Pausing for a fun quiz...

You Are Most at Home in the Kitchen

You Are Most at Home in the Kitchen You're the type of person who finds a lot of comfort in your home. You love to take care of yourself and others. Your home is welcoming and open to all. You love entertaining guests and making them feel a part of the family. There's nothing like spending an afternoon in the kitchen, whipping up treats for you and your loved ones. You believe that the simple things in life can be the most enjoyable. You like give your time and love to people.

Wordless Wednesday: "Youz had milk, but I dranked-ed it all gone."

"Well, there goes $600 out the window!"

Or door in our case.
Our beloved bird, a Jenday Conure named Steve, escaped from our house tonight.
We are devastated.
My little Julia came to me in streaming tears and hiccuped breaths screaming that Steve had flown out the door when the girls opened it to let a friend in.
Daphne, Abby and Garrett had grabbed flashlights, since it had just gotten dark outside, and were diligently searching trees and bushes.
I have real doubts that we will ever find him again. He does have a tracking bracelet and I will be calling the the proper facility to report him missing in the morning...but for now:
To any of you in the Durant, OK area, this is what Steve looks like. (I know 4 children who would be willing to give up a year's worth of dessert to have him back). 

Happy Birthday, America!

For the 4th we celebrated with some good friends of ours, The Ellsworths, on their beautiful property and had the best time EVER!! We played Fort with army men and shot Black cats at the other person's men. (It ended up just being a Mame-a-Thon for the poor army men. lol!

"Retreat! We're no match for their heavy artillery!"

What's a summer time soiree without a trampoline?

At the pond on the paddle boat.

A friendly little game of tug-o-war.

And now, for some barrel racing!

"Pal, you be the barrel and I'll race you!"

"Ok, just steer clear of potholes."

And they're off!

Junior and Dylan round the corner and head back for home.

"Pal, I think it would work better if you held my legs up a little higher."

"Oh. Well, I think it would work better if I were taller or you were shorter. Just sayin'."

Black cat explodes under water. That was cool to watch, even though my picture doesn't do it justice. A large portion of the pond would light up in all shades of yellow, blue and green. It was cool.

Roman Candles across the pond. Looks mystical.

My son lighting fireworks with an older buddy.

And the fireworks for the night were amazing!! Here are a few of my shots from the evenings festivities. Enjoy!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

Alice Adventure SNEAK PEEK!

My oldest daughter turns 12 next week and for us that's a big deal. Lots of new changes occur for her when she turns 12. She goes into Middle School for one (ugh, really? ALREADY?)
She also advances into the Young Women's organization in our church.
And come on, she started shaving this past month, I had to buy her her first bra!! It's all happening so fast I hardly get to see anything. I feel like I'm trying to read the graffiti on a runaway locomotive.
So, letting the new adventures that await her in the next year inspire me I have decide to throw her a mega adventure for her to share with her friends...

in WoNDeRlaNd!

Here's a sneak peek at the future festivities:

The invitations...

Mad Hatter Treat Box (I may even give you a tutorial on these...if you're good).

Ok, that's all you get for now! The rest will follow next week directly after the party and clean-up (if I survive). And you'll be able to check it out at my Party and Event Blog: Hip Hip Soiree