Gone Fishin'

Yesterday, Jon took the day off so he could take the children FISHING!

This was a first for Laney and Henry! We loaded up, rolled down the windows and drove out to our friends' pond!

Upon arrival, this NEIGHbor trotted down to welcome us! It was quite fond of Laney!

Jon unpacked and got everything ready to go!

Getting Emily started.

My family ready to TACKLE some fish! Here fishy fishy!

Meanwhile, I was quite the number one fishing fan. I took pretty pictures of Laney on a rock...

and Henry snacking...

While I took pictures, Jon shouted, "I bet Mommy can't catch a fish!"

So, after getting set up, look what happened in about 5 seconds...

Yes, you can call me the FISH WHISPERER!

Laney was next! Her very first catch eVeR!

Yeah Laney!

And if it wasn't exciting enough, Emily caught a fish too!

Meanwhile, while everyone was catching fish...look what Mr. Big Fish Talker was still doing...

Then WHAM....Emily caught another fish!

Laney and Jon even helped her!

Henry even got to touch the icky fishy!

Laney and Lauren, World's Best Fishin' Gals.

And finally... Jon hooked his fish!

Whoo hoo!

The Big Kahuna!

We all had a grand fishing day. Everyone FINALLY caught a fish...but who caught the largest BASS? Yep, I'm waiting for the call from those professional fishing guys. Twist my arm and I'll show the big boys how to catch fish!

We then went home to nap (Henry), clean (Lauren) and play many games of basketball (Jon and the girls).

Then we traveled BACK to Camp Klatte for pizza dinner with our favorite family!

My sweet boys!

Dessert anyone? I made some fun pudding cups (chocolate pudding, cool whip, vanilla pudding, Reddi Whip and mini chocolate chip sprinkles)!!!!!

Emily, Isabella, Laney and Quinn: Crazy faces during dinner!

Adorable boys! Henry and Aspen. Hey, bro...You've Got Mail!

Jon, dogs and kiddos all coming up the hill! Love the Klatte's driveway....so beautiful!

Henry eating his very first blackberry! YUM! Home grown!

And Laney liked her blackberry too!

What an amazing time out at the Klatte's!

Needless to say, everyone came home worn out! OH....except Emily! She had her first sleep over (besides family)! She had a great time slumbering at the Klatte's!

Yippee!

We cannot wait to go back!

Every Little Thing...Is Gonna Be Alright

I've been itching to get into my art room.

There are projects that I need to start, work on and finish.

Project that I WANT to do.

Projects that will put me at complete peace as I work.

Today, my little prince was napping, but these little beauties created with me. Jack Johnson, Norah Jones, Michael Buble, Jason Mraz, Dave Matthews and many others kept our brushes to the beat.

But Bob Marley actually made us get up to sing and dance. How can a person not smile when Bob's music fills a room? (Yes, my four year old knows the words to Bob Marley songs, and she sings them well! )

Glad Bob got us up a few times, because today's 5 coat project had me on the floor a bit!

Hope you are having a JAMMING Wednesday!

An Umbrella A Day Will Keep The Sunshine Away

Yesterday everyone in our home was up early.

I get up before the children to have a bit of ME time. This guy always tries to steal the spotlight. Every morning when I get on the computer...here he comes! I just had to snap this picture of Crazy George! The children and I were going to go outlet shopping with my mom. I think the shopping vibe was in the air. Was my shopping excitement was rubbing off onto my children? (That would be a dream come true!)

By 6:15am, Emily was up creating a nice breakfast display....place cards, books, juice and cereal for all. She worked hard, and everyone enjoyed! Look at how the girls just swarm their baby brother (this is how it always is). And I wonder why at 19 months he still only says Momma and Dadda (just mumbles them every blue moon).

He imitates, is very alert and already shows signs of a future engineer.

I thought his hearing may be off. A lot of times he just won't acknowledge someone. Oh, will this guy cuddle and laugh though!

Okay...shopping...we all had a nice time. Henry was so good, hardly making a peep! At one of the first stores, the girls begged for umbrellas. Best purchases by far! It was sunny and hot. The girls stayed under their umbrellas and received so many compliments! They already had their umbrellas out first thing this morning! Overall, outlet shopping was SUPERB! If shopping was a sport, I would definitely be an Olympian! My mom said that when I was young, we would go to the same outlet mall with my grandma. After all day shopping, my mom would be wiped out! Not Grandma P. and me...we were ready to tackle more stores! Ever hear of a runner's high? I've NEVER had one, but a shopping high? All the time! It's great!

P.S. And just to test Henry's hearing, I whispered his name from across the room. He looked up at me right away...with the biggest, most mischievous, yet adorable grin ever. Silly boy!

Trot, Trot To Market...

Hubs had some allergies last fall and spring, so he's been wanting some local honey to add to his coffee, etc. The children and I loaded up and drove a few miles to a little market. I love the drive over to this market, because we get to see a bit of this: This amazing market sells home grown local fruits, vegetables, baked goods, jams, soaps...just an array of neat goodies. On our way home, we drove by a little barn sale. If I would have stopped, I would have parked next to this beauty! A few more were coming down the road too! And I couldn't resist taking a picture of this sign...what a hoot! And my very favorite looking library! This building reminds me of the little preschool that I went to back in the dinosaur years. My preschool also had the 2nd story escape slide! Love it! The kiddos loved visiting the market and seeing the sights. It didn't hurt that Mommy gave them each a nice drink and candy necklace for the little trip! This little trip showed me the simple way of life. So, what did we do after our little venture? There's nothing better than some outside fun! The girls drove their Barbies around...ate ice cream sandwiches...then decided to trade clothes! Three years apart, a few pounds difference and NOW NEARLY THE SAME SIZE! Ahhh! I think I need to drive back over to that barn sale. A lady steering a horse and buggy probably has some fantastic sewing skills as well!

Weekend Delights

After waiting, waiting and more waiting...Jon, the girls and I FINALLY went to see Toy Story 3 on Saturday afternoon. I'm thinking Jon and I laughed more than the girls. Barbie and Ken definitely gave me some good laughs!

Saturday night we enjoyed a yummy pizza dinner then played outside until dark. What is a summer evening without catching a few lightning bugs? There are so many lightning bugs out now. Every evening, our woods looks like it's filled with mini twinkle lights!

Simply divine!

First thing this morning, hubs went out to check our apple tree and garden. He came back with flowers and even cut and arranged them in a vase! Later, he noticed our not-so-lovely bananas and suggested I make banana bread. He didn't have to ask twice! Delish! What were the children up to while I baked? The girls got out their ladybug tee pee and thought Henry would definitely make a good indian! We spent all of our Sunday outside working and playing. Laney even invited some fun friends! Laney is ALWAYS collecting toads and we tell her that she HAS to let them be! Ewwww!

Henry was a bit curious though! I made everyone snacks while we enjoyed our afternoon! Cookies rock! And finally, this evening after dinner, I took a solo bike ride (unless you count mace as my trusty companion). Peddling through the countryside, meeting up with a horse and buggy at a stop, listening to the birds, smelling the nearby creek, and feeling the breeze on my face....perhaps it was taking in the deep breaths of air and exhaling all of my stress and worries, but my mind, body and spirit were sure refreshed when I arrived back home.

Kind of getting sprayed with a hose without warning....a lovely rush!

I hope that you all had a delightful weekend!