Flowers in the Fall

 We went to a park today by the river that we enjoy going to because it is quiet and there is lots of room for the kids to run around and explore. Anna enjoyed taking pictures and wanted to post some of the ones she took of the beautiful flowers. She took all of these pics.

Kitchen "Help"

 I was making pumpkin bread and my "helper" managed to pull the pumpkin/egg/ sugar mixture off the counter. Life with a one-year old: always an adventure.

As I got the camera, he started licking the sweet stuff off his clothes!

Past times

The kids love being on the wall around our yard. They walk on it, sit on it, and even run on it. Here, they are watching some boys play basket ball in our yard.

This morning, the same 2 had their binoculars out and were happily watching birds from the next wall over. The 2 neighboring yards in this direction are still under construction and there is no one living there yet.

 Anna has been learning bead work from our neighbors. They are working on the tops and sides of square shaped hats that new brides wear.

After the embroidery and bead work is finished, you  put a flour/ water mixture on the bottom to make it stiffen. Then, you cut if off. Then, our neighbors give the pieces to another neighbor who assembles the hats.

Birthday Girl

Sweet Katie turned 7 this week. Here is what she really wanted: a huge bear. Daddy was gone on her actual birthday so we celebrated early with him.

Kaite wanted to have a birthday party and invite all her friends from our neighborhood. The day before the party, we went to 3 households to invite the girls to come. We made a cake and other treats and got the room ready. We got mats and pillows ready for sitting, laid the tablecloth, and filled it with goodies. These mats are new, a neighbor made them for me. The sellers at the market helped me to pick out the best fabric.

We are ready.

These two are quite a pair.

We had lots of little guests! My plan was to play games inside with eating treats before and cake and more treats after. The games didn't go exactly as planned (though they did enjoy "Hot Potato") but the main thing was that everyone seemed to have a great time. Chaos was everywhere and Lissie, Anna, Michael and I were on the alert for the kids we know are the most naughty.

I layered two 9 x 13 cakes and did manage to serve cake to 23 with a little extra to spare.

The food was devoured and all the bottles emptied.

This lovely girl brought her little sister to the party. Will was very popular though I think he and the kittens were glad to see all the guests go home :-)

There's our sparkly eyed Katie!! Happy Birthday precious girl!