Shapes in Nature

This week in our Super Summer Art Class we went on a nature walk and we looked for shapes and patterns in nature.  We photographed them for another project we'll be working on next week.  Lincoln really liked this project and he found a lot of circles.  Ava was more interested in the picture-taking part :-) 

Deer print...

Lincoln wanted to take a picture...

"Mom!  Look!  Circle!"

"Aww.  Tiny little tree."

Food

Hi.  My name is Michelle.  I'm a food-a-holic.  

I can't stop baking...  

It could be worse, right?

It would appear as though Ava is currently going through a computer game phase and therefore she can't be bothered with baking.  This morning she found a Pink Lemonade Cupcake recipe that she wants to try while Linc is napping, however, she just informed me that she would prefer to play Webkinz while I make the cupcakes.  Mmmhmm.  Oh well.  At least I have Linc.  He gladly keeps me company in the kitchen...

 Scones for Auntie Maureen...

Oh yeah, also, I totally married the right guy.  Wanna know how I can be so sure?  Because this is what he made me for dinner and dessert the other night...

So, yeah, I like food.

There you have it.

Granny

Granny is on her way back to the sunny state :-(  We miss her already.  We enjoyed her company and we were sad to see her go, as always.  It was a whirlwind visit but well worth it!

Here are some snapshots...

 Honey introduced Granny to the Margarona...

 ...and then there was a chugging contest...

 ...and someone got a brain freeze!

 Ava introduces Granny to Sweet Frog...

Lincoln: "Granny?  Will you play me?"

We love you, Granny!

All for Louis...

I got all kinds of excited when Louis came home from his first professional grooming visit (thanks Honey & Papa) wearing a bandana.  You see, Louis won't wear a collar and he usually fusses over wearing a harness even though he tolerates it.  He didn't mind the bandana and he looked so dapper wearing it.  It was at that moment that I decided Louis needs a bandana for every occasion.  Granny and I took a trip to the fabric store and we went a little crazy...

 Then we came home and the sewing elves went to work...

 And just look at how adorable he is!

It's too much, I know.  I couldn't resist.  

Granny is a life-saver and she offered to take the bandanas home to sew them for Louis.  

She's a sucker for sweet 5 lb. canines.

Thanks, Granny!

Sam & Tyler

Samantha and Tyler visited Williamsburg for a couple days to hang with their Great Granny.  The cousins had fun, as usual!

Snack time...

 Girls' shopping and lunch date with Great Granny...

 Samantha is making a pot holder!

 She likes to hang with me in the kitchen...

 ...this might have something to do with it :-)

 This is what happens to Ava after a day of playing with her cousins...

Baby Matthew

Here in VA we're trying to get out of the habit of referring to Big Boy Matthew as "Baby Matthew."  It's tough because it feels like just yesterday he was a scrawny little baby and now he's a big boy and he's on his way to being a big brother soon :-)  Jonathan and Amanda were kind enough to deliver Granny to VA from NC and they even stayed for a couple days of fun and food.  Ava and Linc got to play with their cousin Matthew and I got some of the best laughs and hugs out of him!  He's so daggon loveable I can hardly stand it.

Here are some pictures of our adventures with Big Boy Matthew...

Granny is here!  Yay!  Ava could not wait to spend time with Granny.

Paella!

The cousins :-)

Matthew and Ava...

Matthew was excited about the Paella (a boy after my own heart)...

Ava and Samantha at Busch Gardens...

Auntie Rachel and Matthew on a ride at BG...

Weeeee!!!!

Jonathan and Matthew waiting to ride the Log Flume (told you he's a Big Boy now)!

Sam's first time on the Log Flume (look at the fear in her eyes)!

The kids LOVE the teacups (me too!)...

(poor Matthew)

(Ava is posing...lawd help me)

so.daggon.loveable

He was a fan of his Italian Ice treat :-)

Fun with Italian Ice...

Jonathan was excited to try one of BG's new and delicious pretzels...

Wiped out after a day of fun at BG's with her cousins!

P.S. - Jonathan and Amanda, Remember?  Those BG's passes are good for a couple months...COME BACK!!