincing, however, that the bull is a male cow and says "moo".

We rode up the tram for an amazing view.

It was super windy, thus my stomach looks really weird.

Ryan and Sadie went up the lift and Sadie wasn't scared at all. They got to go down a big alpine slide. We had such a fun day! They had so many activities for families, so we definitely would recommend it to all!

grrrrrrrrr.............

I've been avoiding blogging about this because it is a less than appealing topic that I would like anyone to ever be thinking about, but I need some encouragement and advise.... on potty training.

I decided to do the cold turkey diaper free method. It was a crazy week, but she was potty trained in 7 days concerning night time and #1. Great job! I must give her kudos for that.

#2 is a different story. It is now 3 weeks out and she is still 0%. ZERO. I stopped counting when she was 0 for 27. It would be different if she had gone even once. That would give me hope, but she has yet to go #2 in the potty. She understands the urge, but will hold it if I sit her on the potty and go later. I've tried REALLY REALLY REALLY hard to avoid negative reinforcement. Here's what I've tried:

• She picked out a special treat at the store for when she does go.
• Showed her how friends her age could do it.
• She picked out special figurines if she went.
• Special Dora undies if she would go.
• I'd read to her or have her watch a show to feel comfortable spending time on the potty.
• She dislikes diapers now, but after 2 weeks I put them back on when I know she will go but apparently this isn't motivation enough to do it.
• She has an insert for the big potty as well as a little potty.

She is still young, but she is capable. That is what is driving me crazy. If I keep a pull-up on 24-7 she is less likely to go #1 in the potty, especially at night time which was A LOT of work to accomplish! I'm so frustrated. I am so frustrated. I am so frustrated.

Misc Summer Fun

25 Weeks

My cute nephew Jack

Going Wave running!

Playing in the sand!

Going for a ride!

Up the canyon for some birthday grub with my cousin Carley and Heber.

So fun!

We can't get enough of the mountains in the summer!

We've been on a kick with grilled kabobs, corn and roasting marshmallows and starburst!

Summer please don't end!!!

Our Garden

It has been quite the roller coaster of a ride for this garden.

• Ryan grew plants from the seed. They all died.
• Ryan bought small plants to replace them. He planted them May 22. May 24 it snowed 3 inches and killed half the plants.
• Ryan bought replacement plants.
• We accidentally used mulch that inhibits growth.
• We dug it out a month later after no growth and then things have been great since!

The stake has provided a bunch of land for us to have family plots.

We have green beans, hot peppers, bell peppers, cantaloupe, zucchini, green onions, celery, lemon cucumbers, and several plants of tomatoes.

It looks like a bunch of weeds, but it's not. Not the best picture, but we sure have a lot of produce from our garden! Wahoo!

One of our giant zucchinis. I've been learning LOTS of new recipes to use up all our produce! :)

Some more pics of the first harvest. We have even been giving away some of our food. Love it! Good Job Ryan!!!

Happy Anniversary!!

After going through my pictures, I have realized that I have failed to preserve a tradition of ours. When we got married 6 years ago, we made a goal to go to a different temple every anniversary. We have succeeded in that goal (thanks to having 13 temples in Utah alone) but I have failed to document several of these years. At least we have the memories! I love you Mr. Ryan Alkema!

2004 Bountiful Temple

I had to sneak this one in because most people don't know Ryan was on crutches our wedding day and so the bride romantically carried the groom away... :)

2005 Manti Utah Temple

2006 St. George Temple

2007 Salt Lake Temple

2009 Draper, Utah Temple (Oops! This is out of order)

2008 Mt. Timpanogos Temple

2010 Oquirrh Mountain Temple

Love you babe! Hope to have a pic of us in front of the Hong Kong Temple by 2044..ish. :)