Sunday Trip to Pick Apples & Nectarines

So most of you know that I am not much of a cook...I can bake with the best of them, but when it comes to cooking....not so much!!  I leave that part to my wonderful hubby :)

Anyway this morning we were watching one of my favorite cooking shows Pioneer Woman and lets just say she made an amazing looking Pasta Salad that even Lizzie said she would eat.  Wade is headed home after a weekend golf touney and is planning on grilling steaks...so perfect I would show him I actually did something in the kitchen besides bake.   Lets just say it is amazing!!!

We started the weekend off with a little picnic and playtime in the park....

Followed by a whole rest of the day of laziness....man it has been awhile with nothing to do

Sunday morning Lizzie looked at me and said mom can we please do something....ok there is a darling little farmers market down the street from me and they just posted U Pick Nectarines and Apples.  We were there!!

Bella loved the fact that she had her own bag to fill up...she kept repeating "My Bag, My Bag"

Heading towards the nectarine trees...I have never picked anything but apples so I was excited to get some VERY fresh of my most favorite fruit.

Of course Bells was too excited about her bag to look at me for any quick pics....

Moving on to Apples...she was excited b/c these were low enough that she could grab her own!

And what  Bella was most excited about...her own container of Tomatoes..or MATOS as Bella calls them. 

Ready to go straight into the Pasta Salad for tonights dinner.

Can't wait to use all those nectarines once they have softened up a bit for a nectarine pie or cobbler.  And we have enough apples to experiment with some new cupcake recipes, icing, pies, etc.    Yummy...good thing I am preggo still b/c I will be partaking in eating all of them!!!

Such a great Sunday!!

Purina Farms

Bella was Mommy's helper on Friday for her normal weekly delivery to Purina Farms.  Since it is such a hike out there from New Town we decided to take in the animals and show while we were there.  The weather is actually perfect...unlike the 110 degree days we had been having this summer!! 

Bella was all about the piggies....right till we saw them.  Seeing all the animals up close was a little freaky for her :)  It was too cute!!

Shot of Bella and me before the Dog Show started

Since we are now 4 months preggo a snack was needed ASAP  :) 

I loved this day...the best was the videos I took of Bella's Dancing party from the Dog Show.  I just can't figure out how to upload them from youtube. 

First Day of School

Lizzie's in 2nd Grade!!

Quick snapshots of back to school night ....this is when we got to meet the teacher (Miss Barrett & Mrs. Malady) and take all the supplies to get her ready for her big day.

More preparations for the big day....sponge rollers are a must. 

I remember back in the day when my mom would put these in my hair :)  Timeless traditions!!

Lizzie and Mommy (16 weeks preggo)

Last 1st day shot in front of Discovery Elementary...she is the big girl in school now as this building holds preschool - 2nd grade.

Walking down the long hall to 2nd grade...she is getting to be such a big girl!!!

Love you very much Miss Lizzie and hope you have a wonderful year in 2nd grade!!!

Happy 14th Birthday Grace!

Happy 14th Birthday Grace!!

For your actual birthday this year we were down at the lake....I love this shot of you and your dad before we headed out to your choice dinner Mexican :)

Family bday party a week or so later back at home

Bella loves helping her big sister in opening presents!!

Sometimes you need to tell her to slow down :)

Grace - You are becoming quite the young lady these days!!  You have matured so much in the short 4 or 5 years that I have known you.   You brush your hair now, are starting to wear makeup and finally know how to put your hair in a pony tail :)  He he!!   I remember the beginning when your dad first introduced me and you really wanted nothing to do with me.  We joke about it now, but I am so glad that you are who you are.  You are the sweetest big sister to Bella and have welcomed Lizzie as one of your own sisters.  You are a role model to the younger girls and as you get ready to start highschool just remember to always be nice and caring to others.  Work your hardest you can at your passion of basketball and remember it doesn't come easy...nothing does in life.  Always have to work hard :)  I hope your 14th year of life is filled with wonderful new memories and your dad and I sure do love you!!

XOXO - Erin

Ava turns 10!!

As one can tell, May is a crazy busy month for us!!  Lots of birthday's in the family!!

Ava's big day was on the 17th....she was with her Mom that week and had a fabulous Martial Arts party with all of her friends from school :)   So she got to have an extended birthday that lasted into the following week, which everyone knows I am all about birthday month's!!!

Here we are for a little pizza and cake celebration that Grandma Cookie through for Miss Ava!

She is getting so grown up lately!!!

Partners in crime....Ava & Bella (TWINS)

Ava is ALL ABOUT Scooby Doo and this year I think she got as much stuff and cakes of Scooby Doo that one child can get :)  Here is her favorite Ice Cream cake!

Ava - you are a preteen and it blows my mind how fast you are growing up!!  You are such a loving soul!!  You have the heart of gold when it comes to Bella and you are such a big helper!!

You are like a little mommy :)   You still have your love of drawing and have a love of collecting "little things"  I always find some "little things" in your room after the weeks you are here! Your favorite books right now are Geranimo Stillton, Scooby Doo is your favorite characater and if we would let you, you would wear a certain brown (FLEECE) Scooby Doo PJ set every night to bed :)

You are a big daddy's girl and love sitting on his lap each night after shower time.  And you love to talk!  Such a talker and loves to tell stories!!

I have loved watching you grow these past few years and I can't wait to see what is in store for you this year!!   Love you Ava!! Erin