[on why dad is the preferred parent]

Because he watches his little girl's favorite show with her.

I try to watch.  Honest.

But somewhere between the map and backpack songs,

I've been known to get myself out on parole

and do something more fun.

Like scrub the toilet seat hinges.

Which haven't been cleaned since the Clinton Administration.

HAPPY FATHERS DAY.

photos jackson took in SLC

more SLC

Sometimes trips are perfect. 

Like this one, for example.

We got to see my bro Gavin and SIL Ashley and their family.

Whom I adore.

[A relaxing meal here with Ashley].

I couldn't have ordered more perfect weather.

I loved my zippy rental car (seriously).

I caught up with my cousins Randy and Marilyn Oveson.

Hiked a gorgeous hike in the foothills with them.

And saw my Aunt Dixie and Uncle Steve.

Watched the South African Boys Choir perform with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Mostly importantly I got to hang out by myself with Jax.

Perfect, I tell you.

my brother Gavin and nephew Garrett

 Niece Shelby

Garrett

If you don't own one of these 20 Questions Balls (pictured above), RUN, don't walk, to your nearest Target or Walmart.
It's $10.00 and makes a spiffy birthday gift. 
 For girls.  For boys.  Young.  And old. 
My kids love it.
Marc and I occasionally steal it for ourselves.
My niece Shelby was enthralled with this game.
[I just reminded myself that I must get another one before our long drive to Pinetop].

so what if we got a little Jimmered

I couldn't tell you the first thing about basketball. 

Ironic for a girl who grew up with the last name Hoopes.

Yet any self-respecting BYU alum knows who Jimmer Fredette is.

When we found out Jimmer (and Jackson Emery--as well as the entire BYU basketball team) were giving a basketball camp in Utah--Jackson knew immediately what he wanted for his 12th birthday. 

So we flew to SLC.  Just me and the only [not foster] son. 

"What could be so great about watching a short-ish pasty slightly dorky white guy play basketball?" {methinks}.  Then Jimmer played a little basketball.  Not a dork.  Recant. 

Now slightly starstruck, I amused myself by snapping shots here and there, videotaping Jimmer doing his drills in front of 400 mesmerized kids until I was politely asked to stop taking photos and go upstairs where the parents were supposed to be sitting.

the boy turns twelve

Our only son turned twelve last month. 

His father conferred the priesthood on him.  Grandpa and Grandma Hoopes were able to come and witness the special occasion, as were Aunt Stephanie and Uncle Nathan. 

 Love that Jackson/Jax/BigGuy. 

[I suppose I'll need to stop calling him "Sweet Pea" soon].  

royal wedding

I caught the girls playing "Royal Wedding" the other day. 

Charlotte got to be Princess Kate.

Ellison then claimed Pippa.
(As they both have cute bums).

Cousin Bridgette was relegated to "Pippa's little sister".

Then they had tea.

For hours and hours of pompous Brits

and the accompanying fanfare,

rush to Costco to get this BBC edition of the wedding.

{For only $5.99}

Jolly good, indeed.