Where I've Been

1. Eating tomatoes from our garden! Especially in ham, cheese, tomato and kale sandwiches on toasted bread. Yum.
2. Going to class.  I started class again last week.  I love it.  Nora doesn't.  Not sure how we're going to figure it out.
3. Pumping (for class).  This is the first time I've had to pump for Nora.  Thankfully Nora was okay with that part.  Me not so much.  I hate pumping.
4. Finding/purchasing and most importantly riding in our new van!  I really can't believe how excited I am about a van.  But I am.  I'm in love actually.  Going anywhere just got a million times easier (and safer).

His Party

This year Jackson decided he wanted to have his party at the park.  We've never done this before but it was really fun.  And thankfully it turned out to be a really nice evening.

He also requested this dessert (that we also made for Father's Day).

Strawberry Cream Dessert

In a sauce pan put strawberries (fresh or frozen) and other berries of choice with some sugar.  Let boil and cook for about 20 minutes.  Let cool.  Next mix two cups of crushed pretzels with a few tablespoons of sugar and a 1/4 to 1/2 cup of butter.  Press flat to a 9x13 pan and bake for 5 minutes at 400.  Next mix some heavy whipping cream with a little sugar.  Then add 1 8oz package of cream cheese and mix with cream.  Spread over pretzels.  Then spread the cooled jam over cream mixture.  Sprinkle top with fresh berries.  

Four

As usual I can't believe one of my children has gotten another year older.  It just all goes by so fast.  One minute I'm holding my newborn baby boy in my arms and the next minute he is a balloon chasing, backwards shirt (and underwear) wearing four year old boy.  I realized yesterday that he has actually even grown significantly taller in the last month or so.





And to start off the celebration, we had the best little party with Kirsten and Tyler yesterday.  There were balloons, a giant cinnamon roll, a few presents and some ice cream.  What could be more perfect?

Outside Art

4th of July

Highlights from our annual 4th of July Vacation to Grandma Sam's cabin...
~ Well it was hot.  Really hot.  This is only a highlight because it makes jumping in the lake all the more fun.
~ Sparklers
~ My paddle boat ride with Grace and Jackson
~ Ryan's tube ride with Grace and Jackson
~ Nora's first dip
~ Homemade ice cream
~ Relaxing in the hammock
~ Having so many people around that our kids love (and who thankfully love our kids)
~ Spending time with family

Weekend Highlights