As I was browsing my daily trashy websites, I came across a photo of Adam Sandler's new movie. Normally, this wouldn't be a big deal, but my uncle is a director/producer and he was in this pic. He's working on this movie and you can see him in the bottom on the far right. So here's a shout out to my uncle Aldric. Pretty funny!
Every summer, we take many a trip up to Star Valley with Peter's fam. This weekend was the first time we've made it up all summer. It was beautiful and fun, as always. Here's the cabin.
On Friday, we rented duckies and went down the Snake. Here's Annie, Pinkie, Melissa and me.
Annie made a batch of those delicious marshmallow brownie things. Olivia couldn't wait to dig in.
Here's Ellie getting ready for our walk.
Our daily walk down the lane is always so refreshing. It feels so good to be in wide open spaces with no one else in close proximity.
James, Paul and Romey had fun chasing each other around in the field.
The rest of the weekend was spent playing Guitar Hero, reading Harry Potter (best one yet), and eating, of course.
I guess I'm finally ready to get back to the blogging world. Nothing exciting to report, other than I can feel the summer slowly slipping away and it is making me sad. 3 more weeks and then it is all over. I have been filling my days with fun activities in the meantime.
Last week, my favorite baby came to town and actually got his very first haircut at my house. Look at the little man, all grown up!
So, I know I look like a 6 foot baller in this pic, but I finally measured myself and I am only 5'9" and 3/4 of an inch.
We also went on a fun hike up Millcreek Canyon. The scenery was beautiful and we escaped the heat of the city.
Heidi and I at Dog Lake. 
And more cute little boys...Andrew and Jack on the "naughty bench". Andrew was the only one that was supposed to be there, but Jack wanted to keep him company. It looks like they might be having a little too much fun.
Due to the lack of quality tv programming available in the summer time, Peter and I have been watching a lot of Food Network lately. We both love Giada of Everyday Italian fame. My new favorite show is The Next Food Network Star. It's basically the Apprentice of the Food Network. If you're bored and have time, you should totally watch.
Anyways...Giada made these cupcakes last week and I've been thinking about them ever since. Turns out I was not disappointed. The texture is very light and fluffy, similar to angel food cake, but not as spongy. The glaze is a nice alternative to gobs of frosting. They are perfect for a summer treat!
Mascarpone Cupcakes with Strawberry Glaze
8 oz. mascarpone cheese (softened at room temperature)
2 egg whites
1/4 C. vegetable oil
Mix together.
Add: 1 Super moist white cake mix
1 C. water
Mix together, batter is thick.
Bake at 350 for about 20 minutes (or until tops have light brown edges)
Strawberry Glaze:
1/3 C. thawed frozen strawberries pureed in blender
Pour strawberry sauce over about 1 1/2 - 2 C. powdered sugar
Mix together with a wire wisk.
After cupcakes have cooled, drop a dollop of glaze onto each one.
We pretty much took it easy on the 4th. No parades, no carnivals, no camping out for good fireworks seats. I figure there's only so much more time before we have kids and we're actually required to participate in all of the festivities. Nevertheless, we still had a good time.
Here's Olivia striking a pose on the diving board. Notice the one straight leg, one bent. I say future swim team captain.
J boy was a little trepidatious about getting in the water.
Have you ever seen eyes like this?
This was funnier in person. Something about this picture brings to mind a scene from Tommy Boy where he is trying to put on a jacket...or "little coat" as they say.
Just because we didn't camp out to see fireworks doesn't mean we didn't get a good show. I had the bright idea of going next door and sitting on top of the new house that is being built.
We lucked out and saw fireworks from...the Bees Game, Sugarhouse Park and Rice-Eccles. Not bad!
This weekend we traveled to Florida for a visit with Mares & Steve combined with a fun wedding weekend for Nick & Taren. Mares was nice enough to take us to the gator park, but I didn't get a good enough pic of the 1 gator that we saw.
Mares & Steve
Rehearsal Dinner
Okay, speaking strictly length (as in height), Mares claims to be 5'8" and I have to disagree since I am 5'10". Let's not even compare width here.
Taren & Nick got married at a little Chapel by the Sea, after which we headed to the local yacht club for their reception. This is a view of the back bay from the patio.
She looked gorgeous and their wedding was amazing! Here is a pic of the happy couple.
The dinner tables
The only people who toasted with water...(read: party poopers)
I love Claire and had high hopes for EVENING, but was thoroughly disappointed. Even though Hugh Dancy is pretty cute, I still wouldn't waste the money to see it in the theater.
