On my desk...

This morning when I came down to my desk to start school, this was displayed. Subtle??


Someone reads the classifieds! Apparently that first word, 'FREE', might make this more appealing to busy parents... I have to admit I am intrigued, but we still don't have grass.

Wordless Wednesday

Grandma Green Acres brought these over as a treat for Angelina! There were enough for her to share, obviously...

Extraordinarily....

... large kiwi fruit from Sam's Club. Have you ever seen kiwi fruit this huge!

This is a picture of the kiwi next to a teaspoon.

They are at least 1.5 times larger than 'normal' kiwi that I purchase in the grocery store. And, the first spoonful was delicious as a 'late-night' or 'early-morning' (pick your preference) snack.

Angelina's Dance Recital

For the last year, we've driving to Fargo (well, mainly it's me doing the driving back and forth) so Angelina can learn dance at the Camria Ballet Academy. She was given permission to 'just' take Friday tap classes last year, since we were driving from so far away and Friday was the day we were already planning to be in town - almost every week.

The biggest factor in continuing to take classes at Camria was the instructor; she's fantastic and so knowledgeable about dance. I also appreciate how she organizes her class dances into a real SHOW for the recital. This year, the title of the recital was "The Firebird's Feather". Her tap class performed a number called Woodland Elves.

Angelina as a Woodland Elf.

She was also chosen for a ballet trio - The Flower Pixies. This is a colorful and beautiful costume! Yes, I do let my daughter wear make-up for the dance recitals. It was the one time of year as a little girl that 'I' was able to and I remember so looking forward to it. So, that's my little indulgence for my only girl..

Then, the other thing about dance recitals is the 'hair'! It must be put up in a bun or braids and loose hairs must be sprayed down tight. This year's special requirement was that a hat needed to be worn, so mom had to get a little creative. I think it turned out cute!

Below is a final picture ... on stage ... in her Flower Pixie costume.

Father-Son Camping Trip

This is the weekend for the ANNUAL FATHER-SON CAMPING TRIP! I'm excited ... about doing the laundry to prepare, packing, food preparation (Baked Beans - check out my cooking blog for the recipe - Special K Bars, Homemade Trail Mix), packing, and having house to myself for a couple hours.

This is not really a relaxing weekend because it's also the weekend of Angelina's Dance Rehearsal and Recitals (yes, recitals on both Saturday & Sunday) in Fargo. However, I'm planning to come home on Friday night - late as it will be - so that I can have some quality 'mom time' alone on Saturday morning. I have NO plans and am going to keep it that way for now.

The boys look forward to the trip every year. This will be Graham's first year. My hubby agreed to take him, even though Graham is a not-quite-3yo and not potty triained as of yet. But, it would be difficult for Graham to be with me, so this is the best solution. The little guy is just pumped about this 'awesome' event.

A Very Excited Graham - waiting to go.

Zeke has all his activities planned out ... he's for sure going to play baseball and his fishing pole is ready to go. Thank goodness Dash is old enough to help lay out all the clothes. Hand him a list and he does pretty well. I just need to check over his picks and make sure he only laid out 'play' clothes for his younger brothers.

Dash helping to get the supplies organized in the truck.

The first year Dash went on the camping trip, which was also the first annual, he went into the lake 5 (at least that's the number the rumors/stories have settled on) times! He used up all his clothes in the first day. I didn't find out until much later ... sometimes what happens on the Father-Son Camping Trip just needs to be left 'there'.

I'm praying they have good weather, no rain, and warmer than predicted night-time temperatures. Just in case, I'm sending the long-johns and stocking caps!

Wordless Wednesday

Is this cute or is it 'too' cute for use!