Happy Independance Day!!!

I'm sure many of you are enjoying beautiful weather, fun with family and friends, and delicious cookouts on this 4th of July... I know I will be later this afternoon. Before I do, I wanted to share some photos from our trip to the carnival last night.

The Ferris Wheel is one of my favorite rides other than a really good roller coaster. The weather couldn't have been more perfect.

Maria rode on the carousel and the choo choo train and to my surprise... she loved them both and behaved like a big girl. However, she wasn't shy about putting up a fight when it was time to go home.

An extra tidbit... a photo of mine was featured on the "daily click" over at Shutter Sisters today. I couldn't possibly feel any more excitement on this fantastic holiday!

Happy 4th everyone and enjoy the fireworks tonight!

Fun in the sun

Yesterday was our first summer day at Park Point. It was so flippin hot outside it was a relief to get down to the lake where it was considerably cooler, yet comfortable. Maria loved playing in the sand and filling up her bucket over and over... and over again. I enjoyed sitting under our new beach umbrella that I had purchased on a recent trip to Ikea while the Mr. observed the surroundings closer to the shore.

I do believe there will be more relaxing days like these in the near future.

It's been a long time...

... since I've dragged out the 'ole sewing machine.  I found a tutorial online that taught you how to make a toddler dress out of an old pillowcase.  They were so cute, I thought I'd give it a try.  I headed up to our local Savers store and purchased a pillowcase that was in decent condition... no stains.  I followed the tutorial, but ended up having to alter the finished dress just a tad by taking in the sides and making it more of an A-line dress.

Unfortunately, Maria didn't like trying it on.  I think it was the ribbons that bothered her.  I think she's just gonna have to get used to them.  I'll post another picture of it later when the weather warms up and she can actually wear it.

I also made a peach torte yesterday that I found in one of my dessert recipe books.  It look good and easy, so I thought I'd try it out.  I added the blueberries and gave the crust an egg wash for a deeper color.

It tasted pretty good and I found myself going back every so often for another bite.  However, the crust cracked while baking and most of the juices ran out, completely ruining the baking sheet.  I'm not about to try and remove a ¼ inch of blackened, sugary juices so I think the pan will be going in the trash.

Road trip

I found these gorgeous, pink seed pods while on a road tour with my mother this past weekend. We came across geese, old barns, cute fences, bridges to nowhere, and I realized I have the ability to speak to the horses.... long story. 

I'm looking forward to more adventures this summer with camera in tow.

Summer picnics and a recipe to boot!

Yesterday was such a beautiful day!  We decided to take advantage and enjoy our first, and not the last, picnic of the summer.  Maria was so wound up with excitement that she was unable to keep still long enough to eat her lunch.  There was bubble blowing, frolicking in the dandelions, and a quick (and cold) jaunt down to the lake.  Unfortunately, our family outing was cut short due to an overgrown park lawn that needed a haircut.

We packed up the rest of the pita sandwiches we had made for dinner the night before.  They are so delicious that I thought I'd share the recipe.  It comes from one of my favorite magazines... Better Homes and Gardens.

Enjoy!!!

Great adventures

We finally got around to mounting a beloved birdhouse on a large piece of driftwood we found at Wisconsin Point.  I love the way it turned out.

While on our way to the point we came across a flea market where we couldn't resist the great bargain on these adorable glasses.  Definitely a set made for homemade lemonade.

Potentially summer

Aw yes... June.  The month when summer officially begins.  Unfortunately the weather around here has made it feel more like April.  Soon enough though, we'll begin to feel warmer days with more sunshine.  Neighborhood gardens (including my own) will take shape with pops of color, and sun kissed faces that have taken advantage of the hot, humid afternoons will swarm the streets and parks.  There will be long days down at the beach and long walks on the many paved and unpaved trails.  Craft shows, art fairs, and evening barbeque's with good friends and family will fill up your summer agenda.  Camping adventures, weddings, fireworks, and many lazy days wait ahead.

I can't wait!

Happy June!

A day to honor

Happy Memorial Day!    

I really hope the weather stays nice through the evening so we can fire up the grill.  

I hope you all had a pleasant weekend... ta-ta for now.

Lots going on

Time is going by fast!  With spring  beginning to show it's wondrous beauty, I've been trying to capture it with my fancy new camera.  Going to parks, taking walks, and doing lots of gardening have been keeping us all busy around here.  We have so many summer projects under our belt it's hard to keep track.  Hopefully the weather warms up so we can make some headway.