Little Gym

Today was Lauren's last day of the summer session of Little Gym. She has loved it so much this summer that we will start next week with the fall session. She has a blast running everywhere and her favorite apparatus is the bars. She also loves playing with the balls and of course, the bubbles. Sarah got to get in on the action today. She was drawn into the gym by the High School Musical tunes being blasted in the room. She was finally allowed in when they saw her dancing in the lobby. Lauren was so cute getting her medal. She was the only one not sure about what she was getting. She even gave it back to the teacher once she had it. After a few minutes, though, she became instantly proud of it and has worn it most of the day. I am so glad she loves this activity.

Lauren is not too sure about the bouncy thing!

Loves the bars

Proud of her medal

Rob's 35 Birthday

This is Charlie's brother, Rob. His birthday was August 3rd. We had a great time celebrating his birthday with the family. We first went to Nonna in Dallas. Great, fresh Italian food. Nina (his fiancee) surprised him with a birthday cake for dessert. It was made by the same bakery that will do their wedding cake in October. It was chocolate cake with Kaluha icing in the center. It was divine! Little does I think he know that Nina had even called ahead to make sure they could have his favorite dish on the menu that night. It is the type of place that has a menu that changes almost daily.

The Heavenly Cake

Rob and Nina

Charlie, Me, Rob, and Nina

After dinner, Nina had arranged for all of his friends to meet at a bar in Dallas. Charlie's dad suggested that we all go out for a drink after dinner since it was still early and Rob fell hook, line, and sinker. Nina did a great job arranging it all because he was surprised and ecstatic to see all of his friends there. He made the comment several times during the night that all of his favorite people were there and how great that was. Fun times!

Charlie's mom Jetta, his aunt Karen, and Me

Mountain Hydrangeas

My obsession with hydrangeas far exceeds any other that I might have (maps, pretty papers, parties, and dare I say Italy). Yesterday I popped into Central Market to grab some veggie corn dogs for my girls, which by the way, I can't seem to find anywhere!! Morningstar..what have you done with the only corn dog I feel somewhat good about letting my girls eat on an almost daily basis!! I digress....so I was in the frozen food section turned the corner and BAM! Right in front of me was this.....


I was left speechless. They are GORGEOUS! HUGE! And calling my name. If only I had a good excuse to buy buckets of them. I thought I was growing big beautiful hydrangeas at my house, but I am obviously not. They called them Mountain Hydrangeas. I would like to know what mountain they are getting them from...I just might plan a visit!

Soymilk...No more...

So today I poured the last little bit of the remaining soymilk in the house into Lauren's little sippy cup. We have successfully transitioned her to regular milk without any mishaps. She had been on soy formula until she was one and when I tried regular milk around her 1st birthday..it did not go well. I was a bit nervous to try switching again, but once I saw how much she LOVES mac and cheese, pizza, and other products with milk in it...I thought we would be good. I slowly transitioned by mixing regular milk in with her soymilk more and more everytime so she could get used to the taste difference. I am so glad we are good with this now. No more special trips to get her milk (it was sooo much cheaper at Central Market) and no more taking a special stash with us every where we went. It was a routine that was getting old! I feel like my baby is growing up!

Speaking of Camping....

This is what Charlie and Sarah set out to do tonight!

Sarah has been dying to go camping all summer and we felt like this would be a good intro to the world of outdoor living. I know Charlie is loving the experience with his daughter, but I know he is out there melting right now. It is 9:00pm and it is still probably 90 degrees. We had a fun evening of swimming and having a hot dog party. Lauren and I will rest comfortable tonight in the cool house without the sounds of creepy crawlies and such. I bet they will be back inside before the night is through!

However, Sarah is on cloud 9. She made a list of everything she needed for the camp out. She is fully equipped with water, a sleeping bag, a flashlight, a book, stuffed animal, and her daddy! I hope she enjoys it!

Isn't it a perfect moon for such a night!

BTW...it is 10:15 and she just came inside crying, saying she wanted to go to sleep in her own bed. Poor baby! She gave it a good try!

My Kind of Camping

One of the blogs I stalk on a daily basis, Southern Weddings, had a post that included this amazing place to vacation (or have a wedding). It is called the Paws Up resort in beautiful Montana.

I have never been to Montana but I have seen nothing but gorgeousness (if that is a word) come from this state. (And I am not just referring to all those beautiful Robert Redford movies).
This resort looks amazing. While it is a luxury resort, with luxury resort prices, it still is calling my name. I certainly am not adventurous enough to brave the Montana wilderness with the bears and such with out some protection. I love that this place gives you that outdoorsy feeling without having to really sacrifice much. I am especially in love with their Christmas package. It is a pricey one, but for 5 nights for 2 kids and 2 adults, meals, and all the fun activities (ice skating), it isn't really THAT bad. I am for sure putting this place on my "must go" list. I am so glad to have found out about it. Guess I better go start saving my pennies! Enjoy!


Doesn't this picture remind you of this:

I forgot how young Brad was in this movie. A River Runs Through It, 1992

My New Kitchen Toy

This is my new toy that I got for my birthday.

I don't make guacamole that often, but when I do, I like to serve it up in style.

Thanks to Martha, I have a great recipe for guacamole. I think it even rivals the guacamole I get at some of my favorite Mexican restaurants!

Guacamole (Serves 2-3) I usually double up on this one because it is so darn good!

1 ripe avocado
1 TBSP Cilantro (plus 2 tsp, finely chopped)
1 1/4 tsp jalapeno chili seeded and finely chopped
1 1/2 TBSP white onion, finely chopped
3 TBSP tomato, finely chopped
1/2 tsp coarse salt (plus more for seasoning)

1. With a large mortar and pestle, mash onion, 1 TBSP cilantro, jalapeno, and salt, until smooth and juicy.
2. Add avocado, and mash slightly (avocado should remain somewhat chunky)
3. Stir in tomato and remaining 2 tsps of cilantro. Season with more salt, if desired. Serve immediately. Makes 1.5 cups

Holding down the Fort

I am in the middle of my work week. Yes, I know it is Saturday, but I have been left in charge of my in-laws shop, Le Petit Hameau, for a week while they are on vacation. I have 3 more shop days alone here with all these pretty things! I am so happy that they felt comfortable enough to leave me in charge of their "baby" while they left. It has been sort of a wet week, so I haven't seen a ton of people, but I am hoping things will get better as the weather improves. In case you are reading this and are nearby...may I entice you with this beauties......

They are hand painted nesting dolls from Russia. We just got them in about a week or so ago. I LOVE them. We have some that are very detailed and ornate with Russian folk tales painted on them, and others that are sweet little treasures that fit in any budget. You may remember from THIS POST that I have a fascination with little nesting dolls. I don't own any myself, except for my measuring cup kitchen set, but I am thinking my girls might just love for Santa to bring them a set this year for Christmas. What a sweet little family heirloom!

If you love these dolls as much as I do..check out this CUTE PARTY!