Summer Afternoon Fun

Since we only have one car right now, I work from home on Tuesdays since Michael has really long (and early) shifts at work. That means that Billa is with me on those days and it can be hard to keep her occupied while I'm busy managing my projects.  By the time 4:30 rolls around and I log off, I know I need to do SOMETHING to occupy the munchkin while Daddy takes a much-needed nap...she's usually bouncing off the walls!

On one such recent Tuesday, we built tall towers with our blocks.

Yes, that tower is nearly as tall as she is!

We went downstairs and drew with sidewalk chalk. Then we raced around the building and up and down the stairs several times.

Finally exhausted by all that action, we came home and sat on the patio to enjoy a popsicle.

(By the way, the tat on her arm is "giant purple horse" aka a purple unicorn–kid loves her ink!)

To my knowledge, it was Billa’s first ever popsicle and she was in LURVE! I bought a popsicle mold last summer when they were on sale and I know now that I need to start coming up with some fun recipes for us to try. I know she’s going to enjoy helping me making and eating them!

We had a fun afternoon killing some time and now that we live in a building with lots of shade around it, I’m actually looking forward to summer afternoons outside now!

Cheers,
Kelly

Nature Center Trip Recap!

Back in August, Billa's daycare provider took a day off and so I took one off too.  I decided that we would spend part of our day visiting the Nature Center here in town.  The weather was hot, but not super hot and since it was a Friday, there were very few visitors.  Billa insisted on wearing sandals which are not very conducive to hiking the trails, but we still enjoyed seeing all the animal exhibits and enjoying a very short mini hike to a scenic overlook.  Here are some of our pictures from the excursion.  Yes, they're almost six weeks overdue, but whatever.  One step at a time people, one step at a time!

Billa checking out the coyotes

Most of the animals were out since they were cleaning the cages and feeding.  Here's the bobcat! 

Billa really liked looking at the animals!

See?  Proof that my brother isn't the only one with a sick sense of humor in regards to pet names.  Snack (the cat) doesn't have to feel so bad now.  I don't think she'll ever be able to find personalized pencils with her name on them, though.

Billa insisted on bringing a book with her.  When we got to the scenic overlook we took a break and did some reading.

Needless to say, the Nature Center was a hit.  Billa loved being outdoors and seeing the animals, and I loved seeing her explore.  It certainly didn't hurt that the admission is FREE.  I highly recommend taking time to check it out!

Oh Billa...

How we love to watch you play. And dance. And splash. And um, whatever it is you're doing in this photo. I can't stop snickering when I see it.

I promise, no fabric tote boxes were harmed during the making of this photo. She was trying to get in it, not smash it!

Peace,
Kelly

Mimi Time!

We had a busy day yesterday! Not only did we run four loads of laundry and grocery shop, but we cleaned out our cars, cleaned the house, organized our bedroom and closet, and took stuff to Goodwill and back to people from whence it came. I took some time to fix a couple of items that needed to be repaired, print some pictures for some frames that I'd been neglecting and started the paintings of the family tree for Billa's nursery, which I have been putting off for some time. And to top it all off I made sugar cookies! All that activity sure took it's toll on us:

Mama and Billa certainly enjoyed their "mimi" together. Now if only this could happen everyday...

Nighty night,

Happy Birthday Anthony!

Our friend Anthony celebrated his 29th birthday yesterday!

As in past years, we gathered for an impromptu get together and had ourselves quite the man feast of ribs, hot wings, more ribs, beer and cake. There was corn on the cob somewhere amongst the spread, but given the amount of testosterone at the shindig, I think it went largely unnoticed. Men don't need veggies, grrr! My Dr. Pepper ribs came out ah-MAZE-ing, if I do say so myself. Those will definitely be made again and you can snag the recipe here!

Not even a hint of green anywhere on this table!

I whipped up a red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting for Anthony even though he said he didn't want a cake. I think he was very glad to have it anyway! Kellie and I had a little too much fun, um...decorating it.

Here's Anthony, being a very good sport with his princess themed cake:

The kids ran around in the backyard and had a grand time. The rain from the past couple of days actually made it bearable to be outside for once, which was a relief given the triple digit heat wave we've had for the past 3 months (I am NOT making that up BTW. In fact, we've broken the record now with a total of 67 days of temps above 100F). The neighbor's son just got his Halloween costume and insisted on wearing it. Too cute!

Don't even ask me what's happening here because I couldn't tell you...but it doesn't look like it bodes well for Superman!

Madeleine demonstrates her own Superman pose. Love the tats!

All in all, I'd say everyone had a great time. Happy 29th Anthony!

Love,
The Guerra Clan