Father's Day and silliness

The girls wanted to make Father's Day extra special for Daddy this year. So we set out to the craft store to get some supplies to take Rice Krispy Treats to the next level: Rice Krispy Treat Lollipops.


After making about six with sprinkles, we just dipped and dropped.


Losing a little bit more mojo we decided to dip jumbo jet-puffed marshmallows.


And finally we gave up and just made the rest traditional treat style and added M&Ms and sprinkles.


Meanwhile, Tommy showed me how he felt about my food boat idea...notice it's new location.


We packed up and headed down to see Grandma and Papi. Elle had to "help" Grandma open up her little present from Marions, my favorite boutique in St. Pete.


Khera helped Papi,

who enjoyed his red-neck wine glass:


Tom was busy making phonecalls.


The kids posed with Daddy, Happy Father's Day, Daddy!


And the girls with Papi.


After throwing several fits performances, Tommy fell asleep on the way home.


Monday night we had a date with the Thorntons, and of course I forgot my camera, but we had a great time and Elle got an early birthday present: dresses and a princess movie.

Here they are modeling a couple of the dresses.


Trying to get all 3 to pose seriously is impossible.


This one is reflective of their personalities.


And I'll leave you with this lovely one.


Have a one, keep your fingers crossed for our roadtrip journey this weekend. I'm starting to get butterflies...

Don't hate me because I'm beautiful...

Seriously, the Janke's make me sick--they are so freakin' adorable!


I met my friend Jennifer at preschool this past fall and noticed her children were just about the same ages as mine. Then she mentioned she had one more in grade school, we laughed and were friends ever since. She's a fellow blogger and crafter, she makes gorgeous watches with interchangeable bands, does medical transcription and is married to Joseph a resident. Their budget is paper-thin, so she asked if I'd take some photos of them for their family pictures.

Jennifer did everything, styled the kids clothing, and directed all of the poses, all I had to do is show up with my camera and snap some pics.

We got off to a bit of a rocky start.


Then the boys got to be boys and we managed to crack some smiles out of them.




We even got Tytus to crack a smile (upper left).


Khera and Kassius were in preschool together. You can see she ADORES him.
















Jennifer is one of those people that you talk to and feel like you've known forever.




This is Javien, their oldest.


And Lennox the baby.




Lennox has the cutest run you've ever seen.




We lucked out with some kayakers passing by.


Kassius is a character, he reminds me of James Dean in this one.








We are in denial, but they just packed up and moved to St. Louis this weekend. Joseph got accepted into an anesthesiology residency there. We are definitely going to miss them, and hopefully will be able to meet them next summer in Indy at the Children's museum for a reunion. Good Luck Jankes!

Ohio Dreamin'

In summers past we have tried to max out all the air conditioned possibilities in FL: free movies, Children's Museums, Aquariums, movie nights, libraries, puppet shows, etc.


Look at my little stinker drinking his first juice box during his first movie night.

Last summer we got smart and decided to beat the heat by taking a month-long trip to our home state: OHIO. We had such a great time, we've decided to do it again.

Last time I flew all by myself with the munchkins (ages 4, 3 and 1).

Thank goodness Southwest gave Mom a gate pass! Did you know they do that??
She helped get us through security, to the potty and the gate with little drama. Thank you Mom for all of your help!!!

Luckily GJ and Brooke met us curbside to help with the carseats, kids and baggage. It wasn't that bad, just 2 hours and 15 minutes of sweaty nervousness and then it was over.

GJ and the girls cleaned out the local libraries children's book and video section, they are already planning what they are going to borrow this summer.


Now that this path is thawed our hope is to take morning walks while the girls ride their bikes around the "loop" at the new park behind GJs house.

I can't wait to see the restored barn they've converted into bathrooms and a shelter.

We plan to go up to Put-in-Bay, OH and stay at Bumpa and Kathy's lake house.
Here are the girls on the boat ramp.




While we're there we like to hit up the Crews Nest for some poolside fun.




During adult swim they like to play on the pirate ship or eat a snack.


Pool-time = sleepy kids.


More lake fun...that I delegate to Uncle Rob.




Here we are taking the ferry back to the mainland.


Mrs. Phyliss likes to share her hydrangeas with us, I am in L-O-V-E with those flowers.


When we are making GJ pull her hair out, we plan to go to the local play cafe, Firefly.


A very sweet friend of mine from high school opened this up about a year ago. I'm wondering when FL is going to get one of these???






The girls have said they want to go putt-putting and camping with Bumpa.


This year we've decided to drive. We're splitting the drive into 2 days with 1 stop overnight in Charlotte, NC. I can't wait to see how it's changed, word is that there is some construction being done to our old house. We plan to meet up with an old friend of ours too.

Khera has even started her own countdown chart which she updates first thing every morning.


This will be our first road trip over 6 hours, so wish us luck!