First Chimenea Night

During the summer we hang out at the neighbor's driveway/garage in the evenings, keeping warm by their chimenea. We've been having beautiful weather for the last week, so we had our "kick0ff" last night. The kids were having a great time playing together, and after the kids went to bed (don't worry, we keep our video monitor with us so we can see and hear if there is a problem), the adults had fun without them.

Madi pulled out her swim goggles and they quickly became very popular for everyone.

Madi is such a ham! She popped right in front of the camera with this silly face as I was taking a picture.

Hmm...Wonder where Miss Madi gets it from?

Penny, who is visiting from out of town picked up Paige and the other kids to swing them around.

Then Jack asked for a turn, who is much heavier than the other kids...it was quite the struggle for poor Penny to swing him! I don't think she knew what she was getting herself into.

2nd Quilt

I have gotten so behind on my blog, and I do apologize. I found an organization called Project Linus that takes new and handmade blankets for children. I thought this would be a great idea for me because I could get some practice quilting and a kid in need would get a new blanket (plus I will save my receipts and get a tax deduction). So I found a free quilt pattern on-line that was for "absolute beginners" as they say, so I picked out some fabric and pieced it all together. I realized that I didn't like the the fabric I had chosen (I liked it, but not all together), but it may have flowed better had I chosen a different pattern. Anyhow, unlike my first quilt where I loved the piecing and colors I chose, but was just lukewarm about the quilting, I am less than lukewarm about the colors and piecing, but I really like the quilting I did with this one. I meant to have a funky and cheerful quilt for a little girl, which it will be, but I it also looks like Strawberry Shortcake threw up on it. As for the positive aspects, I decided to give machine quilting another try because it goes quickly, and I like the way it looks. Turns out I really like the "meandering" style of quilting, and after some practice I got much better at it. I also quilted some stars and curly-q's in the border and sashing parts which I think is pretty cute, and goes with my oh-so-funky theme. Anyhow, I have learned more and new lessons with this quilt from my mistakes. (I like the lessons I have learned, but not the mistakes I have made). Hopefully some little girl likes this (or tolerates it). I know Jack really wants it because of the stars on the backing.

I forgot to mention that as I was washing and drying the finished quilt, I was starting my next one. I think I am turning into a junkie! Poor Rich.

Remedy for Fussiness

When Paige is having a bad day for whatever reason, sometimes the only thing that makes her happy is to take off all of her clothes. It immediately changes her attitude! As anyone who is following this blog knows, she is also all about the accessories, so we have times where she is naked (with a diaper), but wants her shoes, hat or tiara, and bling on. Really hoping this isn't going to develop into a long term habit!

I hope she finds it in her heart one day to forgive me over these photos!

Megan's 2nd Birthday

Our little neighbor friend across the street turned two last week and invited us to her party on Saturday. She hosted it at MyGym where the kids had free play, circle time, singing and dancing, a car wash, and of course cake. Megan was such a cutie, and I don't know if I have ever seen a little girl have more fun at a birthday party! My kids were pretty well behaved, although there was some pouting by both, and Jack did kick the man who was leading circle time while he was singing with puppets (I have no idea what that was all about--Jack has never done that before).

Paige on a trampoline

Circle time with Daddy

No more circle time!

Car Wash

Birthday Girl Parade

Easter

I know Easter was almost two weeks ago, but these are our photos from Easter morning. Saturday evening Jack and I died eggs (which I later made into a multicolored egg salad) and I forgot to take pictures...but the whole thing was a rather frustrating endeavor as he wouldn't listen to anything I was saying. Anyhow, the following morning the kids found their baskets (I would love for the Easter Bunny to hide them, but the big guy knows our bad dogs would find them before the kids would) and were pleased to find lots of candy and books...a strange combination now that I think about it. After church, where Paige was very ill mannered but got away with it because she's cute, we went to Rich's dad and Cheryl's house for and Easter egg hunt and dinner. The kids had so much fun hunting for eggs, and Jack even asked for his Grandpa to hide them again--which he did after we ate. Dinner was fantastic with a Honey Baked ham and all the "fixin's", and we had a great visit. The only downside of the day was that we received a ton of snow, but we need the moisture. We did have a bit of a struggle getting back to our "no-eating-sweets-all-day" routine for the next couple of days, but it all worked out.

Who's walking whom?

In our house we several leashes that are tied to fixed items (like coffee tables) because sometimes the beagles just need to be restrained (see post titled "Bad Dogs"). Actually, as I am typing this, Penny is outside barking at the neighbor's landscaper, and Bailey is barking inside because Penny is barking (I am snarling on the inside). Anyway, the kids have learned how to get the leases off the tables, and they (Jack) either attaches it to Charlie or Paige. This time, Paige got it around Penny and made an attempt to control her...a feat I have been trying to master for the last 5 years.

Can't leave out Jack!