Thursday, June 28, 2012

This Moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week...inspired by Soulemama.  A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.
 ******



Gardening Kinsley

Cripple Creek

CrippleCreek


We had a great time at the Edmond Farmer's Market but probably our favorite part was the table from Cripple Creek Farms with all their honey and honey related products. Look what I have sitting in my kitchen now. Yum. We love honey around here and while this isn't extremely local to our house it is at least made in Oklahoma which is great. Kinsley couldn't pass up the tiny little honey bear and neither could grandma. Isn't he a cutie? Wouldn't he be a great gift paired with a loaf of homemade bread? Love that.

I was excited to see the pollen available. After reading Ashley's post over at Lil Blue Boo on the health benefits of bee pollen I really wanted to give it a try. I think I'll add it to our smoothies in the afternoons and see how it goes. I'd love to hear from anyone who uses it themselves and your favorite way to take it.
Now if you'll excuse me there is a big slice of homemade bread calling my name...

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Starting Summer

We're finally getting into a summertime rhythm which is good since the temperatures just keep rising.  This entire week is forecasted with temps over 100* so I'd say summer is definitely here.  I know a lot of people look forward to summer but I am generally not one of them.  I see very few things good about days that are so hot you can't stand to be outside and actually move.  I generally spend summer dreaming of the cooler fall weather to come but this year I'm trying to take a different approach.  This year I really want to take the time to enjoy all the things that summer has to offer.  Time to focus on the things we do love about summer and hopefully find some new things to add to our (so far) very short list. All the fresh produce, swimming, snowcones, late nights spent outside playing...okay it's a shorter list than even I thought, this may take some work. 



Tomato

Snow Cone

Summer feet

Picnic

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Travel OK: OKC zoo

Recently we were discussing upcoming travels and different places we could take the girls this summer when we realized how little exploring we've done since having kids.  When Kinsley was a baby we still did quite a bit of traveling but since we've had both girls we really haven't gone anywhere except to visit family.  Not that we don't love doing that (in fact the girls and I are doing that right now) but we need to visit some new places.  The great thing is that Oklahoma really does  have a lot of fun little destinations so we don't even have to leave our home state.  So before we start dreaming of far off places we're going to get out and travel Oklahoma for a while.  There are lots of fun sights to see, we've already been to a few old favorites and some new ones this summer.  I can't wait to share them all with you over the coming weeks.

What better place to start the "Travel OK" series than at the Oklahoma City Zoo.  I can remember getting to visit this zoo as a kid and how much fun it always was.  Even though that was several years ago now I still have a great time when we take the girls.  They have added so many new animals and habitats in recent years and it most definitely takes all day to see it all. 


zoo 1

zoo 2

zoo 3

zoo 4

zoo 5

zoo 6

zoo 7

zoo 8

I swear they have more than just Gorillas at the zoo but due to a lack of charged batteries I couldn't get any more pictures.  Oops.  They have every animal you could imagine, sea lion shows, paddle boats, an incredible children's zoo and play area, and an amazing new elephant habitat. 

Friday, June 15, 2012

This Moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.


Kinsley Water

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Splash!

The girls and I are officially in summer mode (even if we are a bit early) and nothing says summer more than playing in the water.  Our first of many visits to the splash park kicked off our summer fun.  So much better than a pool for the littles who can't swim yet and just as much fun. 

Splash 1

Splash 25

Splash 6

Splash 8

Splash 33

You know it's a good time when even Kaitlyn decides to get in the water. 

Monday, June 11, 2012

Ballet

Ballerina 5



My talented little ballerina had her very first ballet recital this past weekend.   She was so excited, but admitted to me that she was a little nervous about the big audience.  I told her exactly where I would be sitting and that it only mattered that she did her best and had fun.  Once the music started she was all smiles and did a terrific job.




Rehearsal

Rehearsal 12

Rehearsal 6

Ballerina 2

Rehearsal 15


She could barely contain her excitement once the show was over and loved her beautiful flowers.  I was proud of myself for only tearing up a little bit during her dance, such a proud mama.  She's worked so very hard this year learning all her dance moves and practicing.   


Ballerina 11'

Ballerina 14

She is already excited about starting a new year of dance this fall...

Friday, June 8, 2012

This Moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual, inspired by Soulemama.  A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.


If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.


Swinging sisters

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Buggy birthday

Kait's birthday 16


Kaitlyn's birthday Saturday went just as we hoped it would.  The weather was perfect, everything went together nicely, and we were able to have a low-key family day at home.  Katilyn was able to enjoy playing with all her favorite people and wasn't overwhelmed by a crowd or a lot of activities. 

The day started with her birthday table all ready for her and some new little wooden kittens to play with while she waited on her birthday breakfast on her birthday plate. 


Kait's birthday 15


Kait's birthday 4


We do our birthday rings a little differently than some, we leave off the candles (since they are so young) and simply add a new ornament each year. This works for us because I like to pick something to add to the ring that represents something in their life from the past year. This year we picked a bee because of Kait's love of all things "bug" and that is also what set the theme for her party.


Kait's birthday

Kait's birthday 8

Kait's birthday 6

Kait's birthday 10

Kait's birthday 13

Kait's birthday 18

Kait's birthday 26

Kait's birthday 30


If you're wondering the wooden cats came from Two Raccoon Hollow on Etsy and I can not recommend her shop highly enough.  We have so many of her creations (and some in the works) and they have all been terrific. 


The fabric I used for her outfit came from Five Monkey Fabric on Etsy.  I just couldn't resist those little jars of bugs, it is absolutely adorable.  The dragonfly fabric used on her pants was some I've had in my stash for ages.  

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Birthday girl

silly Kait

Happy birthday to my amazing, silly, adventurous, beautiful wildflower.