she is five

Guess what?

This little girl is five!  

She is such a joyful presence in our home.  We adore her happy demeanor, great manners, vivid imagination, willingness to help and her strong but delightful spirit.  

This year she planned a birthday at the lake with her relatives that live in the northern part of our state.  She decided that she'd like to celebrate with watermelon, boat rides, silly string wars, POP ITS, hot sun, cousins and fireworks.  Her wish was granted by her wonderful aunt and grandparents.  We celebrated her precious birthday wish together earlier this month and again with other family later in the month.

Happy Birthday to our wonderful girl!

1. What is your favorite book?

Pocahontas, I mean, Cinderella.

2. What is your favorite color?

purple

3. What do you like to do outside?

play, I mean, swing on the swing

4. What is your favorite food?

burger fries

5. What do you want to be when you grow up?

um, Elsa

6. What does Elsa do?

I will freeze things and make an ice castle for myself

7. What do you like to do at school?

play on the playground with Cossette

8. What do you like to do with your sisters?

play with them -- I like to play chalk with them

9. What do you like to do by yourself?

play with my little princess dolls

10. Where would you like to go?

to Dallas, to see my grandparents

11. Where would you like to go on vacation?

Navigator of the Seas

12. What are you looking forward to doing in kindergarten next year?

meeting my sister in the hallroom

13. Use one word to describe yourself.

great!

farm fresh

This morning we took a little trip to a local farm that sells their vegetables and eggs to the public in an old farmhouse from the 1920s.  When we walked through the doors of that old house we were met with the most wonderful scent of green and fresh vegetables.  The bright colors of all the different fruits and vegetables, artfully displayed on large wooden tables, delighted us all.  We were all amazed at the beauty of simple produce and flowers.  The owners of the farm were there to give us tips on how to prepare some of their wonderful produce.  We walked away with items we usually don't buy at the grocery store.  Sweet figs, fresh okra and eggs that were picked out of the chicken coop that morning filled our arms as we walked back to the car.

The owners of the farm were very happy to let our children walk around the farm as well.  They saw chickens, ducks and rows and rows of fresh vegetables and beautiful flowers.  There is something so wonderful about letting your children see where the food we eat comes from.  

This neat little farm in the middle of our town also has a small restaurant with a chef that prepares food from the garden each weekend evening.  People dine outside the old farmhouse underneath the shade of an old pecan tree, seated at wooden tables and on wooden benches.  It looks and sounds delightful. 

I think it would make a great date-night dinner on an autumn evening, sans kids, of course!  

I hope to visit more farms and farmers markets this summer while there is lots of time to stroll and contemplate new dinner dishes made with fresh new finds.  Do you have a favorite local spot to buy food?

Colorado bound

At the end of May, they took a long weekend and headed up to the mountains.  They were both in search of a relaxed pace, lots of outdoor fun and time together.  It is amazing what a little time with one parent can do for a kid.  Our girl needed some one-on-one time away from the distractions of school, siblings and friends.  Thankfully, the weekend opened up her mind and her soul to the beauty of uncomplicated things and experiences centered around nature.

Mountain hikes were part of their daily routine.  New animals were discovered along the way.

Horseback riding over streams and alongside mountains was her favorite despite a pesky horse who wanted to eat grass the whole time.  

A nifty mosaic was created with her inventive hands in the art studio.

They both returned home refreshed by the time away from the daily distractions and duties that keep us all so busy.  It was a great experience for both of them.  Together they grew closer and that is never a bad thing.  

*They visited and stayed at YMCA of the Rockies.  It is a wonderful place that is centered around family and nature.  It is also one of the most reasonable places to stay in Rocky Mountain National Park.  Lodging for these two was cheaper than a one-night stay at some hotels in this town.*

Literary Classics at Target!

I am not that fond of the cheap plastic toys and nick nacks at Target in the Dollar Spot but today I was delighted to find a slew of literary classics.  There was a wonderful selection of classics for kids for a dollar each! I bought one of each title for my little readers to devour and their momma to enjoy reading. The cute cover designs remind me of the pricer hardback Penguin versions sold at Anthropologie.  They are a great addition to our summer reading library.  

Bastille Day!

Happy Bastille Day!

Today is the perfect day to traverse town to visit a favorite French bakery. 

Of course, we were in search of exquisite macaroons.

Blueberry mint, strawberry basil, rose, lavender and pistachio almond orange were some of the delectable flavors on today's menu.

We look forward to this 14th day of July every summer. It is the day we enjoy celebrating French independence and some yummy macaroons too!

Viva la France!

watercolor days

Watercolor reminds me of the beauty of summertime: no definite lines, colors washing and blending and lots of carefree relaxed moments.  All these images were made using this fun app for my phone.  Have some fun turning some of your summer moments in to watercolors.

breakfast at our favorite local bakery

riding a cow at a fun dinner and ice cream spot

lots of frozen yogurt with sweet friends

a hike in the mountains

the timeless fun of an old fashioned carousel ride

vanishing summer days

It's hard to believe midsummer has passed.  The days are like firecrackers: bright, loud and quick.  With these boisterous days always comes some sweet memories of carefree summertime.  Hope you are enjoying some sweet memories this summer too!

floating in the ocean - peeking down from a favorite playground - mowing adventures with Daddy - healthy well-checks with sad goodbyes - lots of birthday celebrating - our little mermaid - fancy drinks on the beach - peeking out at the vast ocean with Daddy - piano lessons - balloons and flowers at a favorite store - 3 sisters enjoying a slow summer morning