Spending Time in the Kitchen

Katie still cooks a lot in her kitchen, but lately, she has started to spend time in her kitchen for other things as well!

I found this old game that Grandma had. I didn't know how to play the game, but I pretended it was my own personal computer! 

This is a comfortable spot to enjoy a book. 

Did you need something before I finish my book?

Hanging Around with Bailey

What's the best thing to do in the morning? Hang around with your puppy, of course!

I love to start my day with a dog!

The Magic Napkin

On the same day that Jennifer was power washing, Katie brought a napkin outside. She put it on the wet driveway and watched as the water crept up the napkin and saturated it. Then she decided to put the wet napkin in the watering can.

At that point, Katie made up a very long story about "The Magic Napkin." She told the story with such expression and awe. It was fun to listen to her. The story went something like this…

"Once upon a time there was a magical napkin that lived in the can. You can never touch the napkin or it will lose some of it's magic. It sleeps outside at night. Once everyone in the house is asleep, two screwdrivers start to make music on the ground. The music wakes up the magic napkin. The napkin dances around and around, moving the can around. Don't touch the can or the napkin - even if you want to! After the napkin wakes up, it travels over to the forest over there. There's a blue, sparkly castle in the forest, and the magic napkin can stay in the castle. When he's in the forest, he visits the honey bees. He collects lots of honey, so he can make some candy. Then at night when everyone is still sleeping, he delivers candy to everyone who believes in his magic. Then the napkin goes back to his can to rest. The magic napkin is so nice to everyone. I can't wait for him to visit us tonight!"

I was impressed with Katie's ability to make up a story. I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I love imagination and creativity.

I was just going to let the Magic Napkin rest in the watering can and enjoy the story that was created, but that night, Katie was still talking about her story. She closed her eyes and made a very sincere wish for the Magic Napkin to visit her that night. What could I do but reward her with four mini M&Ms in the morning?

I was glad when I helped the Magic Napkin find his home. 

I couldn't wait for him to bring me some candy!

Supporting Aunt Jennifer

One afternoon, Jennifer decided to power wash the driveway. Katie decided to go outside to help Jennifer. Jennifer power washed while Katie played. Jennifer tried to fix the broken power washer while Katie played some more. Jennifer started working with the newly rented power washer while Katie went inside to play. It's nice that she's such a support!

I'm ready for some physical labor! 

I'm glad that Aunt Jennifer put a puddle on the driveway, so I could play in it. 

Everyone should stand in the middle of a puddle on a hot day. 

If I splash this water far enough, Aunt Jennifer will think she already cleaned this area. 

After all of that help I gave her, I think I'll go in and enjoy the air conditioner!

Playing Pirate

It was getting late one night, but Katie begged me to "play pirate" before she went to bed. She quickly pulled together some costumes and practiced her best pirate interpretation. "Arrrrrgh!"

Don't try to take my treasure!

Our Summer "Garden"

Last year, we experimented with having tomato and strawberry plants on our back patio. The plants were a great success, and Katie loved eating all of the tomatoes and strawberries. So this year, we decided to plant those two types of plants again. We also decided to plant a raspberry and green pepper plant. We'll see how it turns out.

After a big shopping trip, we were ready to plant! 

The strawberry plants were easy to plant. 

The rest of the plants required a bit more work. 

I was proud when we were done. Now I can't wait to see my fruits and vegetables!

Making Cookies with Aunt Jennifer

Jennifer bought some cookie dough, and Katie was so happy to help make the dough into cookie shapes to bake!

Sometimes it's hard to get the cookie dough just right. 

No matter how they turn out, it's fun to make them!