Summer So Far - A Hodge Podge

A trip to Grandmommy's.
It's not a trip to Grandmommy's lately without checking out what new Angry Birds game she's got on her iPad.

A walk in the rain

Some carnival rides at Liberty Park

Some creative cooking experiments:  Chocolate Mousse and Key Lime Pie

Really tasty if I do say so myself!

Homemade bagels (I made doughnuts too but didn't take a picture).

A trip to Island Park over Memorial Day weekend with some family where we celebrated cousin Ty's birthday!

A little Wii playing

Jim and Josh got some fishing in (it was snowing).

Paige and I drove back home for church on Sunday so she could give her talk in primary.  She did a great job/  She drew this picture after we heard a lovely violin piece.  I love it.  I need to get her started on the violin.

Some new haircuts

A bunch of yard work, really un-doing yard work.  Jim ripped out the bushes we had here because we hated them.  I'll post after pictures, it's starting to look great but we're not done.

Nanny and Papa helping in their nice work clothes

We found an injured bird in our window well one day.  We tried to set it free but I don't think it could fly.   Paige took it on as her new "pet."  I made her wear rubber gloves.

Indie was surprisingly gentle with the little guy...I think she wanted to play, don't really think the bird was too excited about it.  It was either really calm or paralyzed with fear because it just sat there.

I don't think Indie would make a very good hunting dog.  She's too nice.

A bike ride/run around the riverfront with some very frequent stops to look at the mommy ducks and their cute baby ducklings

A very rare moment of sibling love.  We have to document it because the summer fighting, bickering, punching, yelling, screaming and torturing is in full swing.
Help me.

My Trip to Charleston, South Carolina

I had a great opportunity to visit some family last week in Charleston, South Carolina, which is now on my list of favorite places.

I went for a run one morning but it was actually more like a run/walk/stop-and-look at all of the beautiful homes, gardens and foliage. 

The blossoms were beautiful.

My mom and I took a tour of the largest private residence in Charleston.  

Here's what it said on the website:

Nothing else on the Charleston Peninsula compares to the Calhoun Mansion. Boasting a striking italianate design, the Calhoun Mansion, the largest residence in Charleston, has 35 rooms, a grand ballroom, japanese water gardens, 35 fireplaces, 75 foot high domed stairhall ceiling, khoi ponds, private elevator, three levels of piazzas, ornate chandeliers, a 90 foot cupola, and many more wonderful surprises that make up the house's more than 24,000 square feet

Unfortunately, they didn't allow pictures to be taken inside but here we are in the gardens.  We only got to see really just a fraction of the house since it is a private residence.  They apparently take down the ropes that block the rooms and use them every night.  I have never seen more stuff crammed into a house.   The man is essentially a really wealthy hoarder.  He is an antique collector and collects things mainly from the Victorian Era.  Not my cup of tea but interesting none the less. TThe tour guide says nothing ever leaves but things are always coming in.  I feel bad for the 2 housekeepers that have to dust everything.  The staff for the entire home includes 2 housekeepers, one gardener and one cook.  I ran past this really old graveyard, there were graves dating back to the 1700's. After staying in downtown Charleston for a couple of days, my mom and I stayed at my Aunt Barby and Uncle Pete's house for a couple of nights.  They have a great place on the outskirts of Charleston.   Here's my mom knitting and soaking up the sun on their porch.  We had perfect weather the whole time we were there. Mom and Aunt Barby enjoying the afternoon on the porch rocking chairs.   We also got to see my cute cousin and her family.  She just had a baby about 2 months ago.  I forgot how fun it is to hold a little newborn, it's been a while!  She was precious! Beth's other daughter, Ella.  Adorable as well. I went for a run in their neighborhood and saw this sign....um, yikes. And then I actually saw one...we're not accustomed to those types of things here in the tundra...maybe an occasional moose or raccoon but alligators??? It was such a great trip.  It was nice to spend time with my mom and some of my extended family that I don't get to see very often.   Whenever I'm able to sneak away for a few days, it makes me appreciate not only all the amazing and different places there are in the world, but also how much I love my own little family at home.  I was so happy to pull into the garage and to be greeted by 6 little arms that all grabbed me and hugged me at the same time.  Of course, quickly after the hugs, they were asking about their "presents" which seem to have become an essential requirement if you are away for more than 24 hours in their minds.  I'm also so grateful for a husband who is so supportive and willing to fill in for me when I am able to get away.  I appreciate it so, so, so much.  I am one lucky girl.

Hailey's 9th Birthday Weekend

We spent Hailey's birthday in Island Park at Aunt Darlene's cabin.  We couldn't skip the traditional early morning wake up with the "Happy Birthday To You" song, candle and presents, even if it meant waking everyone else up at the crack of dawn.  Poor Hailey woke up hours early and waited patiently until just before 7 am for us to "wake her up."

Birthday breakfast:  waffles and bacon

Followed by Snowmobiling

Watching the Wildlife

Swimming with Cousins

Board Games

Birthday Cake and Ice Cream

And then a Post-Birthday Lunch with Mom and Dad at Wendys

Happy Birthday to my FAVORITE 9 year old!!!  

I love you Hailey.