A Day At the Museum

This is one of the coolest places in our city. It's an old (10 story?) warehouse or something that has been changed into a huge children's (and adult's) museum. It's made up of amazing climbing structures that take you from floor to floor, giant slides that take you many stories down, one even goes from the top to the bottom in a winding slide, a circus performed by local kids who learn at the circus school there, and many other super cool things. You could spend a couple days there and probably not see everything.

We went with our new friend, Bella. She is the niece of a co-worker of Richard's. She spent a few days hanging out with us this summer because her aunt thought it would be more fun to play with us than sit at the office while she worked all day. She was right. We had fun with her.

Amazing Race Cake

Lauren's friend, Ryan, had an Amazing Race birthday party and they asked me to make the cake. This is simple, but that's what they wanted. Thanks for the fun party Ryan!

Lauren is Cute

We bought these cool wrap around skirts that can be worn 101 ways. This is one variation on Lauren. Love it. These dresses look good on everyone. I'll try to remember to take a picture of all of us wearing one. It's fun. Probably available at a kiosk in your mall.

Shalyn turns 17

Shalyn moved in just in time to have her birthday with us.
She wanted red velvet cake.

We went out to eat at Longhorn Steakhouse. Yumm! Then home for cake.

She got swim goggles from Richard. This girl can rock some goggles.

Adorable.

Meet Shalyn

Who is Shalyn? She's that cute girl in the yellow dress. She is our new houseguest for the next year.
Here's the story: She's a senior this year. Her family moved away. She's Maddie's friend. They hatched a plan. She lives with us now.
It's going very well. She's fun to have around. She misses her pets badly. No, we're not getting one just for her.

Harry Potter Opening Night

Everyone got into the spirit of HP for the midnight showing of the final chapters. Maddie and Shalyn went with friends and Emma and I went with other friends. Can you tell who everyone is?
(Sybill Trelawney, Minerva McGonagall, and Hogwarts student)

A Day At The Park

Butterfly House 2011

We made another trip to the Butterfly House. I love the flowers every bit as much as the butterflies. That butterfly landed on me and stayed for several minutes. (Oddly, a few weeks later we went to Six Flags and a butterfly landed on me there and stayed with me a good 10 min. or so.) I guess I attract butterflies.
Lauren and Ellie decided to toughen up this year and "face their fears"---BUTTERFLIES! Lauren did very well. Ellie is still not a fan. I still can't quite figure out what is so terrifying, but the fear is real.

Kiara turns 16

And who is Kiara? She is Maddie's adorable friend who used to be our neighbor. They've moved away, but those two have been able to find a way to get together a few times since the big move.
This summer, Kiara got to spend a month with us. It was a surprise for Maddie and what a wonderful surprise it was.

Kiara turned 16 while staying with us. She designed the cake and I made it for her. We had a party with some of her friends. Low key, but a fun get-together.