Summer Time

Okay, it has been WAY too long since I have blogged.  We have had a very busy, FUN summer so far...just the way we like it. :)  Here are a few thing that we have been up to...

 Lots of swimming!

 

Making and eating fun breakfasts. :)

On this particular morning, Ella was eating her waffle and said to me, "This looks like Noah's Ark!"  Love it!

Enjoying the Harbor as a family...

Meeting cousins at Bahama Bucks!

Going to camp...

Finding "bug friends" as Ella like to call them in our flower beds...

She sat and talked to this thing for forever one day. for some reason, she loves bugs!

Blowing bubbles...

AND visiting my sweet grandparents.  The girls just love going to Nanny and Papaws house! :)

There has also been lots of crafting, coloring, playing, and just plain being lazy.  

Awwww, sweet summer time!

Next up, {when I take the time} a post about our vacation to Gulf Shores and Father's Day!

Play Day at Weekday School 2011

Ella Grace had a play day a few days before weekday school was out. They had so many fun things for the kids to do outside that day.  It started with a ventriloquist, then tons of outdoor events, followed by a bounce house and popsicles. 

Ella loved her teacher, Ms. Misty!

 Emerson even spotted her little friend, Gracyn, on the sidelines. :)

Happy Mother's Day!

My second Mother's Day as a mommy of 2 was wonderful!!!

After a great church service we headed over to my sister's for a Mother's Day picnic.  It was a BEAUTIFUL day, so our picnic turned into a pool party.  We weren't prepared, so Miss Emerson got to borrow one of her {boy} cousins swim suits. :) She didn't mind though, it was still just as fun!

Easter 2011

We had such an awesome Easter this year.  Ella Grace had her first experience dying eggs, and loved it!  Her cousin Marley was here to help, which made it extra special for her.  

 The girls woke up to their Easter baskets on Sunday morning and dug right in!  I am sure their Sunday School teachers appreciated the sugar high they were on for Easter morning. :)  I have a feeling that they weren't the only ones though!

After a wonderful service at church we headed to my sister's house for lunch and an egg hunt with cousins.  Emerson slept right through the hunt, but the big kids had a blast filling their baskets.

Hope everyone had blessed Easter!!!

The Gathering of Friends and a Recipe!

 I HAD to share one of my favorite cookbooks with you!  "The Gathering of Friends" is a wonderful resource when it comes to cooking.  It's original in the fact that it lays out a whole meal from an appetizer/salad/main course/side/dessert and then lists the complete ingredient list for you to use to shop with.  This is a definite "go to" for me when I am hosting a get together or taking food somewhere.  I only have Volume 1, but there are 2 others that I will be purchasing soon! :)

Now, on to one of the yummiest recipes!  This is the perfect pasta salad to make in the summer.  Try it...you will NOT be disappointed!

(Sorry about the picture quality...I had to scan it in.)

 Chicken and Apple Salad

Ingredients

2 pounds chicken tenders, cooked
2 tart apples, cored and cubed
1 7-ounce pound Gouda cheese (I haven't added this)
1 8-ounce package bow-tie pasta, cooked
1/2 cup celery, diced (I leave this out)
1 cup pineapple tidbits
1/2 cup seedless grapes, halved (I use a little more)
2/3 cup sliced almonds
Honey Lime Dressing (recipe follows)

Honey Lime Dressing
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
3 tablespoons lime juice
3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon poppy seeds (I haven't added these either)

Mix dressing ingredients well.

Directions

Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and cool.

Combine pasta and other salad ingredients in a large bowl. Stir in Honey-Lime Dressing.

For best results, add dressing just before serving. (This is true!  It stays creamier)

MOPS Easter Egg Hunt

Our MOPS group had our annual Easter egg hunt this past week.  The girls had a blast finding eggs, eating a picnic lunch,  and playing with friends.