Really? Marshmallow Cream in...what?

A bizarre recipe in Samuel's family is the Marshmallow and peanut butter sandwich. Samuel says they taste great, and his sister Rachel even insists that marshmallow creme is healthier than jelly. Now, I don't know about that, but I did verify her claim that jelly has more sugar...so who knows?

But when I ran out of jelly for lunchtime p.b. & j.'s, the marshmallow creme seemed to glow on the shelf saying, "Use me!".

So to the happy cheers of my kids, we made the sandwiches and of course they loved them!

Later Sam came home and showed me where the whole jar of jelly was hiding in the fridge.

Go figure!

The Monster Zucchini

We garden sat for our neighbors the Wares and they were kind enough to share their crop while they were away. As I was rustling around in their garden I came across this honking huge zucchini! We call it the monster zucchini, and I could barely get Owen to hold it long enough for me to snap the picture!

Seeing what wonderful fruits and vegetables we can grow with really very little effort made me determined to be a more diligent gardener. There is no better feeling than getting your hands a little messy, plucking the freshest of produce, and tasting the difference (homegrown beats store bought hands down)!

I guess you could say we're turning over a new leaf...

Thank you Wares!

12 Kids and Counting...

Samuel and I had the pleasure of hosting our rambunctious nieces and nephews for our monthly date night.

And though the weather was hot,
the water was not!

(Like my rhyme?)

And we drenched the kids in it!

We don't have a pool, but they soon improvised...

Gabriel didn't know what to make of all the screaming. I'm just glad all the neighbors were clammed up in their homes with their windows tightly shut and the air conditioning on full blast. They were oblivious to the mayhem!

Samuel almost killed himself blowing up our sprinkler beach ball! Thanks honey!

Mischievous Messy Meghan!

I was able to escape for a few minutes...

to prepare the feast!

Do you think they need to wash their hands before eating?

How about a good hose down instead?

To be a kid again...

As night fell and the temperature began to dip, we took the kids to Mahaney Park.

We thought we'd have the place to ourselves since technically the park closed at sundown, but within minutes family after family poured in eager to let their kids burn some energy.

Finally parents came a callin' and we headed home.

Samuel and I were exhausted! But we're so looking forward to three months of dates before our turn rolls around again!

Family Camp Shopping

Every year Samuel's family heads just south of Truckee for 5 days and 4 nights of camping. It's a tradition that began many, many years ago and one that will most certainly continue.

Before we even get on the road though, we have to shop for all the delicious meals we'll make. What better place to head then Costco?

My mother-in-law Clista, and two of my many sister-in-laws, Leah & Elizabeth.
They can be super silly which means laughing a lot is a given.

Me and the babes: Gabriel and his cousin, Wyatt (Leah's son).

Woodchuck Flats
(yes, that is really the name!):

Here we come!

Harry Potter & The Half-blood Prince

Quite a few years back we began an Elmer family tradition called the "Annual Trip to the Movies". It's so much fun to get the extended family together for that "must-see" film.

This year we saw, "Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince".

Though I thought the movie could have been a bit better...

I never regret an evening out with my sweetheart!

Should we have a bit of snogging, eh?

Where are my Pencils?

At

Miss Isabella's
House of School

She has been busy, busy rounding the younger children up for daily lessons. The little ones have loved it and work so hard! I love when they come out after hitting the books ready for P.E. or a visit to the "cafeteria" for lunch.

And yes,
I am the cafeteria lady.

Ballet Storytime

We've been long overdue in getting ourselves to the library for a free summer program, and when I checked the schedule I was excited to see that the Placer Theater Ballet Company was giving a story time at Roseville's Downtown Library.

I started getting ready at 7:30 in the morning to ensure we'd get to the 10:30 AM show on-time! I'm notorious for being late and didn't want to miss this! Luckily, everything went smoothly and the kids nabbed some front row seats.

I'm so glad we made the effort because the story time was magical! The girls were breathtaking in their Nutcracker costumes and the stories were wonderful!

Afterwards they taught us the 5 positions of ballet, and even demonstrated ballet en pointe!

Though they were gracious enough to pose for a photo, Owen was not! He hung to the side adamantly refusing to get anywhere near the dancers!

Before we left the girls accepted the invitation to touch the costumes.

They were in awe!

And so was I!

Mahaney Park: Roseville's Newest Playground for all Abilities

This new park is located directly behind the Martha Riley Library at Mahaney Park. It's part of Project Play, which works to create barrier-free and sensory rich playgrounds for children of all abilities.

Isabella plays with one of many fun water features.

The kids absolutely LOVED the sand pit that you could fill with water.

Just a few words of caution:

If you're planning a visit to the library too, make that your first stop.

And bring a towel and maybe and extra pair of shorts!

This is only Phase I, which is designed for children 5 and under. Renderings of Phase II , which is designed for children over 5, can be found on site. What they have planned is truly spectacular and we can't wait to see it come to life!

We had a great time and hope to see you there too!

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree...

Of course! I love my husband!

Do I sometimes like to drive him crazy?

Most definitely yes!

Recently we agreed to surprise the girls with the movie, "Ever After". We bought it when it was on sale and were keeping it for just the right time. Samuel went to get it from our closet, but couldn't find it. After we checked several places, it looked like no surprise movie-at least not that night.

You'd think that would be the end of it. But no. My husband is my mother's son. Like her, they are incredibly determined to hunt relentlessly for an item until it is FOUND! Sure enough, over an hour later, he was still looking. Finally he called off the hunt to hold Gabriel, and as I was walking down the hall it struck me where the DVD was. Sure enough, I found it.

(And no, I didn't know where it was all along.)

Anyway, I came out with it and of course he wanted to know where I found it.
That's where I'm mean.

I wouldn't tell him.

I still won't.

Because it's driving him crazy...as you can see below!

I love you honey!

Summer Blues

Does anyone else feel like summer is slipping away! I am so bummed that we are mid-way through July and hurtling toward August!

Make it slow down!