Summer Fun!

Chuck E. Cheese's and Cupcakes

A few weeks ago my sister had a party for my niece and nephew at Chuck E Cheese. It has been a long time since we have been and the kids were very excited. We all had such a great time! Even Nick had fun playing all of the games and won lots of tickets. My nephew loves basketball and had so much fun playing it the whole time. He was so cute to watch. My sister made cupcakes for her son (I can't get the picture to work) and I made cupcakes for her daughter. They all turned out really cute.

Happy Father's Day (late)

It has been way too long since I have updated. Between the kids getting pink eye, Isaac rupturing his eardrum, and all of my dentist and doctor appointments it has been crazy. Thanks to my Mom for helping me with the kids for a week!

Even though it is late I just wanted to say Happy Father's Day to my husband, my Dad, Nick's Dad, and all of the other Fathers that I know. Thanks for being such great examples to my children and for always being there for me. Love you!

Freezer Jam

I was so excited to see all of the strawberry blossoms this year. Last Friday the kids and I picked enough strawberries to make a batch of freezer jam. I decided to make jam this year because so many strawberries went to waste or to the birds last year. There are still tons of strawberries left!

Yummy ripe strawberries!

I couldn't believe how easy freezer jam was to make. It is soo yummy. Nick has already eaten 1 and 1/2 jars.

Yummy Oatmeal Pancakes

Not the best picture, but you get the idea! These pancakes quickly became a family favorite. I got them off of a blog I love (address below). My favorite is eating these topped with fresh strawberries.

YUMMY OATMEAL PANCAKES (http://sisterscafe.blogspot.com/)

2 c. quick oats

½ c. flour

3 T. sugar

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

2 ½ c. buttermilk

2 large eggs (slightly beaten)

¼ c. butter, melted

1 tsp vanilla

add cinnamon, optional

Combine dry ingredients. Add wet ingredients and let sit for 20-30minutes, covered. Cook slowly on a griddle at 325°, or a little lower.The pancakes are easier to flip if they are not very big. Let the pancake cook through on one sideand then flip.

Singing

Aubrey had the opportunity to sing with 2 other girls in our church a few Sundays ago. Here is a video of her practicing her part with Nick filling in where the other girls were supposed to sing. They all did such a great job! Aubrey was so nervous, but when she got up there no one could tell. I am very proud of her and the other two for being so brave!!

Last Day of School

To celebrate the last day of school Nick decided to set up the tent in the backyard and let the kids sleep in it. They started out with an outside movie and yummy popcorn with the neighbors. Everyone slept pretty well and had a fun time (Maddie and I actually slept in the house).