Side-by-Side

I have a minute.  Just a minute.  Lately that hasn't happened much, and around here, if you need the computer, you better nab it when it's open.  It just so happens to be open NOW, and since I happen to have a minute, I thought I would post something.  Anything. 

I've been feeling nostalgic lately (you know, time going by so fast and all), so I spent a few minutes (when I had a few minutes) quickly glancing through some pictures of last year.  

Here is a side-by-side comparison for your enjoyment:

Favorite summer treat last year:  Shaved Ice

 Bill got this little baby for Father's Day a few years back, and we have thoroughly enjoyed it's icy cool treats.

Especially with some awesome designer flavor combinations.  My favorites are Blood Orange with a splash of Vanilla, and Huckleberry with a splash of Vanilla (everything's better with Vanilla, I think).  This year, however, we have not had a functioning ice maker (since discovering it had been slowly leaking in the back of the fridge and warping our wood floor), and have survived the summer with mere refrigerated water.

 Good thing we had these to help us get by:

Favorite summer treat this year:  Homemade Ice Cream.

I just made another double batch today because Taylor's girlfriend Lynnea will be stopping by this evening.  She may eat a lot, you know.

Last year at Washington Park:

No, I didn't make it back to Wash Park this year, but I suggested that Taylor take his date there today.  He packed a picnic, and headed out a few hours ago.  I think he was impressed with my surrey pics, and couldn't wait to try one out.  I hope it was a good suggestion :-)

Our gardening skills produced this last year:

This year, we planted nary a seed.  A few random marigolds came up through the weeds, but the garden spot has pretty much been nothing more than an eyesore and a backache.  I'm tempted to plant a large shade tree in it's place... or maybe add an extension to the patio with a fire pit area.  Both options, however, require funding, which is limited at the moment.

Last year's first day of school:

This year's first day of school here and here.

Important things to note:  

Lex hated the pictures I took of her yesterday (which is why I chose to link rather than re-post).  I think it's interesting that she's almost wearing an identical outfit.  I think I could shop for her, if she would let me.  Jeans, Vans, tees.  Easy peasy.

I hated the wreath in the pictures I took yesterday (another reason not to re-post them).  After the girls left for school, I scoured the chaotic disarray of our crawl space to find a replacement, and quickly changed it out.  I found it quite amusing that I had the very same wreath up last year.

Ward Campout last year: 

Ward Campout this year here. 

Priest/Laurel paint war last year:

Priest/Laurel paint war this year:

Meteor shower viewing last year:

We'll miss the meteor shower viewing this year (Saturday night/Sunday morning), because we'll be in bed.  Shi has her Patriarchal Blessing appointment early Sunday morning, then Monday we'll all be heading to the early early-morning-seminary class.  Parents are invited to attend the first day.  Wahoo.  It starts at 5:45 AM.  Too bad those meteors couldn't wait for a more convenient time.

So this year and last year were pretty much a ditto in a lot of ways, with slight variations here or there.  For some reason I am quite fascinated with the parallels from one year to the next.  I must be getting old and set in my ways.

My minute has long passed.  Back to work.