Color Chic

Picture Day...

While Mama and Papa were away, we took Tuesday for Dance Photos! She was so excited to put on make-up... Lipstick, Blush and a little eyeshadow... Of course Grandma thinks she's already beautiful and doesn't really need the stuff!

There was a bit of waiting while the girls got ready...

They danced around a bit to warm up...

They waited patiently for individual photos...

And then one nice group shot...

This was the most fun I've had since I've been back from our trip!

Being a Grandparent is the Best! Thanks Grandpa for taking all these fun photos!

Time with Tuesday... Recap....

While Amber and BJ vacationed in Cabo, Miss Tuesday stayed with us! The adventure started with dance class Thursday morning...

Her Mama wondered why she was wearing underwear... well because she wanted too! It must have been the right thing that morning because she lined up and went right in to the surprise of moms waiting outside the classroom.

Later we headed to Pence NW & Ribbon Jar...

I tried to persuad her to have a little healthier donut, but she wanted the chocolate one; who wouldn't. Next it was on to Great Grandma's house. She danced, she played, she went out for lunch, she had an almond soy steamer and was exhausted at the end of the day!

The next evening it was off in the Airstream to Champoeg Park! There was lots of eating, reading and playing.

Her most favorite activity was playing in the sink... I mean washing her baby!

On Saturday we headed to the Wings and Waves Waterpark in McMinnville.

I really wish I had more photos but there really wasn't much opportunity. We were busy having fun! We waited and watched for Grandpa and Grandma to come down the slides, we tried to stay out of the water... Everyone was splashing! She was tricked into the wave pool when it was still; she just saw people sitting there on tubes and it looked harmless enough... I still think she had fun ; )! The area she liked the best was the hands on H20 Museum. And just look at that smile... I would definitely say she had a great time!

The plant walk was so much fun! Grandpa helped her cross a log, she found lots of treasures and was ready for a hearty breakfast of pancakes when she was done.

 We had such a fabulous, exhausting time! I'm glad I had my children when I did so I still have enough energy to keep up with her : )!

 

A Plant Walk...

One special moment with Tuesday...

Our hikes have never been this fun! Tuesday likes to go on "Plant Walks"; she found lots of treasures to share with her Mama and Papa.

What a fun time we had... More to come!

Style...

I love her sense of style... Warm sweater, frilly skirt, polka dot tights and cowboy boots!

I only wish I could pull that off!

Evenings End...

There's something to be said for a counter top full of empty glasses...

Must have been fun!

Hope you all had a great weekend!

A Thank You & Flowers...

Green Thumb a florist in town called today to make sure I would be in when they made a delivery... Who would be sending me flowers? It's not our anniversary, not quite Valentines and my Honey has nothing to make up for ; )! And aren't they beautiful...

Plus Chocolate! How thoughtful and totally unexpected! These beautiful flowers are from a woman whose wallet I found while driving to work. She had accidently left it on the top of the car before taking off and I just happened to be behind her.  Luckily traffic was light and I was able to pick it up, find her number and return to her.  She had just the smallest slip of paper with her name and number and although I felt awkward going through the items I picked up, I knew she would need her wallet back. 

Do you have contact information in your wallet should it get lost?  I do now!

Thank you for these lovely floweres! They brightened my day!

Fun in the Snow!

With all the snow we had at our house I invited Tuesday over to build a Snowman! First we had to go to Ribbon Jar and pack orders... She's very helpful putting on stickers and writing Thank You's!  After that it was back to Grandma's house to play in the snow. By the time we got outside it was raining, but she didn't care...

Her new buddy Brendon helped build the snowman...

As you can see it used up most of the snow in our yard!

The best part of playing in the snow was watching them throw snowballs... Brendon would throw and actually make contact. She would throw and toss it maybe two feet, then laugh hystarically!  Sorry Tuesday... You must have gotten your Grandma's throwing arm : )!

The First Snow...

We woke to a bit of snow yesterday morning; the seasons first! I'm glad my honey picked up the camera to catch the beauty of it all as it was gone by early afternoon.  This was shot from the sunroom. I know it was a pitiful amount, but still very beautiful!

And the winter wonderland from the kitchen window...

Hopefully we will have a bit more before the season ends!

Mostly a Restful Weekend...

We took off Friday evening and headed 35 miles North to Champoeg State Park with Bambi in tow.  A quick little getaway, to relax for the weekend.

While a portion of the park was:

The fog created a mystical atmosphere in which to explore...

There are markers, where there used to be streets; and also paths and beautiful grounds to wander...

We drove around the nearby Butte and noticed all the cars at the Visitors Center, a place we would visit if we were out of towners! We are so fortunate to have such a lovely place so close to home and we sometimes just take it for granted.

We were also a short drive to Portland so drove up there to check on Mom's place.  She had the misfortune to soak her beans on a hot stovetop (she didn't realize it was on). Coming home several hours later her place was filled with smoke! The beans had burnt themselves to the pan instead of just soaking them!  So fortunate she didn't burn the place down, but unfortunately her place smells of smoke.  The insurance adjuster comes tomorrow so we are hoping she can get everything cleaned and back to normal.... I think it's going to take a while!

If you have any suggestions on ridding a home of smoke we'd love to hear!

And while we take a weekend to relax, we also reflect on the hardships others must endure.

Hope you have a wonderful week ahead.

Sharing the Season... A recap...

With the New Year right around the corner I thought it best to share the fun (and not so much) we had during the Christmas Season...

We started the season with the annual Gala of Trees to support Boys and Girls Aid Society. Then had our annual Gourmet Group Planning 2012 Christmas Party. Next, we shared a wonderful weekend with our Granddaughter. Then...

My Mom had her annual Christmas Party! It gets better every year and while I was supposed to take pictures of all her wonderful decorations and food she had prepared I was caught up in all the fun with all the wonderful friends and family. With less than 1000 square feet she entertains and feeds about 35 - 40 guests! Everyone has a great time!

We're a close bunch... but you've got to be when space is limited ; )!

Mom and Aunt Eileen having fun in the kitchen...

Ray flirts with Sally...

While his ex and new wife chat it up...

Sibling photos...

And just plain fun...

I know I keep saying it but this was her best party yet! The food was spectacular; the guests were fun and we all had a great time! And here's a sampling of her decor from last year and I managed to get this from 2011!

 Next...

A quiet celebration with Brent and Kat as they will be out of town this Christmas. We had a simple dinner with Chicken and Dumplings, went ot see Hugo on the big screen...

And then came home and shared lemon cake and a glass of milk!

Forgot to mention they got us a new goat...

With all the excitement and parties filling the season there has to be a little drama and mine was received the Tuesday before Christmas with a phone call from my Honey; he had been hit on his bike while riding to work.  He was OK but his bike was trashed. He rides 11 miles to and from work 3 - 4 days a week and I'm so thankful he wasn't seriously hurt; he was mostly upset about his bike. It would have to be replaced and in the mean time he would have to ride his old winter bike which isn't nearly as much fun. So what does one do when your honey gets hit by a car, goes into work for the day and really only needs a bit of sympathy from you? Well, I went to yoga class.

So just a reminder when you're out there driving... Please stay focused on the road. That phone call, text or whatever else can wait till you're stopped.

OK... On to Christmas Eve! My sister sent me this photo taken at her house. There was so much going on I didn't have a chance to pick up a camera! Our family is loud, fun and loves to eat; we definitely have a good time together...

After that celebration we headed to Bill's Moms house for a bit more celebrating and a chance to visit more family!

Without Brent and Kat, Christmas Day was a bit quiet... We opened gifts and Tuesday loved her new hat with the simple bow I made for it...

We played with the trains...

Collaborating to fit all the pieces together and make one giant track. I think the big kids had the most fun!

After a nice dinner and couple lemon cookies, Papa bundled Tuesday up and they headed for home...

As 2011 comes to a close I take this time to reflect on all that I have to be thankful for!

Family & Friends... You are at the top!