Botanica

Last Friday, I didn't have school (but Tyler did). My friend Michelle had her kids home from school that day too. So, that (cloudy cool) morning, we enjoyed walking around Botanica. (Wayne was there too - taking lots of pictures).

Very Hungry Caterpillar

With the busyness of everyday life these days, I am so thankful for time to spend with friends.

Disney - Spring Break

Tyler and my nephew Gabe were born within a month of one another. For a long time, my Mom has talked about wanting to take them to Disney World. Well, lucky us - we got to go along! During Spring break, my parents took us, my sister-in-law, Carrie, and 3 of her kids (Gabe, Israel and baby Layla) to Orlando. We maximized every day we had there.

We flew in at midnight on Sunday night. The next day, Wayne and Dad took the boys to the Animal Kingdom. We girls stayed back to do a little souvenir and grocery shopping and got settled into the condo.

Here are a few shots of our week:

Animal Kingdom 03/19/2012

If you look closely you can see Tyler and Wayne.

Expedition Everest

Waiting for our shuttle to Magic Kingdom on Day 2.



03-20-2012



Grandma with the boys, Israel (5), Tyler (7) and Gabriel (7).

Climbing the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse

The crew

Snack Time

Layla enjoying our ice cream break

Hands in the air for The Barnstormer

End of the day - brandishing Pirates of the Caribbean swords.

Our little ladies who helped hold down the fort.

Loving the balcony.

Epcot - and one of their amazing gardens.

Talking to the shark expert...for a looooong time!

Appreciating the tiny details in the butterfly garden.

More amazing gardens.

Aubrey kept climbing in empty cabinets and drawers...you'd often not see her at all or only a few fingers poking out.

Peek-a-boo

Enjoying the evening fireworks from the balcony.

Mini golf at the condo

One of the pools at the condo - and the running/walking path around the lake.

Our view the opposite direction.

Tyler and Grandpa in their KU shirts.

We had such a great week. It was exciting, relaxing and just wonderful to be together since we all live so far apart. What a wonderful gift they gave to us and our children.

hmmm

I haven't blogged in awhile. Over Spring Break, we had a wonderful week in Orlando, that I promise to post about soon. Aubrey is changing and getting big so quickly and is so much fun. Tyler has been drawing cartoons, and offering unexpected I love yous. We have been busy with weeding and checking out plants and trees. Tyler has had soccer and Aubrey started a Gymnastics class. We enjoyed a birthday party, a trip to Botanica, some good food and celebrating Easter. It's spring. It's a time of anticipation and newness of life.

But, this afternoon I learned that a coworker died unexpectedly. Among the other busyness of Tuesday nights, I had planned on decorating cookies...blogging...but instead I find my mind wandering to memories of her, and wondering how her children are faring. How quickly things change. I'm simultaneously in shock and thankful for the time that I have and the love of wonderful family and friends.

St Patrick's Day

There's something fun and light-hearted about St. Patrick's Day.

Friday, while the kids played outside with the neighbors, I made a batch of Shamrock Butter Cookies for them to enjoy. They were far from perfect looking - but I love this melt-in-your-mouth butter cookie recipe.

Saturday, I made a treasure hunt that I found on pinterest. I printed out these clues (with a little shamrock on each one...I couldn't figure out how to import my document to blogger). Anyway, I hid these for Tyler to find when he woke up yesterday morning:

There once was a boy who I knew
He looked a little like you!
He got out of bed,
“Good Morning,” he said
Then he found something new in his shoe.

Inside of that shoe was a clue
Written from me to you!
“To find lots of gold
Before catching cold
Go put on a glove or two.”

My treasure is oh so great
So hurry and do not wait!
I dress only in green
and never am seen
I’m hiding under a plate.

You found me at last, hooray!
Thank you for coming to play.
I’m Leprechaun Pete
I’ve brought you a treat.
Have a Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Attached to this last clue, was this treat.

Only instead of Rolos, I used Hershey's Nuggets.

Later, Tyler and Aubrey enjoyed Leprechaun Floats.

What a fun day, and a fun way to kick off Spring Break!

The Hole

About a week ago, we set some limits on TV time. I know, we're a little late to the party. Anyway, this nicely coincided with some lovely weather. Aubrey just loves doing anything outside, but Tyler needs a little more nudging. That changed this week when he decided to dig a hole. He spent several evenings this week working on it. Aubrey found her way to him on Friday evening and Wayne snuck in a few shots of the two of them.

Oops! Spotted by our camera-averse child!

We were rockin' our KU shirts Friday as they played (and won)! that evening. :)

Blueberry Pie

Yesterday, Tyler had his first soccer game of the season. Ted and Sue came down and helped us out by going to his game since Aubrey was napping and I had a haircut scheduled at the same time. Afterward, Ted and I worked on our taxes.

We offered our humble thanks for their help by making a dinner of lasagna, garlic bread, Italian chopped salad and blueberry pie a la mode. We ended our day by playing a game of Citadels while the kids played outside. I. Love. Saturdays. :)

I've made this blueberry pie lots of times. It's easy, I usually have the ingredients on hand, and Wayne likes it. Since he's not big on dessert, it's nice to have a go-to recipe that I know he'll enjoy.

As you can see, I have still not mastered the art of a nice-looking crust. I think I need to keep practicing making pies so I can master the crust. Sounds like a good excuse, don't you think?

Blueberry Pie

3 1/2 - 4 c. fresh or frozen blueberries (depending on size of your pie pan)
3 T. flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 t. cinnamon
1 t. lemon juice

Mix the above together and place in unbaked crust in 9" pan.

Top with crumb topping:
1 stick softened butter
1 cup flour
1/2 cup brown sugar

Bake at 400 for 10 minutes and then at 350 for 35 more minutes.

Weather craziness

Our winter has been exceptionally mild this year. Tuesday evening, Tyler had soccer practice and it was was windy, but he could still wear shorts and be comfortable. So, we were a little surprised to wake up to snow on Wednesday morning.

We got another slushy layer on Thursday morning. But, Friday and Saturday the sun was back and we enjoyed time outside.

Yesterday for lunch, Tyler and Aubrey had a little picnic on the deck. (Tyler is such a big fan of having his picture taken, as you can see).

Last night, Aubrey and Tyler played outside as long as they could...

Star Student of the Week

A few weeks back, Tyler was selected as the Mon"Star" Student of the week. I meant to post this for my parents, and finally got around to it...

Aubs

I found some pictures of Aubrey from the last month...

She has perfected the furrowed brow.

02-18-2012

Burying her face when she's frustrated.

02-18-2012

Climbing in...taking a rest.

02-28-2012

Relaxing



03-08-2012



03-08-2012