Fun with Boxes

The girls decided to "help" me clean upstairs today, which turned into me putting them in and out of these boxes. Who knew a box could be so fun?!

More Second Cousins

This evening we had dinner at my cousin Jennifer and her husband Ted's beautiful new home in South Tampa with my parents and hers (my aunt and uncle). This was the first time they had gotten to meet our girls and (obviously) the first time all of our kids were together. Although they are much older, their boys Hunter and Zachary played beautifully with Evie and Darcy. It was a lovely evening and something I hope we can do more of in the future.

Big Blue Sky

The view from my window today is glorious. So refeshing to see blue sky after days and days of gray.

(I realize I missed my view pic last month, but I was on vacation the last workday of the month. I know. Excuses, excuses.)

Hello Sunshine

After nearly a week of rain and wind (courtesy of Tropical Storm Debby), we were treated to a glorious sunny afternoon today. We Floridians do love our sunshine!

Second Cousins

Evie and Darcy had fun playing with their second cousins Ana and Piper this afternoon. They live in Virginia so it is a rare event that they are together, but always fun!

Miss Crabby

No More ... Bees Jumpin' On the Bed

Summer Salads: Carrots, Blueberries and Sunflower Seeds

Dressed with olive oil, lemon juice and lots of pepper. Loved. It.

Patriotic for Water Day

Wake Up, Sleepyhead

Evelyn ... or Snow White?

(I think the photo-a-day challenge is getting old with Evie ... )

Pizza!

My Little Climber

Heading upstairs for her bath.

Happy Father's Day, Daddy!

This is me with my dad, oh, a few years ago. Happy Father's Day, Daddy! I love you!

Pool Time

Ready for Water Day at School

Sweet Susie

Floss and Brush

Hangin' Out

Kitty gets left in some strange places. Today he spent the day hangin' out by my shower.

Rawr

Got these leopard flats for $15 at Target. For those who have been paying attention, notice the abscence of a heel. Perfect for walking around campus without breaking my ankle.

D in the Bath

Darcy's favorite thing to do these days in the bath is flip on her belly and kick her legs while laughing maniacally. Makes a very big mess, but she loves it so I let her get away with it.

Summer Salads: Cucumber with Red Onion

Dressed with apple cider vinegar and dijon mustard. Light and tangy.

Cover Up

Evie decided Darcy needed to wear her pool cover up. This is how that turned out ...

Summer Salads: Peach, Tomato and Red Onion

Peach and tomatoe wedges, slivered red onion, red pepper flakes and cilantro. Dressed with salt, pepper, olive oil and lime juice. Spicy and unexpectedly delish.

My Kitty

Each of the girls have a stuffed kitty they sleep with at night (known as Kitty and Kitty Two), but I have the real deal.

Have I mentioned my kids don't need toys?

The "I'm watching Doc McStuffins and don't want to look at the camera" face

Evelyn's "Fort"

Summer Salads: Watermelon and Tomato

In an effort to eat more fruits and veggies, I've decided to start eating more salads. But instead of my usual romaine with grape tomatoes, which gets old quickly, I decided I needed to expand my salad horizons. Enter 101 Simple Salads for the Season, a New York Times article by Mark Bittman. This is exactly what I was looking for; a bunch of different ideas for getting more produce into my diet in a very delicious way.

So today I tried No. 1 and it was (to quote the lovely Giuliana Rancic) amazeballs:

"Cube watermelon and combine with tomato chunks, basil and basic vinaigrette. You can substitute peach for the watermelon or the tomato (but not both, O.K.?). You can also add bacon or feta, but there goes the vegan-ness."

I used watermelon and tomatoes, fresh basil, store-bought balsamic vinaigrette, and freshly ground salt and pepper. I wasn't sure how the watermelon would taste with everything, but I assure you, it was delicious.

Thank God for Indoor Playgrounds

As it is roughly 1000 degrees outside, we made a trip to the mall so the girls could play on the indoor playground there. We also took a spin on the carousel, which Evie declared was her favorite part of the experience.

Pitiful

Here I am giving Darcy one of her nebulizer treatments. They are kind of a pain, but really seem to be helping with her cough.