Grandma Sollars' 80th Birthday

This summer has been hot and yuck, so i haven't had much motivation to blog, nor many fun things to blog about.

This weekend though, we celebrated Granny Sollars' 80th birthday! 

i only hope that a) i too make it to 80, and b) i also look this good! 



Here's my mama doing all the work--she looks nice though, doesn't she?  She bought that outfit on the way; i teased her about it being bright, but it looks like she planned to match the decor. 



Willow spent most of her time in a quieter room, coloring.



Ryvre had a job; he made sure everyone stopped to sign the guest book!  And boy did he.



Ember, being ladylike as ever.





Sweet pic of Willow with Aunt Kristie



They're identical twins, actually, for those unaware.



Some decor pics, as i have a very slight obsession...







Near the end, the girls let loose a little.  No one seemed to mind.



I love this action shot



And, because you were so good and read today's blog, i give you...



Mutant-Siamese-Triplet-Squash!  Straight from Grandma Mona's garden.

Willow's Party

Willow's 5th birthday party was on Sunday, and i finally have the time to post about it!  It's been a very busy week, what with planning, shopping, errands, both cars being in and out of the shop, and a recent lightning-induced brush fire in the next yard, *whew* but i'm catching up.  The party was awesome!  We had four friends in attendance.  As always, there was swimming and cake; this time we also had a craft and watched a couple of movies when everyone was ready for a break.  They really were as calm and well-behaved as the pics suggest! Even when it was time to open gifts. The theme Willow chose was 'Barbie Island Princess,' which i am not crazy about, but a girl only turns 5 once.  I cannot take credit for the cake; it was purchased at Wal-Mart. She blew out the candles before we got a chance to sing.  So that part was done afterwards. THE easiest craft ever: colored sharpies on canvas tote bags.  Who knew something so easy would be so much fun!? When the other kids had all gone home, Dale had the crazy idea to put colored hairspray in our childrens' hair.  I do not recommend this, as it is horribly messy, and i have not yet succeeded in removing the color from their clothing.  Their bathwater looked like red paint.  I'm so glad i didn't do this to the other moms!  But it's still kind of fun to see what it would look like to have red-headed children!  hehe Willows is still kind of pink and stiff and dread-like...which i think is cute!  You can see what i mean below; i snapped a couple of pics in Toys R Us while we were spending birthday money.  Ember's hair is stained pink, lightly, but it's still soft. In the last two, the girls are wearing dresses made by our dear friend Tabitha.

Willow's 5th Birthday

Willow is 5 Today!

 

July 1, 2003

3 months

1 year

 

2 years

3 years

4 years



A couple of weeks ago...

Her party will be on July 13, so as to fit everyone's schedule better than another holiday event.

Blueberries

Today's mission: The kids dove right in and got to work...they're all so serious! Sweetness. Sharing. Pride. This is what 17 lbs (or approximately $40, or two hours of picking) of blueberries looks like... Yummy. So far I've been busy getting them frozen.  Who knew an actual process was involved (more on that later).  I've only made one actual dish; otherwise we've been eating them fresh. Blueberry Crisp (adapted from an apple crisp recipe) blueberries (enough to fill a pie plate or whatever at least 3/4 full) 3/4 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup flour (unbleached, whole wheat, whatever; it doesn't effect the texture much) 1/3 cup butter, softened 1 cup oats 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon This recipe is ridiculously easy.  Put the blueberries in the dish.  Mix the remaining ingredients in a bowl with a fork.  Crumble mixture over berries.  Bake for 30 minuets at 375 degrees.

Branson "Vacation"

Last week we went on vacation to...Branson.

Here's our "view" lol



Yes, it was in fact very loud, starting at 7am and lasting until dark.

But there were pretty things too; these were the first things we saw each time we arrived, and the last thing we saw when we left.





We took the kids to The Butterfly Palace, which is actually nowhere near as grand as it sounds...but they loved it anyway.

First they show an educational video...in 3D.



Ember never did get the hang of the glasses.



Then we wandered about and looked at all the pretty butterflies and random things





This butterfly liked my bandana.



And this one liked my bag.



Hey look!  Someone even liked Dale's fugly hat!