Homemade Lasagna

It's about time Mama learned how to make home-made lasagna.  Not hard at all!  Emma was a great assistant chef.  And there was so much that we ate it for several meals!

A Purrfect Birthday

Emma had a Hello Kitty themed family party at our house.  I always enjoy preparing and decorating.  Emma really likes helping me and truly appreciates it.  I painted her toes to reflect the festivities, per the birthday girl's request.  Not too shabby for such a small canvas!  The girls also wore Hello Kitty outfits.  It's so nice of Emma's aunts/great-aunts, uncles/great-uncles, cousins, and grandparents to celebrate with us!

Reggie Redbird Party

Strike!  Emma's Reggie Redbird party at the ISU Bowling and Billiards Center was a hit!  This was our first time hosting a friend birthday party, so we were a little nervous.  Reggie Redbird was among the guests.  He attempted to show the kids his skill at bowling.  When he rolled a gutter ball, which was often, the kids ran up to give him a hug and cheer him on during the next roll.  He brought Emma a Reggie bobblehead figurine and several other little souvenirs.  During breaks from bowling, the kids colored Reggie pictures, signed Emma's bowling pin, or played our home-made ball toss game.  The kids also enjoyed Reggie cupcakes (toothpick toppers hand-crafted by yours truly) and drinks.  Emma's friends showered her with fun gifts: arts and crafts projects, Play-Doh, Legos, and Hello Kitty.  As a thank you, Emma let each friend pick a new book to take home.  I was able to order many of Emma's favorites (If You Give a . . . series, Pete the Cat series, Hello Kitty, etc.) through Scholastic.  We also wrote personal thank you notes like the one above to everyone who celebrated with us.  Happy 5th birthday, Emma . . . and go Redbirds!

Hot Soccer

Hot . . . early evening (dinner time) . . . soccer.

Father's Day Art

The girls made unique Father's Day gifts at school.  Lauren's teachers took a picture of her wearing a daddy tie and had a photo card printed with a sweet quote.  Emma's teacher took a series of pictures.  The chalkboard says, "I love you because . . . you draw me pictures of Batman and Batgirl . . . you help me color in pictures . . . Happy Father's Day 2013!  Emma also made an "iDad" with words that describe Scott (funny, joker, nice, sweet, silly, fun).

Water Play

Dancing Raisins

You just need a clear, carbonated beverage and raisins for this experiment.  The bubbles collect on the raisins and carry them to the surface.  Then the bubbles pop and the raisins sink to the bottom.  Up and down, up and down, up and down.  Dancing raisins!