A fun day out and a special blessing!

Yesterday, I packed up the kiddos and headed out to the park to take advantage of the nice spring weather. We brought lunch and had a picnic, all the while being attacked by tons of flies (ewwwww....). They had plenty of time to get their energy out on the playground and swings.

We took some time to feed the ducks, too.....and the very hungry squirrels!

After a couple hours, we headed home for our special surprise. You see, we were having our old scratched up, mediocre looking countertops replaced with something much nicer! Here's our before....not bad, but nothing special, and very worn, though you can't tell in the picture.

Here's the after.....

Much better! A nite and day difference. We had wanted to put in granite tops for quite some time, but after pricing it out, it was waaaaaay beyond our price range! The alternative for us was to put in this new granite-looking formica that just came out. I have to say, it may not be granite, but it looks pretty darn close! And best of all, about a fifth of the price we would have paid. I can live with that!

Bake sale

Today my 8 and 10 yo daughters held a bake sale at our house, to try to raise money for our trip to Dallas in May (specifically for the American Girl store!) We baked up a storm this week and ended up with several kinds of cookies, cupcakes, and brownies. Quite the selection! They set up shop in the front yard, complete with signs. Their take by the end of the day was about $45, after setting aside 10% to help support missionaries. It wasn't quite as successful as our other sale, which surprised me, since we had such a variety, but they still did well. They are looking forward to our trip!

Grandma's visit

I am very blessed to have such a wonderful mother-in-law, and my kids, such a great and caring grandmother. Since she lives several states away, we are only able to see her usually 2 or 3 times a year. Because of that, everyone looks forward to her visit with great anticipation! Well, this past week was the visit-and what a great one it was! Grandma always comes bearing gifts, and this visit was no exception. Check out these cute matching aprons she brought for the girls! (She's so crafty!) The morning after her arrival, the littlest kiddos had the excitement of being able to attend the neighbor's 1st birthday party, complete with moon bouncer, lunch, and oh....lots of candy!

At home, Grandma and the girls got right down to business, starting on some fun crafts that mom never seems to find the time to do! My being very non-creative also probably has something to do with it! Here is my 11 yo decorating some cute little purses.. (sorry for the sideways pic)

She even managed to teach my 8 yo to knit.....and love it, too! Here's the pretty scarf she finished.

There was also plenty of playing outside, a trip to the park and mcdonald's, and just a lot of enjoyiing one another. She is beautiful both inside and out....she's our super Grandma!

One step closer....

to manhood! My 2nd oldest son turned 16 the last day of March.....phew! Where has the time gone? My once little toddler is now old enough to drive? Understand, I didn't say he IS driving! That is a little ways off. First comes the job to save up the money to buy the car so that he can drive! He is excited to start working on that. Since he's past the party age, really, he opted to take his birthday budget money and use it toward buying something he wanted. We celebrated at home with a giant decorated M and M cookie and two kinds of ice cream. Low key, but just how he wanted it. Even though you can't tell from the picture, he really did have fun!

Fun at the Folk Festival

Today we spent a fun family day together at the local Folk Festival, held once a year. My girls, especially, really look forward to it, as they really enjoy participating in the old fashioned fun activities offered there. They made rag dolls from fabric scraps... Got up close with lots of farm animals...(they're secretly hoping one day we'll have our own!)

Shelled some dried corn...

Practiced calligraphy with a fountain pen and ink..

And even had time leftover for roping some cattle!

A great day-we'll be back again next year!