Birthday Bashes & Hot Flashes

Beauty in the Common Things: Having people to rely on. What is not full of beauty is those that don't think beyond their nose.

Listen In: the normal around here. Wonder Pets and Daniel on the phone.

View from the Kitchen Window: a bean stalk almost a foot high! The bean Grant planted at VBS is flourishing! (see previous post)

We started out July by celebrating my niece's 1st birthday. It was an outdoor cookout with plenty of heat, but we had a good time.

I'm mad because I didn't realize there wasn't one picture of me and the birthday girl until I got home. I even did my best to keep my hair out of a pony tail for the occasion!

We knew we got to the right house when we saw this in the yard. One of Vivian's sweet cousins did this!

Grant gave the birthday girl some good tickles.

Adorable birthday cake!

Baby girl was not the biggest fan of the cake. We had to basically force her to eat it, then she hated being dirty!

These boys chugged the Capri-Suns like there was no tomorrow!

From there, we went to visit Daniel's family for more birthday celebrations. Grant insisted we pick out this Care Bear cake for PePaw and Erica.
On July 4th, we visited with more family and then went to watch some fireworks. We had been swimming most of the day, so we looked a little rough. Daniel didn't seem to mind, though.

Grant was more interested in his ice cream and his new toy gun than the fireworks.

In our area, we've had record temperatures for this time of year. I did yard work for a while one morning and got so hot I felt awful for the rest of the day. Needless to say, we've been doing our best to enjoy our wonderful new a/c system.

So how do you beat the heat?

1. Bring the outdoors, indoors.

Grant and Daniel popped up the deer blind, brought out the coyote decoy, and set up the animal calls. Don't worry, no real guns were used during this fun time.

2. Find things you can do that are fun, cheap, and again...cool.

Did you know they have a Redhead Appreciation Day? I didn't, until I saw that Marble Slam Creameries was giving out a scoop of red velvet ice cream to all redheads (fake and real). We made a day out of it. The ice cream wasn't that wonderful, but who passes up free ice cream? If you live in the DFW area or not, you need to follow My Dallas Mommy (linked on my blog) via her blog or Twitter. I find all sorts of neat discounts and deals this way. Some are local, but a lot are online or at national chains.
3. Go topless!

Ok, this is only recommended in your home or in a pool...and if you are male! I let Grant run around this way just because it iss less laundry for me, and because he can! Here we are sharing some fruit by the foot "Lady in the Tramp" style.

Welcome to the Jungle

Grant turned 3 last week. He ended up finding his present early, a Power Wheels Jeep. We had placed it in a corner of a room with a large blanket over it. I thought, "Ok, if he happens to go into that room, I'll just make sure to divert his attention." Of course, I turn around for 2 seconds and I see that blanket moving up and down and then I hear, "Wow!". Oh great....

But doesn't he look like such a big boy?

Later that week, he made sure to buckle in penguin with him.
On that Saturday before his birthday, we had a Safari party. Or as Grant called it, "Fafari".

I was so excited about how the cake turned out!


The parachute time turned out to be a hit!

Pin the tail on the alligator.

Make a Wish!

After cake, ice cream, and presents, it was time to take the kids on safari.

Uncle Greg was the safari leader. We had elephants, tigers, giraffes, and lions hidden for the kids.

That night we got together for fajitas and some Power Wheels fun!

It's Party Time!

My nephew turned the big "5" earlier this month. I love him so much and love being part of his life. People who know me know why I am determined to be the best Aunt I can be.

Here my loving on little Fletcher when he was a few months old (looking like he's already sick of my kisses!)

And another of my and my little man...

And now...me and the 5 year old!
Grant had been talking about Fletcher's birthday party for several days. Here is Grant with his Aunt Laura.

My niece Vivian and I.
Uncle Greg and Vivian.
Grant, Fletcher and his friends spent most of party outside enjoying the pretty weather.
Uncle Daniel and Vivian. Seriously, she's this happy with just about everyone!

Fletcher's theme of the party was "Ben 10". Wasn't sure what that was exactly, but he loved it!
Of course, Grant had to check out everything Fletcher got.

This picture cracks me up! He was pretending this horse was bucking him and I caught this funny face.

After the party, Fletcher had a t-ball game. I was planning on making posters to tell him I much I loved him from the stands, but then I figured I may not be invited back again.

He looks so grown up!
Watch out...he's tough!
Taking a break in the dug out...
Fletcher's cheering section. Go #10!

Grant insisted on sitting next to "Gweg"




The next game Fletcher had, he was awarded the game ball. Ask him why and he'll say "I hustled!"