It's a parade!

Hartland's Annual Memorial Day parade... Got the girls ready to go in some cute dresses. Penny is wearing her dress from Grandma Sandee from Mexico; Jane is wearing her dress from last year. I tried suggesting that she should match her sister and wear her Mexico dress. I was informed that it is not mexico day...it is AMERICA day. I was completely unable to argue with that kind of logic! Mindy's family came to the parade with us and the big kids went after candy and waved their flags. We had a bunch of college archery friends over for bbq afterwards. Great to catch up with everyone, and it didn't rain too much. Penny was asleep before everyone left, and Jane was asleep about 2 minutes after her book. I love running them down!

Whooo's hiking??

Went to the Howell Nature Center today for a little hike with the girls, Gram Deb & Dave. Just a beautiful morning and both girls really had fun. We walked at least a mile, and Jane did great (although she was 'hungry' for most of the trip, probably because she knew I had banana muffins and watermelon in the backpack pocket). Backpack (and I) made it up and down some hills pretty easily; I haven't really worn it much off of straight terrain, so kind of fun to do a little more than walk around the neighborhood. Lots of animals to check out, and so many pretty owls, which I love. Super cute porcupine was ready to come home with Jane.

Best comment of the day from Jane...as we're looking at this sad deer laying down in his enclosure...but how do we cut him up? (meaning how do we get meat, etc) Mmm hmm, that's my girl.

Looks like we might make it at least through the parade on Monday before rain, whoo hoo.

Memorial Day Weekend

Prepping for Memorial Day...spent the day trying to get some cleaning done while Mike ran to the store with the girls. Tang even got a bath today, now he's all fluffy. When I was done with Tang, I looked at Zeke, and he looked at me, and we both agreed that it wasn't worth getting bit. His hair is shorter anyway and not as full of a winter's worth of woodstove dust. Right. Sounded like a good excuse, but I've got a little scar on my wrist to remind me of the last attempt.

Mike is going to mow the lawn using the push mower tomorrow as the tractor is still being worked on. The girls and I are off to try some hiking at Howell Nature Center with Gram D & Dave; should be fun, and we figure the house can't get dirtier if we're not here. That's our new cleaning philosophy: clean and then LEAVE.

Really hoping that it doesn't rain on Monday.

Fun is in the eye of the cat holder...

It's that time of year...warm enough that the door gets left open a bit and Tang takes any opportunity he can find to get out. Jane has figured out that she can pick him up (barely) if she scoops underneath him. He probably weighs more than half her weight, so kind of an accomplishment!

Last day...

Can't believe it's the last day of pre-school. Jane has had a great year at Pooh's Corner, and we're looking forward to attending next year. Guess summer is here...have to figure out some activities to keep busy now.

My monkey is one!

Penny turned one on the 8th.

I know I always feel like this, but seriously, how did a whole year go by? It feels like she's more like 6 months...but a year? She has been doing 'no hands' a bunch over the last day or so...pretty soon she's going to take that leap to moving her foot. Although, I've been saying, she's not going to walk. She's just going to up and start running. And then she'll start climbing the walls. She already climbs up into Jane's chairs at her little table.

She is just such a little tiny adorable red haired monkey!

Beans--it's what's for dessert!

I'm constantly searching for healthy recipes; while looking for some cake recipes for Penny's birthday, I came across this site: Cake with a secret. I thought that it looked fantastic; I had tried some black bean brownies from one of my Challenge meet & eats that were pretty good. I did a regular powdered sugar butter creme frosting, but I'm going on the 'every little bit helps' philosophy. Chocolate sugar cookies on top. It turned out pretty good; I don't think you'd know it was made out of beans, that's for sure! I did add some ground flax seed, and I might not bake it for quite so long next time. Pretty good, although as Mike said, "you can cover just about anything in chocolate frosting and it's going to taste good." Hmmmm, can't argue with that. I know I'm creative, but frosting and I usually do not get along. My cakes...don't usually look very good *(see Penny's cake). But I discovered royal icing (my new bff) for the cookies, and I'm quite happy with how cute the big cake turned out, and they made an awesome holder for Penny's candle. I'll be decorating with cookies again...why ever not?!