The Good Stuff

Today was one of those days that you hate to see come to an end. It started with a slow morning waking up to a yummy breakfast thanks to daddy. After breakfast was cleaned up we decided to tie dye some t shirts. Ethan is doing this at school this week and Owen has been talking about wanting to do it too so I bought the stuff we needed and we got started.

T shirts soaking and dye ready.

Gloves - check!

Silly face - check!

The boys told me which shirts to do when and what colors they wanted where.

I briefly considered letting them do the dyeing part. Very briefly.

It was permanent dye we were dealing with after all.

I think they turned out great!

And the boys love doing things like this.

Chris and Ethan said we were going to have a tie dye party at the beach - so if you have one, bring it. :-)

After we worked on the shirts, the boys and I scooted out the door and headed to the pool for a bit while Eliza napped. We are trying to appreciate these last days of summer before the weather turns too cool for swimming. When we returned Chris took Owen to the store and Ethan, Eliza and I made no bake cookies.

Hello, yummy chocolate and peanut butter goodness!

My mom used to make these for me when I was a child. I remember her laying them out on our washer (which was in our kitchen) to set up.

And now I am doing them with my own children.

She discovered "licking the bowl" today.

I'd say she has figured it out just fine.

And as if this wasn't enough good stuff for one day, it gets better.

We took the party outside and built a fire to roast marshmallows.

This is the stuff that memories are made of.

They had so much fun!

There is something so therapeutic about sitting in front of a fire.

Daddy and Eliza kept the wood coming.

And she tasted her first s'more tonight.

Life is good! Get out and taste some!

Bike Ride to the Park

Yesterday we saddled everyone (and everything) up and hopped on our bikes for a ride to the park.

I packed everyone a lunch in the cooler and put it in the back of the bike trailer so we could have a picnic once we got there.

(My!)
We brought the soccer ball to kick around.

Daddy showing off his soccer skills.

And Ethan showing off his soccer skills.

And she is showing off her cuteness skills.

It's hard work. Being this cute.

Or this cute.

She liked pushing her brothers bike around. And trying on the helmet.

Then we walked over to the park so they could play on the playground.

She was nervous going across this bridge. The boys just ran across it over and over and it would swing and bounce. She wasn't so sure about it.

She is getting more confident every time we go to the park.

She wants to try new things and keep up with her brothers.

Climbing the stairs.

The pictures make it appear easier for her than it actually was.

She is getting so big.

Makes her mommy kind of sad.

And speaking of looking big. Check this boy out!

How did that happen? I know I ask that all the time. But sometimes I just look at pictures of him and think what is happening to my baby boy?

He is such a good big brother to her.

Makes my heart smile.

I didn't get as many pictures of Owen this trip. But just so you know he isn't neglected.....

He and mommy spent some time together swinging.

Game Day

It's West Virginia! It's West Virginia!

The pride of every Mountaineer.

Come on you old grads, join with us young lads

It's West Virginia now we cheer!

Now is the time, boys, to make a big noise!

No matter what the people say

For there is naught to fear; the gang's all here

So Hail to West Virginia, Hail!

Bangles and Jewels

One morning last week I was trying to get ready prior to dropping Ethan at school. I can't remember now what we were going to be doing immediately after since I typically don't get a shower until Eliza is sleeping in the afternoon, but nonetheless, this particular morning I was treated to a shower. So while the early shower was a treat, I was then left to entertain Eliza while I continued to get ready. So what's a mom to do but prop her up on the counter and open the jewelry box.

The jewelry box was my mothers. I remember it as a child when I was maybe 5 or 6 years old. She always kept it on her dresser in her bedroom and it was filled all kinds of fun bangles, necklaces and earrings. Three in particular that I clearly remember. A gold owl, a black cross and a silver fish. The owl and the fish are kind of pieced together like a puzzle so that they danced around when you wore them. Think long, big necklaces, 70's style. I still have those. :-)

Can you see those bracelets on Eliza's arm? They were mine when I was a baby. One is a plain gold bangle. One is a gold bracelet with a heart latch that is monogrammed with my name. And one is a gold bracelet with a small bird in the middle. I think my mom enjoyed having a little girl as much as I do.

And the soccer ball necklace she is wearing. My mother in law gave that to me as a fun necklace to wear to Ethan's soccer games probably 2 years ago or so. He walked in a saw Eliza wearing it and got a kick out it. (no pun intended)

She also got a tickle out of my powder brush. All kinds of fun things are coming to my mind for Christmas this year. :-)