I Couldn't Make This Stuff Up!

4th of July weekend

Friday night my mom drove up to spend the weekend with us. We had dinner and played with the kids for a bit. Then after they were settled into bed Mom and I went out to the last showing of My Sisters Keeper. I had read the book and the ending was horrible in true Jodi Picoult style. Not all what you expect and shocking. Well they changed the end of the movie and it was really good. A lot of it was hard to watch and it was a tear jerker. A lot cancer throughout the film and then end of life scenes that were hard to watch.

Saturday morning we got up and made Dutch Babies and then took the kids to see Ice Age 2. Benjamin opted out of the cartoon and begged Tim to take him to see Transformers 2 so we girls went to Ice Age and the boys went to their movie. It makes me sad he's growing up. Afterwards he backtracked a bit and said he did really want to see Ice Age he just wanted to see Transformers more. It was so miserable hot that you couldn't really be outside. Triple digits here for most of the day. The kids rested for a bit and Mom and I took off for the mall to shop for a bit. It was nice to get out together.

Tim told me to call him when we were on our way home and he'd fire up the grill for hamburgers which was very nice. When we got home Pam and Betty were almost here, they got here shortly after and Pam immediately started putting a potato salad together for dinner. Yum! I made a chopped salad and Mom put a fruit salad together. I was really glad to have everyone here. Tim had gotten the kiddie pool out for the kids while we were out and after dinner we took the lawn chairs around front and sat with our feet in the pool white trash style. It was perfect!

I got the s'mores maker out and the kids roasted marshmellows and we watched the neighbors set off their fireworks. They're illegal here to have any fireworks in our county because of fire danger. Then we thought there was going to be a show when the fire truck showed up with their lights on. They didn't do a thing. All they said was you know they're illegal right? Then the fireman said, "Well you're going to do what you're going to do." Nice. Why bother to make a law if you're not going to enforce it at all. Unbelievable!

Pam and Maddie got tired and I got up to help Pam up from our La fuma chairs and I had to step into the pull to help her up. When I pulled her up her knees buckled and she went right down into the pool with her rear sitting on the edge of the pool. We were laughing so hard because she wasn't hurt and it was so funny to see her sitting there in the pool in the dark. It was hilarious! Love you Pam!

The fireworks were fantastic and I was so glad to be able to watch them from our driveway and not have to drive anywhere. It was perfect! With it being so hot the kiddie pool got a lot of use this weekend here some shots from that adventure. Maddie was sure she could fill her or Natalie's swimsuit with water so it got really big. Can you say blonde? We tried to explain to her but it just wasn't getting through. She's such a goof sometimes!

This morning I got up and since we had loads of blueberries Mom had brought us I searched for a couple of recipes. Benjamin made blueberry cinnamon rolls and I made a Blueberry Coffeecake. They were delicious and I'll post the recipe on my cooking blog in the next day or two. We had a nice relaxed breakfast and then everyone took off. We were sad to see them go it was so nice to have visitors. I miss everyone and wish we were closer.

Oh and the best news from the weekend is that this afternoon Maddie figured out how to ride her bike. Tim worked with her some more and taught her to say "I'm riding a scooter!"  She if officially off and riding!

It was a good weekend and I'm glad we made the decision to just stay home it was nice. Thanks Mom, Betty and Pam for making the trip. We love you!

Photos from the birthday weekend Part 1

I have some recipes to share this week also. I made some things that were definately keepers. But for now here are some photos.     

Relaxing by the river

Leah and I met up with Mom and Barb yesterday afternoon. Our room looks out on the river and we could hear it, well I could hear it as I'm the only one that sleeps without earplugs in, last night as we slept. Very relaxing. The weather is perfect. We went out last night in Barb's convertable and it was sooo nice. We found a good place to get mexican food and a margarita and then went to shop at Macy's for a bit. They were having a fantastic sale and everyone found some nice clothes. I realized that even when I don't have the kids with me I still shop like I do. I was frantically trying clothes on and I tried on like 10 things and then paid for my purchases in less than 30 minutes. I've gotten so used to it I feel rushed even when I'm not. It's strange when they are not with me. We came back and had free drinks and then went swimming and in the hot tub.

Tim had an interesting night. Natalie shoved a popcorn kernel up her nose. Tim told me he had to go to the ER but he was just kidding. He was able to "fish" it out after about 15 minutes. Never a dull moment, I swear. When I talked to her this morning I asked her if she shoved something up her nose, she laughed and said, "Yeah!"

Maddie jumped in yesterday in the deep end at swim lessons. This was a huge accomplishment for her. She was the first one in line and after she went the other kids needed the other swim instructor to lift them in to the pool. I was so proud of her. Benjamin continues to improve on his side breathing and his strokes. He was "it" in tag yesterday and he enjoyed that. I've been enjoying visiting with Kelly after their swim lessons each day. I have missed her so these last couple of years. She is the type of friend that is so laid back and easy to be around, and you can just pick up right where you left off even though it's been a while since you saw one another. I count myself blessed because I was feeling a little worried about the start of the next school year because most of my friends youngest children will be in school. Natalie is the youngest for the most part in our group. It makes me happy that she will not only have Wyatt to play with but Isaac also who are her age, and I will now have two friends to visit with.

Girls Weekend? Why yes, I would!

Thank goodness it's Friday! One more swim lesson this week and then it's two days off. I am leaving to go on a girls weekend with Mom, Barb, and Leah. It's been forever since we had a weekend like this. I am living for this time away to relax and regroup. We don't have a real plan except going to see the new Will Ferell movie and going wine tasting. I went last night and got my hair cut which felt good and now I feel ready to get out of here today.

The kids will have a great weekend with Daddy. They enjoy their weekends together and it's good for them to have time together also.

Kelly borrowed me the book "Twilight" and I must admit I wasn't sure I would like it but oh my gosh! It was amazing. I read it in one afternoon and called her last night to beg her for the next two books in the series. The last one will be released soon. I recommend this series. It's a great read and it's so different from anything I would normally read.

Alrighty I have to get moving. I hope you have a great weekend!

The Graduate

Yesterday Jessica graduated from Bastyr University in Seattle. It was the perfect day. Everything fell into place and things just worked out. There were lots of tears of joy and just a general feeling of being so proud of Jesscia's accomplishments. Her path through school was not an easy one and that made the finish all the sweeter. She worked so hard to acheive her goal of becoming a nutritionist and I felt blessed to be there with her to celebrate her graduation. We wouldn't have missed being there yesterday for the world.

I have to say that I wasn't sure how my kids would do but they were AMAZING. We left yesterday morning around 10:30 in the morning to get to Seattle to park and get seated for the 1pm graduation ceremony. None of us had lunch I brought snacks for the kids, not really thinking 200 people graduating would take more than a couple of hours and we would have lunch after. Graduation lasted over 3 hours. My kids sat for three hours without so much as a peep. Natalie slept the whole time, Benjamin played his DS, and Madeline watched him play and then took a little nap also. The kids were unbelievably good. The adults were nearly more weary than the kids were by the time it was all over. Jessica and Sara went to a reception for the graduates after the ceremony so we said our goodbyes and Jessica was so grateful for us being there to watch her graduate. She has grown into such a lovely young lady, she is independant and gracious, and she values her family, both the girls do. I think it is such a rare thing these days to have family that is as close as ours, and I am thankful that the girls realize what a gift it is at their young age.

The rest of us took off and slowly made our way out of downtown Seattle. That took a little bit of doing but we did get out and then stopped at Red Robin for dinner. It was nice to sit and get some food and talk a little bit more about the day. I always feel so stressed when we visit anyone feeling like we are such a circus when we travel anywhere, but Barb and Steve made us feel so welcome and comfortable all weekend long. Thank you both for dinner and for having us this weekend!

I took over 300 pictures yesterday alone, for the weekend I think I took somewhere near 1100 with the wedding and the graduation and the party. I was so grateful that I was able to rent the lens because I was able to get shots of Jessica as she graduated that otherwise probably wouldn't have been possible with the lighting. I was very sad when I took it back this morning.The kids and I stopped at Krispy Kreme though and Starbucks and came to visit Grammy and Punkin today so we are having a good day today. As we were driving home last night I was thinking back over the day that had been and I just felt that it was a day that I would never forget for so many reasons. It was after 11 when we finally made it back to Mom and Dad's and the kids were all asleep so I carried each of them inside. I couldn't resist downloading my photos yesterday though and seeing how they turned out. I was pleased with them and I got the shot of J graduating which pleased me. I have a bit of editing to do on some of them but otherwise they are great.

I think that's about it for now. I'll probably post a bunch more pictures this week. I hope you have a good day!

Celebrating our Graduate!

We had a party today for Jessica. I'm so so proud of her! The actual ceremony isn't until tomorrow and yes more pictures will follow that event Today was a good day. We had lots of food and it was relaxed to just sit and visit with us and Pat who drove all the way up from Oregon to spend the day with Jessica. She is such a sweet person and a true friend to my aunt.

Only a couple pictures to share right now. My beautiful cousins. It's easy to get good photos when the subjects are so amazingly pretty.

Pat and the girls. And the kiddos of course. All is well here and we are having a really good time. I'm so so glad that we came up to spend this time with everyone.

Pictures from the Wedding

We went to a friend of the families wedding last night. We grew up together and it was nice to see them again. The wedding was really pretty and I loved the pink dresses and Julie looked beautiful. Lots of pictures to share of the wedding but for now because I'm tired I'll just share this one.

We stayed at Mom and Dad's last night and now tonight we're on to our next destination, my aunt and uncle's house. Three nights, three different places, my poor kids never know where they'll be sleeping night to night during the summer. They have learned to roll with it though and have a good time along the way.

We had a good trip up here today. The kids travel well and that makes it so we can make trips like this week. Steve made a campfire tonight so the kids could roast marshmellows and they loved that. Anyway just checking in so you know we made it today.

Our day at the Sprinkler Park

Okay this is going to be a lot shorter than it was. I typed out a whole post and got the pictures uploaded and typepad lost it! Ahhh!

Anyway I decided for the first day of the kids' summer vacation we would celebrate by meeting up at the sprinkler park with some friends. Rocky and the boys met us for a picnic lunch in the park and it was nice to visit with her. The kids had a good time playing in the sprinklers and then in the park. Natalie was irritated though when her shoes got wet. Madeline and Natalie were in and out after about 20 minutes in the sprinklers. Benjamin lasted over an hour. He loved it. Benjamin was glad to see Max again, and Cooper and Wyatt played well with my kids.It was really nice. Oh and I have to say I bought some new sunblock in an aerosol can at Costco, of course, and I really like it. It's a little bit oiler than normal spray but it really covers the kids well and it comes in a two pack and goes on great and is tear free so one spray any your done on their faces. It's fantastic!

We came home after the sprinkler park and Natalie slept and the kids helped me pick up the house. When Tim got home we went to dinner at Applebee's because I had a gift card so cheep dinner. We came home after and set up for a yard sale tomorrow. Yep last minute decision but lots of others in the neighborhood so hopefully we do well. Either way this stuff has to go, and I'll probably have another towards the end of summer also.

The weather has turned around and I'm really hoping to get the pool set up this weekend after the yard sale. Tim is still working on getting the forms set up for the patio and I'm excited to see the progress on that.I hope you had a good Friday also!

Madeleine's 70th Birthday Luncheon

My mom and I were invited to a luncheon yesterday for Madeleine. Her daughters Colleen and Ann, and daughter in law Denise put a lot of work into the whole thing. The tables were set beautifully, the food was amazing, and the people that had come to share the day with Madeleine were heartwarming. 

The tables decorated beautifully.

The centerpieces.

This one's for Brian, look rosemary on the butter!

The food, which was three different salads and was delicious.

Colleen made this candy birthday cake. Everyone was amazed by it. And for the crafty kids out there these are actually cardboard hatboxes that she glued the candy onto so the lids still came off. Very cute idea!

Abby and Denise.

Don't forget to tip your waitress!

Everyone went around the tables and shared a story about Madeleine and how they knew her. As I listened to each person speak as to how Madeleine had touched their life I was at times teary eyed. All I could think is, how amazing to have all of these people with you to celebrate your birthday. The love that was in the room was inspiring, so many ladies and a gentleman who had known Madeleine for so long. We could all be so blessed to have the same experience one day. I think it is a testament to the kind of life you live when so many people want to share the day with you.

Madeleine made a speach and thanked everyone for coming and again tears all around because it was so touching.

Madeleine with her cake. It was meringue with strawberries and bananas as filling. It came from a bakery in Portland and it was sooooo yummy!

One of mom and I. Thanks Colleen for taking it!

I just would like to thank everyone for inviting us and allowing me to take photos of the day. I felt honored to have been able to share it with all of you. I have known Madeleine for 14 years now. She's been there for my graduation, wedding, and nearly every family celebration we've had over the years. She is very dear to me and I feel blessed to have known her all of these years.

And a few more that I really loved.

More Easter Pictures

Okay I should really try to get the rest of these pictures posted I suppose. I figured out my color issues. It was an educational process and in a way it's nice to know I wasn't crazy and my colors have been off for a reason. Oh and York is having 8 cent prints again for then next week I think so it's a good time to place an order if you have been putting that off.

The kids colored eggs Saturday afternoon. It worked pretty well because we did it outside on a card table. Natalie was sleepy so she didn't want to participate. She hadn't quite got her nap out when we went egg hunting at Sleighbells so she was pretty exhausted by egg coloring time. She was happy to just curl up in Tim's lap and fell asleep.

Sunday morning we had a yummy brunch. Mom put a ham on the night before. I made sticky rolls, blueberry stuffed french toast, and an egg scramble with potatoes and cheese. It was simple and it was nice because most of it was put together the night before. We did make a discovery about the sticky rolls that was good. First you need to cover them with a damp cloth while they rise overnight, second cover them with foil for the first 2/3 of the baking time so the tops don't burn. Mom also sprayed them before we put them into bake.

Oh and all these pictures were taken with the lens that I rented for the weekend. I loved that lens but it's really heavy and would take some gettting used to. I'm glad I had a chance to try it out by renting it. It's a huge expense and someday I will probably add it to my collection but for now I will plug on with what I already have. It was fun to experiment with it.

We fixed our hazelnut tortellini last night for dinner. They were yummy! I put half of them in the freezer for later to cook. Thanks Jessica for bringing them for us! We really enjoyed them! 

Maddie had a bad day yesterday, she was really grouchy and again I was reminded how grateful I am that she will be able to just stay put this weekend. She needs a weekend with lazy pajama days to recoop from our crazy month of going a lot. She will most likely be very ugly by tomorrow after a full week of school. Yikes!

Natalie's favorite phrase right now is "I don't yike it!" when things don't go her way. Not my favorite, I have to say.

Benjamin is getting into ready adventure books. This reading for his Silverwood ticket has worked out well for him. He lays in his room at night and reads. He also wanted to learn how to do laundry yesterday. Then Maddie got upset because "everyone teaches Ben new things and not me!" again the grouchiness that was yesterday. So I taught the two of them the basics of laundry and they did a couple of loads together. I like that they work together to do the chore.