Harris Visits Atlanta

When Delita and Brendan headed home after their visit, Harris and his Grandma went with them!  They had lots of adventures while in Atlanta and Harris had a really "awesome" time.  Perhaps the highlight was going to a Braves/Phillies game at Turner Field.  I love the picture above- clearly their mascot has a sense of humor!

They also went to a museum exhibit titled, "The Scoop on Poop."  Can you imagine a more perfect exhibit for two 7 year olds?

A visit to the top of Stone Mountain was also made.  Don't the boys look like they are inches away from going over the side?    

I'm so glad that Harris got to spend this time with Brendan and his family.  Hopefully, there will be lots more summer visits!

All pictures were taken by Delita or Bill.

The Olympics

As you might remember, we are huge Olympic fans (here and here) and last night we gathered around the t.v. to watch the opening ceremonies.  Harris is in Atlanta with his Aunt, Uncle, Grandma and cousin, so he wasn't with us and we didn't have a big to-do.  However, we did do something that I don't believe we have done in the 10 years since we've had children- we ate our dinner in front of the t.v.!  A true t.v. dinner!

Not one to let a special occasion pass, Grace made place settings and decorated napkins for our little celebration.

P.S.  What did you think of the opening ceremonies?  I have to admit that I wasn't blown away.  I did love seeing J.K. Rowling though!

Watermelon Pops

How cute are these watermelon pops?  I have to admit while I was making them I thought that they might not be worth the effort (three layers to freeze), but once I tasted one I was convinced!  They are very tasty and a light and summery treat!

I got the recipe out of a Women's Day magazine.  The original recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of corn syrup in the watermelon and honeydew mixture.  I left it out and added extra sugar instead.

Family Time

Delita and Brendan have been here since Saturday and the children have loved playing with their cousin!  We've filled our days with adventure and playtime!  We've picnicked, swam in the river, played at a giant castle, watched E.T. out of doors, visited enchanted gardens and generally had lots  of fun.

Outdoor Movie Nights

For several summers now I've wanted to get a set up to watch movies on the lawn, and I'm pleased to say that this was the summer that we finally did it!  I had envisioned a bedsheet on a fence, but Bryce had a different vision- one that allowed him to have fun purchasing some new gadgets!  And I must admit that the screen is pretty sweet and totally weather proof!

The quilts and pillows work great for the children but we also pull over the chairs since they can be more comfortable for adults (and for Harris who much prefers the chairs)!

Of course, every movie needs to have snacks and since popcorn is a no go at our house, I bought little snack sizes of favorite movie treats.  I set them up over by the outdoor sink and included some favorite drinks (glass bottles are only for adults since we've had one too many breaks).

Watching movies outdoors has really been fun for our family this summer.  The only drawback has been that it does make for a late night for the children, though they certainly don't seem to mind!  We've even watched a movie while some sprinkles came down!

The Children's Garden

I've realized that I haven't posted this summer about the children's garden.  We've had some setbacks that have included bunnies, birds and not enough rainfall!  However, the garden still remains one of my very favorite things and I hope that the children still feel that way too.

The bunnies keep eating the morning glories and so they haven't been able to climb the tunnel as quickly as they usually do but I think we finally might have that under control.  The birds ate all of our blueberries even though we put a net on top of them.  Suggestions?  

Also, the birds (squirrels?) have dug up every single sunflower seed we have planted!  Super frustrating but we will persevere! On the bright side, we have read in the garden, blown bubbles, built sand tunnels, had picnics and enjoyed the flowers.  Here are some scenes from around the garden...

It's a Rough Life

It's been so hot that I've had a hard time motivating to get anything done.  It's tough to fight the urge to just lounge around listlessly.  Clearly,  Coco has not been fighting that very urge.