You spin my head right round.....

Here is to the latest member of the High School Band


Although she isn't technically playing in the band (although she could on either of her instruments)


She is marching with them and did quite well if you ask me!

When eating mashed potatoes

When eating mashed potatoes....


You must smear them on your face...


Sure not to miss the eyes....


Smash them into every chubby little crease....


Then proceed to lick them out....




Occasionally stopping to look cute....


And then end with a totally fab new hair do!

Lucy the Margate Elephant...

The story of this elephant is just so cool....



I would tell you all about it, but I want to know if any of you can guess where it is. Without looking it up of course. Or more importantly, does anyone KNOW where it is? She is a national historic landmark you know?!?!?

She has been rebuilt over the years - and moved - and literally saved from the wrecking ball. And not in that order....




These shots were taken inside. Yes - inside the elephant and up quite a set of twisting winding wooden steps.

And these.....









From on TOP! That's right - look at the first picture - and we crawled all the way up on her back. Up more winding, narrow, twisting stairs. And back down them too!!!

And someone has even painted her on their water tower.



She's a landmark I tell you - and has a story that is worth reading about. And a visit that is worth taking!

Skipping ahead....

Although I have yet to blog about our last vacation - we are currently on a slightly slower paced adventure and I hope to blog as we go. We are visiting the in-laws out East, and although we are here due to illness, we are still trying to have fun and make some memories. Our kids have only seen the ocean a handful of times (for the oldest) and I don't think at all for the youngest. And we're just soaking in the sun in general before school starts in a couple weeks.

The very generous neighbor out here has given us all free run of his pool while we visit. What a blessing with 5 grandkids visiting. I snapped a few shot this morning and will try to grab some more as the water is crystal clear and the pool is just gorgeous. Thank you to the wonderful neighbor......

Mother and Daughter swim lessons


Eric just lounging


Back Dive


No fear jumping in


Peeking out


Coming up for air


My only red-headed niece - and what a charmer too!

Wordless Wednesday - Having a Ball

The passing of the punk

Many family moments should rightfully pass from one generation to the next. Holiday tradition. Grandmas secret recipe. Grandpas pocket watch. The family china. The table made by great great uncle Waldo. You get the point. Leave it to my family to pass on the 4th of July lighting punk.....

A blast of a bonfire

Our 4th of July festivities included a bonfire, cookout, and fireworks. Nothing like a bunch of kids running lose around an open fire....sparklers.....and grown ups reliving their childhood in pyrotechnic form....

Two men go on a bike ride

One man thinks to himself "let's go straight"
The man in front thinks to himself "lets turn right"

Do either of them speak aloud???







These pictures really do not do justice to the road rash which covered his back, shoulder, and arm. Not to mention the fact that in the process of going head first over his handlebars, his helmet actually broke from the impact.

So - this is what happens when two men go for a bike ride - Failure to Communicate.

10 Quiet Cousins.....

With a title like that one might think I am reviewing a book. Or writing one - hey mom....there's your next childrens book. But alas, I am not reviewing or writing a book. Rather - I am sharing with you how to keep 10 cousins quiet when they are all gathered in one small farm house and the 9 adults need just a moment to breathe.

Give them all suckers


And set them around the table


And sour ones at that!


Even the youngest of them all!!!!


And that is how you keep ten cousins quiet according the my aunt!