Intel Party

Reed's job had a family get together at the local county fairgrounds. They brought in a few water slides and bouncy houses. Ms A had a BLAST! She wasn't too sure about the high water slide, but the slip and slide was her favorite. I think she went on it at least twenty times.

Berry Salad

I found this delicious salad and dressing via. I threw in some raspberries as well, YUMMMM!

Can I tell you how easy and DELICIOUS it was?!?!?

We loved every little bite!!!

Happy Fourth of July!!

This morning Ms A enjoyed her first parade as a spectator. Our neighbor invited us to join her and her family to watch the parade. We cheered and clapped for the military and the marching bands. We has a wonderful time. Thank you Amy for the invite and enjoyable morning.

Later some other friends invited us over for a delicious barbeque and fireworks. We had a wonderful time chatting with friends, eating the amazing food and watching fireworks. Ms A had a little mishap with a sparkler, but after some love from mom and burn medicine from Rebecca, THANK YOU, she was back in the game having fun!

Playing with a sparkler.
Ms A has declared that the Fourth of July is her favorite holiday, along with Easter. She was grinning and cheering most of the evening.

Blanket Buddies.
Ms A and Mr L got a little chilly as the evening progressed, I grabbed a blanket and they snuggled in for the FABULOUS firework show!!

Dessert...I ***LOVE*** my trifle dish and the Triple Berry Trifle (layers of strawberries, raspberries and blueberries with angel food cake, cheesecake pudding and grated white chocolate) was a perfect addition to my dish.


Thank you Rebecca and Paul for the wonderful evening!!

Newest Creations

My dear friend brought over some beautiful hydrangeas after a rough week. They cheered up me up after my week long self pity party. Thanks L!!!

The flowers were a perfect springboard for this card:

Since I had my stamps out and some creative juices flowing, I played a little more and came up with these. My card stash needed to be replenished as well. :)



Ms A usually asks if I'm making any cards for her with hope in her eyes. This little card had a pretty dress in her favorite color with sparkles... perfect!!!

Haystack Rock

Reed's co-worker mentioned that Thursday morning would be an extra low tide, so we walked down to Haystack Rock to check out the tidal pools.

Haystack Rock the day before.

Thursday Morning

Ms A and Haystack Rock with the low tide.

Ms A was a little hesistant, but she decided to pet her first sea star.
Sea Stars galore.

Gayla found a gull eating this sea star, the gull flew away and she showed us the sea star. We asked a volunteer if we could take it home, but she said no. Apparently, it would have a negative impact on the ecosystem, plus they smell real bad as they decompose.

Heading back to the hotel.

Beach Fun

We went to the beach Wednesday. Ms A ... COULD ... NOT ... wait to play in the sand. We grabbed our sand castle *tools* and went to play.

As we were looking for a play to play we noticed some people carving this sunken ship. It was interesting watching them build and shape this ship complete with two cannons.

In beach heaven!
Creating with Grandma.

All done. I love her pose.
She took her stick everywhere.

Ms A wanted to make a little maze, so we made a spiral one. She had a fun time going in and out of the spiral.

Grandma Gayla drew this mountain and tree picture complete with deer and flowers.

After a fun time playing in the sand, we watched the sunset.