Silly Ducks

We spotted this pair of wood ducks out our office window this morning.  They were flying from rooftop to rooftop, looking down each of the chimneys.  We couldn't decide if they were curious about what they might see down there, or if they were confused and were considering nesting in a chimney.  What do you think?

Vegas Wedding

Imagine our surprise when we stopped at our favorite clothing shop and saw this sign! We are so happy for our friends!! Congratulations!!!!

1st Drive

Amber & I took Gypsy out to stretch her legs this afternoon. She's ready for adventure and so are we!

Jeanie's Salon

Getting beautified...

His Favorite Sundae

It's cookies & cream ice cream with warm caramel sauce. He calls it 'bird poop'.

Mmmmm...marrow!

The house my dad grew up in...

Serenity

As a member of a rather large, rambunctious family she has started seeking this on a regular basis...I do my best to provide it, although it's a challenge.  But, I remember what it felt like to be her age (pre-teen).  Life is an emotional rollercoaster and there are lots of times when you just want to be left alone. 

Building for the 'little' people...

We also visited Mackworth Island and built fairy houses.  At first some of the kiddos thought they might be too old, but after a while everyone, including my friend, started getting into the spirit of designing homes from whatever materials were available there in the woods.  The village is quite large and it is so interesting to see how imaginative some of the houses are. 

We love this time of the year...

It's Chick Season!

Biking Adventure

Even though the weather was rainy this morning, my friend and I decided to pack up all the kiddos (her 2 & my 5) and all their bicycles and head to Portland.  The weather cleared up, just as the weathermen had promised, and we had an awesome day! 

What a great group!!  We rode bikes all around Back Bay, searched for treasure at East End Beach, rode into the Old Port for a yummy lunch at the Dry Dock Restaurant & Tavern, explored Mackworth Island and built houses for the Faerie Village, and ate yummy ice cream at Super Scoops. 

Sisters

I hear this a lot!

@ The State Theatre, again!

This evening we saw the band Three Days Grace - they were awesome!

The opening band was Pop Evil.  During one of their songs, the lead singer walked across the crowd as he sang.  If I hadn't seen it myself, I wouldn't have believed it!

Green Thumb

A friend just gave me some African Violet leaves...it's been years since I started any baby plants & I can't wait to try again!

Happy 12th Birthday!

She designed and baked her own cake this year.  There were 4 layers of butter/vanilla cake, spread with raspberry jam and covered with pink camoflauge butter-cream frosting, topped with gummy bears and gummy worms. She had so much fun making it, and we had so much fun eating it - it was delicious!

We did it!

Here I am at the starting line, flanked by my older son and my friend. (The one who talked me into running this race!)  We're nervous, but we've been training for this.  We're ready.

I loved running the first 3 miles with him by my side...but, what I really loved, was looking ahead and watching him pick off runners when he decided to actually run - he's awesome!

As I was running that last stretch up to the Finish Line, I suddenly realized that the woman trying to pass me was my friend's sister-in-law, a women whom I had just met this morning.  Well, for some reason, I couldn't let that happen.  So, instead of the easy finish that I had envisioned, it was a flat-out sprint to the end!  What fun!!  We were laughing as we crossed the timers and she reached out to grab my hand.  I'm very glad that my husband captured this great moment! 

My friend finished with a time that she was very proud of considering the long road to recovery that she has been traveling.  I am glad that she talked me into running this race!  It was so much fun and we all are feeling such a sense of accomplishment!!  Plus, we got some new t-shirts...

Is there anything better...

...than a baby's laughter?  

Piano

Last weekend we moved the electric piano back upstairs because it was just collecting dust down here by the computer.  I'm so glad.  The kiddos have all been playing it almost non-stop this week!  I can't believe how quickly they are learning to play!  It's so fun to listen to them, and I've even sat down and picked at the keys a couple of times.  It's been years since I've done that and although it's frustrating because I've forgotten so much, it's still a very relaxing hobby.

Fast Learner

Remember that 2nd cross stitch project that she was starting last week?  Well, her kitty is done already!

This hibiscus outdid herself this morning...

She had twins!

And so it begins...

I've lost him to the workshop!

Rusty Roo

Here's your daily dose of cuteness...

He's still their very favorite cat!

Another egg recipe...

It's been awhile since I posted a new egg recipe. Tonight one of the girls decided to make Deviled Eggs as a snack for 'family movie night'. I wish I could say that I like Deviled Eggs, but I will try one.

Finally!

She is so excited and proud that her pheasants laid their first egg of the season!

Bullwinkle

That's a mighty big name, for a little bitty co-pilot!

District II Music Festival

Our oldest daughter was invited to play clarinet in the District II Honors Music Festival today.  She has never played in band before, so it was a learning experience for her. She had no idea that when that many instruments play together, everyone plays a different part.  The students practiced together all day long, which is super challenging for such young instrumentalists, but thanks to an energetic conductor, they handled it very well.  I so enjoyed watching her transition throughout the day; from a tentative novice, to playing loud and proud during the concert that evening.  It was an amazing opportunity for her, and I'm so glad that I was able to help her participate, and that the rest of the family was able to attend the concert and see her shine in the spotlight!

Rusty Reading

Our oldest boy, enjoying quality quiet time with his very favorite pet.

Spring Cleaning

Lily looks much better.  The girls?  Not so much.  They are covered with white hair from head to toe!

Such a silly cat!

Aly decided that she wanted to ride on my husband's shoulders this morning...if it hadn't been for her jumping onto his back and climbing up with her claws, he would have been happier about it.  He really didn't appreciate my laughter, but it really was quite funny!