Father's Day 2011

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Here is Matt's Father's Day book that the kids and I made for him. Well, who are we kidding? The kids really had nothing to do with making it, but it did involve pictures of them, so therefore, they are involved, right? Matt really likes it, and that's all that matters. I made breakfast of blueberry cornmeal pancakes, bacon and scrambled eggs. We've been enjoying a nice and relaxing day thus far. Happy Father's Day to all of the fathers and father figures out there! I hope it has been a blessed one!

"I Need A Hug"

And I shall take one, or should I say one million, from this little girl. :)

Gardening and Some Yummy Cookies

Both of the kids love to help water the garden, or maybe it's just that they like to play with the hose/sprayer. Either way, it gets the job done.




I'm always on the lookout for gluten free recipes (especially when it comes to goodies) for my MIL who was diagnosed with celiacs a few years ago. These cookies are awesome! Sooo good and easy. I have to try and get them out of my house before we all eat them all (well, maybe so I don't eat them all).

Chocolate Meringue Cookies

Ingredients:
3 egg whites
1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
Combine egg whites, cream of tartar, and vanilla. Beat until the whites form soft peaks. Slowly add sugar; beat until stiff peaks form, and mixture becomes glossy. Fold in cocoa and chocolate chips.
Drop mixture by teaspoonfuls on to a greased cookie sheet. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
Store in an airtight container....if needed. ;)

Happy Birthday, Dear Andrea...

For my sweet friend, Andrea's, birthday this year, we went to the zoo! She was actually so excited that this was her first birthday having a little one around, that she wanted to celebrate it with all her friends and their children. It was a fun time, and of course, the kids had a blast.

The birthday girl with her baby girl.

Checking out the hippo statues.

Just some of the kiddos: Jacob, Mackenzie, Powell, Jeffery, Dawson, Jamin, Ella and Isabel.

My SIL, Sarah, and I.

Memorial Weekend

Memorial weekend consisted of my parents, my little sister and her little boy, Creed, coming down to visit. We went for walks, had family dinners and just got to hang out. It was a fun, busy, fun weekend for sure. :)

Creed loved Isabel. When my mom would hold both of them on her lap, he would start rubbing and patting her back and making this sort of shuddering, giggling sound. It was too funny.
Powell and Isabel looking for the 2 baby bunnies living under my brother's house.
Isabel sitting on my dad's lap. She loves her grandpa Carson.

Powell and Caidyn having some down time, playing the Digi.
Isabel on the swing at the park on Memorial Day.
Powell riding a bike on the way home from the park on Memorial Day. Aunt Jerusha was helping so he wouldn't steer off the sidewalk. hehe
We remember all of those who served and are serving, and the sacrifices they make. Happy Memorial Day!

Princess Isabel

She hasn't quite hit the "I'm in love with everything Disney Princess" stage, but she does love some princess stuff. She was given a couple princess dress-ups from cousins and she wasn't hating it. ;) Her favorite "princess" movie is "Tangled", but she really hasn't been too interested in movies yet. She has seen, or has seen bits and pieces of other "princess" movies, but doesn't ever ask for them. We had fun dressing up, though. Doesn't she look so grown up, or is it just me? Maybe it's her hair...
We also want to wish a Happy Birthday to cousin Creed who turned 1 year old today! And Aunt Jordan, who shall remain ageless. ;) We love you both so much!!

I had to post a picture of the birthday boy. My little sister is a collector of all things hedgehog, so she made him a little hedgehog cupcake for his birthday. :)

Big Girl Bed

Well, it's about that time. Isabel has now transitioned to a "big girl" bed. It's just a toddler bed that her cousin, Kennedy, has let her use, but it's not a crib. When did my baby get so big? Here it is in all of it's glory!


Hooray for big girls!!