Swim Meet Fun!

The older boys are at a swim meet in Nashville.

Look who they got to see! What a cutie!!

World Cup Birthday Celebration

Last Saturday, we celebrated Peanut's 12th birthday. The party centered around the World Cup Game, USA vs. England. Talk about an easy party.

We got a shower curtain and went to town making a sign for the yard. Peanut had fun with the spray paint. I, on the other hand, got bit by a mosquito square in the middle of my forehead.

Here is the finished product drying overnight on the backyard fence.

We attached the sign to some polls with the hope of displaying it in the front yard. The wind was too strong and we had to move it.
We even decorated inside over the mantle. The decorations will remain to cheer on the USA! We gave the kids Uncle Sam hats.

Here is the sign in its safe location. All the guests got to see it as they entered the front door.
Who knew so many boys wanted to help Peanut blow out his candles.
He was fending the guys off during the round of Happy Birthday.
He blew them out so fast that I did not even get to capture it on camera.
At half time, I coaxed them all outside for a photo. I took a few. Peanut is going to use one for his thank yous. If you look closely, Buddy is looking out the front door. He wanted to join in on the fun.
I still can't believe Peanut is 12! He had a blast with the guys. He got three tshirts associated with the World Cup. He is so excited to wear them while the teams are playing. And, the fact the game ended in a tie made it worthwhile. Go USA!

We finally got DVR. The big guy's recorded the games. There is lots of soccer viewing going on in this house!!

Fire Hydrant

Last week, I was walking Buddy. We came across a fire hydrant. This one was a bit different to Buddy. He was so funny. He walked wide around it. In a way, he was stalking the fire hydrant. He finally figured out what was going on. There was water coming out. It was rather hot out. I thought he'd step right up and quench his thirst. No. He kept his distance.

The workmen down the street were using the water from the hydrant. I was chuckling at this four-legged dude. I finally remembered to grab my camera but wish I would have grabbed it sooner.

Farmer's Market on Bikes

On the first Tuesday of summer, we headed to the local farmer's market on our bikes. This year we are participating in a CSA with a different farmer. The pick up is close to home - close enough to ride our bikes. The boys got ahead of me as I stopped to move a tree branch out of the road.

Here they are waiting for...
the train to pass. It was a big 'ol train. We had a spot in the shade and it wasn't too hot.
We loaded up the veggies in bags and headed home. The kale helped us finish out the month of May eating green smoothies for breakfast.

The hot hot summer weather is now upon us. Any biking that I do will be done in the wee hours of the morning. So much for sleeping in!

Happy XII!

This picture has nothing to do with the post title - just a random shot. The boys are documenting their summers via a photo a day. You'd be surprised at some of their photos. This is one. We went to hear music at the Sunset on the Square. What kind of shot is this? I guess it was to show off my nose and our new chairs.

About a half hour later, we were drenched as a storm came through.

Now, on to the title of the post...

Last Saturday marked a big one for Peanut. He turned twelve! I can't believe it. I stopped working when he was born. I worked for 12 years and have now been home for 12 years. Where did the time go?

He got up bright and early wanting to open his presents. We did just that.
Can't get a better Xbox 360 game. Just in time for the World Cup!
And, a digital camera all his own! He's had fun over the last few days snapping shots.
Peanut chose Central BBQ for dinner. He eyed a peanut butter pie the last time we were there. He wanted that for his birthday. Gotta love a boy seeking out the food he wants.
Pumpkin snapped this one. The light isn't the best, but you get the picture. I've banned the hair dryer (not really. That is just my excuse) and am opting for the pony tail look as of late. It is summer after all and we just have to go for it!
The birthday celebration continues this weekend. Peanut is having a few friends over to watch the USA vs. England soccer game. It should be fun! Pictures of the party to come...

Staycation 2010

Last week, the Big guy had a few days of vacation that he needed to use up before his fiscal year ended. It was nice to do lots around the house. I don't know if the boys liked it. They were worked pretty hard!

The Big Guy and Peanut ran a local 4 miler. Peanut took first in his age group. It was a great venue. We stopped at Central BBQ for a late dinner.

What started as cleaning out flower beds turned into a garage sale. We slapped it together. This was the morning of the sale when we were about ready to close up shop. We were surprised by how successful we were. And, our garage, playroom and closets are gorgeous!

I tried my hand at making my own pizza crust using Mark Bitman's easy crust recipe. I made it in the food processor. We had left over chicken producing a yummy barbq chicken pizza. It's a popular variety of pizza in our area.

Peanut could not find his wallet. That resulted in a major cleaning of his bedroom. More stuff! But, this is heading to craigslist or goodwill. Wow! The room is sparkling! It wasn't the funnest Friday night, but it was worth it. We ended up finding his wallet in his bathroom drawer. Go Figure!

I think Buddy enjoyed having us all at home. He was eager to ride with us whenever he could. I took this shot from the front seat. He is "curled" up in the back. It's a shame the weather is as warm as it is. He doesn't get to ride along quite as much.

The Big Guy's dream came true! We entered the 21st century as far as our family room TV goes. It fit in the back of the car. We set it up and are enjoying it. We still have to get the right receivers. All in due time...

We had family over on Sunday. It kept it really simple. We had snacks and sub sandwiches. My sil brought a cheesecake. It was wonderful and nice to see everyone.

Lastly, today may go on record as being the most boring summer day for Peanut. He read, watched TV, played Xbox, played on the computer, and put up with me. I was doing some last minute cramming - actually knitting. This cupcake pin cushion will soon be on it's way to my mom for her birthday. I am so thankful the boys obliged and let me get it finished. I know mom will enjoy using it!

I blamed the Big Guy for falling behind on the cupcake. With him home late last week, my schedule was altered! I did not mind a bit:)