Hersheypark

Alright, I've been a slacker.
It seems we've been way to busy lately to blog much, but here's the latest excitement: a trip to Hershey Park!

Thank you so much to my in-laws for watching my youngest.  That left the rest of us roller-coaster junkies free to pull an all-nighter, well at least as late as they let us stay.

Ready for some fun!

Here's the view from the Kissing Tower, there are quite a few coasters, and I'm proud to say, every single one was ridden by someone in our clan at least once.

Off went Haley and Mike for some coaster fun!  Haley is tall enough to ride anything this year so Mike and I each got to take her on some thrill rides.  She got a little tuckered out towards the end.  

I have to say that Skyrush is my new favorite roller coaster, loved it!!! Mike and Haley tried out the front seat for their very first ride of the day.  Kayla and I had some fun ourselves, we started the day off with the Superdooperlooper.  It was Kayla's first roller coaster loop: she loved it - just like her mommy.  

There were plenty of fun rides and the water park to keep us busy all day long.  We ended the night on a classic family favorite: The Comet.

It's been a long day, ready to head home.

We didn't plan very well though, the concert by One Direction let out as we were leaving the park.  Apparently they are very popular: I must be getting old, I haven't heard of them.  It was close to 2 am before we finally got home.  

4th of July, 2013

We visited my husband's family for this year's festivities.  We attempted some family photos....

Ok, so trying to get a shot of just the kids didn't work out so well.  Maybe next time.

These turned out better, maybe next time we should get someone else to take the picture so we can all be in it.  Maybe next time.

 We headed to a local park for some good food, good music, and fireworks!

Mmmmmm...

Happy 4th of July!

Visit from Mariani's

We had my sister and her family down for a visit.  It was their first visit to our new place, and to the pool!  The kids were so excited to swim with them.

Caitlyn and Tenley are only a month apart, you would think they would be friends, but they just want what the other has.  Maybe they'll grow out of it... probably not.

Here's the whole gang.  Maybe my brother and my other sister will get the hint and come see us soon!

Hello Kitty Cupcakes

We made these cupcakes for my daughter Kayla's 6th birthday.  I really like how they turned out, and they were a hit at the party.

There are Hello Kitty Shaped cookie cutters out here somewhere, but I couldn't find any locally.  I didn't have time to order one, so I ended up making my own.  I started with a circle shaped metal cookie cutter and just kept playing with it until it looked like Hello kitty's head.  Once I got the shape right I cut out white fondant, then piped on the eyes, bow, and whiskers.  I used an edible marking pen for the nose.

Trick-or-Treat 2012

Happy Halloween!  The girls got to dress up quite a few times this year.  They loved every minute of it.

Tenley was cowgirl Jessie from Toy Story 2.  She loved to 'dance' in the little tutu but she would never leave her hat on for too long.

 Haley was Mulan this year.  She loved it when I stuck chopsticks in her hair.  She felt very girly and loved all of the pretty fabrics.

 My little Indian Princess.  Kayla insisted that her Pocahontas dress should only cover one shoulder and that she needed Indian boots to match.

And we have Kittens!

The Cascades

We took the whole family out hiking to enjoy the beautiful fall weather today.  The girls really enjoyed the hike, and loved the waterfall at the end.

Tenley started off happy and perky, and really liked getting a ride on Daddy's back, but she was worn out before we got to the waterfall, and fell asleep.  I still got her picture at the falls, but she slept right through that part.

We are looking forward to trying some more hikes as the leaves turn colors, but had a great time today.

First Day of School!

Kayla had her very first day of kindergarten and Haley started 2nd grade today.  They were both so excited for today!

Kayla absolutely loves school.  She was so excited at the end of the day to tell me all about it.  She sang the cutest little songs, and did little dances to go along with them.

In the evening she asked for "homework."  She didn't really have any yet, but I let her do a paper from a workbook, and she read a book to me.

Of course, Tenley can't be left out of the action.