Happy Third Birthday, Grace!

 Happy Birthday, Grace! Even in the midst of a move, we were able to celebrate the special day (three separate times). My parents came up for a pre-birthday party and her friend party. She was able to invite three friends for the Big Three! She wore her fancy party dress, and she was a perfect birthday princess. I was really proud of the Dora princess cake I made for her even if it was a bit lopsided. My neighbor really saved me by giving me some colored fondant to make the bodice.

The partygoers! (We made the fun crowns together.)

Where is Grace starting her third year anyway? At Grandma and Grandpa's! The kid and I are anticipating being here for about a month before we are reunited with Daddy and move up to Maryland to start his new job. Here's wishing happy (and speedy) thesis writing to Hunt!

Happy Fourth of July!

This post is really a little closer to Happy August 5th, but since that's not America's birthday, I'll have to go back in time.

 There was a fun parade down Main Street.

That evening we decided to set off some small fireworks with the kids. We had those tiny little cars:

 And some sparklers:

What a fun day!

Adventures with Rats (ummmm....Gerbils)

While I fondly remember Punky, my hamster from childhood, I never really thought I'd want another rodent pet. Let's be real - gerbils are just a furry hairsbreadth away from what exterminators chase after. However, I grew to love these two little critters I pet-sat last week. Definitely a great science project for the kids! Still not ready for the big responsibility of full time rodent ownership - it's hard to provide enough toilet paper rolls for them to chew through - but thoroughly enjoyed my little furry visitors.

Eat More Chikin!!!

Eat More Chickin! The cows got their way tonight and we enjoyed yummy combo meals for FREE at Chick-fil-A with these dorky incredible cow costumes. Can't wait for next year's Cow Appreciation Day!

Summer Sibling Pics

Jungle Princess

We've been on Safari all week at our church's Summer Kids Club (like Vacation Bible School). I think Grace was going for the jungle princess look when she was helping me pick out her accessories this morning. Next stop: Mt. Kilimanjaro!

Raising Butterflies

I'm not much of a naturalist, but I figure I better beef up my science projects since we're going to be homeschooling. Actually, I think I had more fun with our butterfly raising kit than either of the kids (who also enjoyed it). I learned quite a bit, too. Our neighbor gave us a Painted Lady Butterfly kit for Christmas, but we had to wait for warmer weather to send off for our caterpillars so we could release them outside. It was really fun watching them climb up to the top of their little plastic cup, form their crysalids, and put them in the netted container to emerge. I was disappointed we never quite saw the exact moment any of them hatched but thankful that all FIVE of our caterpillars made it (including one Hunter and I were quite sure was dead).

 We also raised ladybug larvae. Did you know ladybugs like to eat raisins?