Newspaper Dome

Thank you VBS for this fun idea. I built this for my class of four year olds and they loved it. They loved it so much it only lasted one day....trying to fit all twelve kids into it was maybe not the best idea.

The boys helped me build the first dome at church and then were so disappointed when it was demolished. So we built another at home this morning. Amazing what newspaper staples and tape can create. We'll see how long this one lasts.

Cinco Leches

Tres Leches cake + homemade cherry whipped cream + cherry ice cream = Cinco LechesProbably the best dessert I have had in a long time! Recipes to follow.Side note: did you know Dolly Madison was the first to serve. Pink icecream at the white house? Well now you know, and if it is good enough for the the President it's good enough for me.Loved our time with Grammy, it went by way too fast!

 

An Elephant and Grover Cleveland

Yesterday Luke was so excited to tell me there was a "Grover Cleveland candy bar". Thinking he was joking I asked him what it was called. "Baby Ruth, it's named after his daughter Ruth". I immediately googled it, yup he was right. He and Grammy read it in a book...the fine print in our President rhyming book. Then just to test his memory I asked him what number President Cleveland was... "22" he replied fast as lightning. Again, I had to double check. He was right, again. He also knew that he was president twice (with Benjamin Harrison between terms) and that the Statue of Liberty was completed while he was on office. This child continues to amaze me!

He wanted to try a Baby Ruth and I told him we could pick one up after swim lessons if he reminded me (assuming he would forget). But my little elephant remembered and we got a sweet treat today. Win-win!

 

Happy Father's Day

James drew this portrait of John at church on Sunday. The part you can't see is a very detailed picture of a three eyed alien on the other side. He was very proud of that one! Thankfully he does label his pictures so there is no confusion.

Beach Pictures

A few of my favorites, in no particular order:

For the first time ever, Luke LOVED the beach.  Check him out!

An ad for La Croix, our sparkling water of choice.

James, resident baby whisperer.  This guy loves the little ones.

Sweetest smile!

 Ice-cream on the deck...where is Luke? He scarfed his down in record time.

Favorite things: boogie board and a shovel. 

Pizza on the deck, these kids are living large.

7 little cousins, all in a line.

My goofballs.... 

Vote for your favorite!

Trying to decide which picture to print as our family picture....please vote for your favorite!

Option 1: Yes I know our heads are cute off....but the boys are so cute!

Option 2: Standing Up

Option 3: Family Group 

More beach photos coming soon.....7 little cousins are so cute I took way too many pictures. 

Life's a beach!

Check-up

Today at James' check-up he made sure to tell the doctor he ate his veggies because they make him really strong. He also admitted that sometimes he eats "junk food" and appeared relieved when the doctor told him that was ok. Mr. James you are getting so big!

Name that song!

Mixed-up lyrics as sung by Luke....

"God shed his rice on Greece!"

....can you guess the song he is singing? Hint: Luke is my very patriotic son.

A whole lot a birthdays around here!

Back to back birthdays this past week for James and John.  Lots of cake and ice cream, lots of singing, and a few balloons thrown in for good measure.  Happy Birthday!

To infinity and beyond!