Is this kid a natural bread head?

Pretend City! And no, I don't mean Newport Beach. . .

Well, you won't believe it, but I FORGOT MY CAMERA when I went to Pretend City children's museum with Heather, Rosie,and Baby Sadie last week. I took pictures with my phone. . . but it's just not the same.

I heard about Pretend City through my friend Jenny's blog, and had packed my bags to go before I read the last sentence. She was right. What a brilliant concept! A completely interactive city built for the kiddie set complete with a Police Station, Post Office, Grocery Store, Restaurant. . . the works.

Lucy and Rosie were a shade intimidated at first. I knew it was going to be packed with little kids when I saw the flotilla of SUV's in the parking lot, and yes, there were scads of rugrats running amuck dressed as fishermen, hobbling on crutches, dancing on the stage, and harvesting their crops. Pretty great play.

Lucy harvests her peaches. She then sold them to the grocery store for $50.00. Not a bad day's work!

Rosie picks strawberries and lettuce.

Shopping at the grocery store.

We can't wait to return to get our "grown up" on.

Sinking feeling. . .

Will someone please get this child a glass of water?!

BLT

BLT= BASS LAKE TIME

Bass Lake makes you wanna. . .

Being up at Ron and Heather's cabin in Bass Lake makes you wanna:

Pick blackberries straight off the bush in the backyard-pants or no pants

Sit and relax on the lawn and watch the afternoon pass you by

Cheer on your cousin as she blows out the candles on her amazing birthday cake

and mostly, Bass Lake makes you wanna. . . START STANDING!

Standing up. . .with a little cheering on from the big sis. . .

We love it here!

Rosie is Three!

Oh how could this be?

Little Rosie is THREE?
It seems just yesterday you were TWO,
Now you seem so grown up- what should we DO?

Sadie William looks on and yearns for the day
when a little slice of cake will come her way. . . .

Laundry Closet-HGTV

SO remember when we were on that tv show a million years ago?
We told you about it here and here. . .
Simon just found a link to a short summary clip on Youtube.

Cringe. . .

He's Off!

Our trip to "Deaux's Acres"

Every summer of my entire life I have gone to Wisconsin.
We initially used to use a cabin that was a part of Honey Rock camp where my Papa Bordeaux served as the interim camp doctor. Eventually, my grandparents decided to take the plunge and buy a cabin, and we've been there ever since.

The place is magic.

We had boat rides and loon calls.
We had pancakes cooked outside on the bbq.
We had exhausted children after playing outside all day long.
We had time with family uninterrupted by internet/daily chores/tv.

What a trip!
The only thing missing was my Simon, as well as my Nana and Papa. (and the Eckerts too!)
NEXT YEAR!

Lucy and Henry rocked their "Barbie" life jackets. I know, I know. A "manlier" life jacket needs to be purchased for my son. He somehow managed to pull it off though.

Aunt Kate and Mom (Aunt Cake and Mimi, according to Lucy)

Early morning kayak ride with Lucy, who loved to paddle through the lily pads

The humidity really agrees with this kid's hair!

"Nana Wales" purchased this wonderful hand woven swing for the kids last summer. This summer, Papa Welch hung it in a tree and Lucy loved it-

-and Henry loved it too!

Lunch by boat at Braywood restaurant

The boys

Papa planted a tree for Henry and his beautiful cousin Sadie near where he planted trees for Lucy and Rosie last year. We are anticipating growth from all kids and trees involved!

Lucy standing by her tree showing her Angels tattoo. . .sure wish we could've stayed another week. . . or month.

There's a sweet, sweet spirit in this place!