Birthday Sundae

Our little Evie turned 4 today! Where has the time gone?

Two Crazy Girls, One Shower

Packaging I am loving right now ...

I've recently discovered Gia Russa pasta sauce and have not only fallen in love with the sauce itself (all of the ingredients are "real" food, as in tomatoes, basil, olive oil; no unpronounceable additives), but the jars it comes it are so simple and handy. I've been using one for my bacon grease, but plan to save and collect them for other uses.

Today at the grocery store I saw the new packaging for Yoplait yogurt, and thought, "How friggin' cute is that?!" and bought four cups. (The marketing team at Yoplait should be commended.)

Any packaging that has caught your eye recently?

Evie the Beautician

View

I woke up with a stomach bug this morning, so this has been my view most of the day. At least I have the Olympics opening ceremony to watch.

Scooter

It was such a lovely evening (if a little hot) that I let the girls play outside for a bit when I got home today. Evie enjoyed riding her scooter up the driveway and Darcy took a "drive" in her car. Everyone had fun.

 

Sigh

Lately, part of Evie's evening routine has been her coming out of her room, sitting at the top of the stairs and calling for me. I'll yell up for her to go back to bed to which she replies, "I need help going to bed." The extra hugs and kisses, however, make this routine a little less annoying.

(Surely I never did this to my parents ...)

Fun with Beads

"Lemonade" in the Bathtub

Evie was pouring Darcy a glass of lemonade in this photo. Precious. (Note the tongue, a trait both the girls have inherited from Blake.)

Sneak Peek

Here's a peek at a project I completed this weekend to decorate my office ...

Shopping Cart

Popcorn

Enjoying popcorn (and a beer for me) with this cutie.

Agent Evie

This evening Evie put on this head band and declared she was a super spy, then proceeded to take a call from Agent Mickey. Too much Special Agent Oso?

Last Morning in Washington

Army ROTC LDAC Educator Visit Day Two

Today was the second and final (sad face) day of the LDAC Educator Visit. While the activities were not as exciting, they were nonetheless fascinating.

First we saw two cadet regiments graduate and a couple dozen officers being commissioned. Getting to see all the pageantry and tradition involved in these ceremonies was deeply moving.

Then we learned about tactics and got to try our hand at one of the "missions" the cadets are put through. Here I am all geared up "on patrol."

Our mission was to get that barrel from one side of the "river" to the other with the tools available. We ran out of time before we could complete the mission, which while disappointing, made me appreciate the skill of these cadets.

Army ROTC LDAC Educator Visit Day One

This week I am in Olympia, WA, attending the Army ROTC Leadership Development and Assessment Course Educator Visit. I am writing a feature for the Winter 2013 issue of the UT Journal about UT's ROTC program and thought this would be a great opportunity to get a glimpse into what ROTC is all about.

Today was an exciting day. First I fired my first gun, a rifle ...

Then I tried my hand at grenade and mortar launchers ...

We ended the day with rappeling down 17 foot and 37 walls and what they refer to as the "Slide for Life," which was basically zip lining from a 57' tower into the water. Terrifying, thrilling, invigorating ...

Can't wait to see what they have in store for us tomorrow!

Somewhere Over the U.S.

Anyone know why these fields are planted in circles?

Fun with Play Dough

E & D Primping

These are my fav of Evie's pajamas right now ...

Grandma, Evester and Grammy at Beef's

Loot

Grandma gave Evie three dollars today (because she is 3 years old) and Grandpa took her to the dollar store to spend it. She decided on some beads, sunglasses and a butterfly net.

Drawing with Grandma's Pen

Mommy's Shoes

Beach Day

Couldn't have asked for better weather for our trip to Passe a Grille on St. Pete today.

Jacob and Darcy at Play

We had a great time with my sister's family today. We went for a swim in the morning, then to the mall for dinner and playtime in the evening. Jacob was especially sweet watching over Darcy at the playground.

Star Wars Toys

My nephew Ian playing with Blake's Star Wars toys.

Red, White and Cute

Happy 4th of July!

Orchid

My sweet Dad bought us this beautiful orchid while he was here. Since it is potted, it will last a week or two longer than cut flowers do with my black thumb. *wink*

Visitors

My dad (aka Grandpa) brought Evie to UT today for a visit and lunch. It was a nice break to see my dad and my baby in the middle of the work day.

Grandmas are the best!