Pat-cake, pat-a-cake...

I thought I would do something fun in the kitchen with the girls...as well as help out our church. They were having a bake sale, and so I decided to make some cookies for the event...and why not let my big helpers help? Turns out we had a blast, made a mess, got some great photos, and managed to make some amazing cookies! What a great, fun-filled morning!


Yummmmm, this sure is good!

Olivia's expression is priceless..."you gonna share that with me or what?"


Finally...gimme some of that!

Children's Museum of PIttsburgh---here we come!

While we had planned on going to the club for a day at the pool and some fun in the sun...the rain and cooler temps quickly squashed that idea! We weighed our options and decided to head to the Children's Museum as a fun alternative (and prayed the sun would come out for an afternoon visit to the pool!) I invited my friend Amy and her adorable little ones to join us for some fun!

Ready to take flight!
Ford showing Olivia a thing our two about the smart car since his daddy used to drive one!
Jack doesn't know what to think about all the action!
Noah found the ship's wheel in Dora's Pirate adventure room!

Arrrrrrr, our littlest pirate was having a blast with her cousins and friends!

Molly and Ford duke it out...pirate style!
"X" marks the spot!
Lexie and Molly taking their turn on the "Jolly Roger"
Cute little treasure map
Olivia make a victorious exit out of the treasure box tunnel.
The kids really liked dressing up in the pirate gear and roaming around looking for treasure!

Really getting into her work
Two budding artists
Olivia getting some help from Courtney
Checking out their work
I think Ford ended up with more paint on himself and his momma than on his paper, but he had fun
Time to SCULPT

Perfect day for a Parade

Summer is slowly coming to an end which means it is that time of year again for the annual Clinton/Findlay Township Parade. We invited some friends over to partake in the fun. We met up with all of the neighbors and made our way to Rt 30 for the big show. The kids were excited to catch candy, hear the marching band and enjoy the summer sun. After the parade we grilled out and enjoyed the day! Made it that much more fun to celebrate the end of summer with friends and neighbors!


Making our way past the parade route with the Figley's to get a good seat
Olivia making sure we didn't leave anyone behind
Sadie riding in her wagon up to the parade


Eli looking for some love
Meggie's Mimi was quite popular with the kids as she was dishing out cookies
Enjoying a parade with friends...what more could you ask for
Here come the loud cars/trucks with sirens
Scrambling to get candy from the Chick fil-A cow

While mommy's away....

...daddy and the girls will be goof balls! While I was at a routine OB appointment, the girls hammed it up for Russ and the camera! These made me laugh! Russ said the girls were loving every silly moment!


Playing peek-a-boo on our bed
Ready for Hollywood!!!
"Hold on a second...I need to take this call!"

Who Needs a Trip to Disney to see Goofy???

While I was making cookies for a MOPS picnic, the girls decided they wanted to make their own creations. Olivia got the silicone cupcake holders to make cupcakes while Lexie just grabbed a wooden spoon and a mixing bowl to make cookies! They had a blast acting goofy and mimicking mommy!
Lexie loves to mix things up!



Keep on stirring!

The girls love to read...especially to one another. After pulling their chairs together...here they are taking turns being the 'teacher'.

Pint sized pool

The girls really seem to be enjoying the pool grandpa got Olivia for her birthday! The first time we put it to use, they stayed in it for close to two hours! Lucky for them (and me) I moved the patio umbrella for some much needed shade! They just love to splash...such water "babies" they are!

Testing the waters...and getting their toys in just the right places

Olivia's having a blast!
Looks like Lexie is too!!!
I think they are starting to turn into prunes!


Coming up for air after blowing some BIG BUBBLES!


Practicing her "green light" kicks!

"Come on in Gran, the water's warm!"

Philly Adventure

It had been a while...a really really really LONG while...since we had spent any quality time with the Houchins crew (maybe since October???). In any event, I packed up the girls and we headed out on 'an adventure' as Lexie liked to call it...our 'girl adventure'. We took to the friendly skies and our destination was Philly! While we were there, we got to visit loads of people and cheer on Becky as she took to the streets for the Broad Street Run. We had a great time and captured a few good photos!

Lexie and Molly pose for a picture!
Our silly girls...tried and tried and tried to get a few photos...but alas, this is what we got! Still pretty cute though!
Ford getting in on all the action...he's not going to let the girls have all the fun!

Lexie LOVES to slide!!!!!


Lexie, Barbara, and Molly all found their way to the top of the slide

Going down the slide.
Wheeeeeeeee!

Molly posing for a picture with Becky



Molly and Lexie hanging around at the park!


Back at Aunt Becky's, Olivia's tries to get some bubbles going.

Lexie 'scores' a goal!


Saturday morning, the girls and I found all kind of things to occupy our time while Barb took Molly to her dance and swimming lessons and Ford was at his Mommy & Me water class.

We played with chalk,
...drove a little car...

...kicked the soccer ball around...

...took turns blowing and chasing bubbles...
...and we all enjoyed the sunshine!
After everyone returned, Lexie and Molly played Candy Land---a favorite for both!

Uncle Walt is on duty! These kids just ADORE him---can't say I blame them one bit!!!


The next morning, Brad and I loaded up all the kids and headed down to the Broad Street Run so we could cheer on Becky. Though we made it down with plenty of time to spare, the crowds were so thick, we couldn't make it to the finish line in time to see her cross---DISLIKE! We managed to have a good time anyways---and the kids took full advantage of the inflatable stations!


Olivia finding her way to the top of the giant slide!

Lexie, struck with a look of fear as she nears the end of the slide and is about to run into her cousins! YIKES!


Olivia, slipping and sliding down the monster slide!
Ford's turn to try the slide with a little help from his momma! I'm not sure who enjoyed the ride more!
All the kids were anxious to take another turn.

Molly sporting her momma's medal...and an attempt a smile???
Becky congratulating her friend Jenna after crossing the finish line!
Post race picture--Congratulations Ladies!

It was great to see everyone and get to catch up. Now let's not wait another 6 months or more to do it again! :)