So far the day......

There is always some type of small drama in our family as of late.  The kids slept downstairs after begging.  Mikey came running up early, early in the morning yelling a mouse or a rat crawled up his arm.  I am still not sure if it was a dream or reality, but rest assured....I didn't rest after that.

I planned a little lunch at the park for a dear friend who is moving soon.  Running errands in preparation I noticed my car wasn't running smoothly.  One hour before the party was to start, I noticed my tire was COMPLETELY FLAT!  Yikes.  I drove with hazards to a nearby tire center, and with REALLY good luck they changed it with a new one for $25.00, in fifteen minutes.  (I know unheard of....another story for another day). 

With the miracle of the tire change.....

I made it just in time to the party.  Luckily it wasn't at my house.  

Hosting a party at the park  is the way to go with lots of small kids.

I am loving these striped lanterns I bought at Target,

and pink peonies, that are in full bloom everywhere. 

Cath trying to appear helpful.:)

Mikey not even trying, but happy as can be.:)

The girls......

My good friend Brittany who has brightened us with friendship over the past few years.

I will miss her and her darling little family.  

The party was fun, the kids are still playing, and I am still looking for that "mouse" that woke us all up in the first place.

I REALLY hope it doesn't exist.!

Some Days.....

It is important to know where and what your kids are doing.  

Some days however....

It is just better to not.....

It is just one of those days.  Welcome to summer.:)

A few of my favorite things.....

A few of my favorite things.

1) Cath coming into my room last night to tell me

"Mom when I am in college I get to kiss Ikey." 

I may have some boy problems ahead, but at least it is ingrained she is going to college?  She makes me laugh.

2) My new pink skirt I FINALLY got around to sewing. 

(I give all credit to Cory Lynn and her beautiful online shop, for the inspiration of this skirt.  

I decided I would venture and make my own.) 

3) Catherine teaching me how to "pose" showing off my new favorite skirt, with Alyssa behind the camera.

4) My fluorescent shoes from the Jcrew Outlet I bought on clearance for $7.00

5) My ugle gray fence backdrop I can use for just one more year until we move.  I can photoshop it to the perfect shade of turquoise.  

and 

6) My hot pink azalea's in my blue and white planter.:)

A day in Lancaster.

Alyssa in her too cool for school sunglasses.....

Cath devouring ice cream from Lapp Valley Farm.

Sammy still practicing his walking....

A partial family picture taken by the nicest elderly man determined to get the "perfect" shot with my camera...

And home sweet home again.  

I totally avoided all things productive today. Productiveness will just have to wait till tomorrow.:)

Lucky for Alyssa there is nothing like having a best friend who happens to live two doors down.

Such a sweet picture of these two characters!

Sam's blue, blue eyes remind me of home, and all the family I love.  

I couldn't resist FINALLY joining the mustache band wagon.  It seems to be an obsession of many.:) 

As I listen to kids fighting in the background....... I can be reminded that deep down they really do all love each other:) hahaha.

Good Night!

Harry Potter

Alyssa and Mikey are obsessed with Harry Potter as of late.  Ever since staying at their Grandma Sumko's they just can't get enough.  So they were beyond excited when one of their very best friends invited them to his Harry Potter birthday party.  Their Mom went above and beyond....outdoing herself completely.  

My kids were thrilled beyond measure to attend the festivities.  

She thought of everything.....capes, wands, glasses, potions, spells, games.  My kids were in heaven!

Crazy Weather.

Crazy weather here in Pennsylvania.  The kids will go from running through the sprinklers one minute, and then five minutes later taking cover from the rain.

Cath has it covered with her new swim cap.  I wish they had one my size.....:)