Yum!

Whenever I'm making anything that involves grape tomatoes, Katie comes running. It's one of her absolute favorite treats.

I've taught my mom to get extra tomatoes whenever she's using them!

Happy Birthday, Bob!

My dad's birthday was the weekend after Father's Day. All he wanted for his birthday was a banana cream pie. When Katie heard that he didn't want other gifts, she was horrified, so she made him gifts. Some of the gifts she made were drawings that she made, while other gifts were things that she had that she was willing to share with him like rocks from her rock collection.

She put as many of the gifts as she could into envelopes, addressed the envelopes, and showed them proudly to me. She was so proud that she knew my dad's first name and knew how to spell it. It was like a hidden secret that she wanted to finally share with the world. I made sure I took a picture of her envelope that was "For Bob."

Happy Birthday, Grandpa!

A Birthday Party

A few days after school got out, Katie was invited to a birthday party. She is always happy to go to Ella's and Lucas' house for a party. Lucas was turning two, and Katie was excited to celebrate!

I couldn't wait to get the party started! 

When Lucas opened his gifts, I had a front row view. 

I was excited to give him a pad of paper because I love using paper! 

I wanted to help him with every step. 

We gave him a soft car too. 

I could hang out with Lucas' family all day.

I'm pretty sure I love all of them equally. 

Lucas is growing up fast. 

Wouldn't it be great if you could go to a party every day?

I spent a little time helping Lucas draw, and... 

…a little time hugging Ella. 

Before we went home, I was so excited to see my former music teacher, Ms. Jodi! It was a perfect party!

A Find

Katie had to get this shirt for Jim when she found it at the store. She thought it was the perfect find!

I knew this shirt would look great on Jim!

Back to Cooking

One of the first things Katie wanted to go back to this summer was creating her own recipes. She likes to use flour and sugar whenever possible.

Whenever people see me cooking, they wonder who will get to try my new recipe.

Brrrr!

Katie was at Jennifer's house with my mom one morning, and she had forgotten to take a sweater along. When she got cold, she could have wrapped up in a blanket, but instead, she chose to wrap up in my mom's jacket.

When it gets cold, you have to find something that will keep you warm!

Father's Day, 2017

On Father's Day this year, my dad came over to our house and we had dinner with him. Katie is always excited when he comes to join us for dinner. One of her favorite parts of the day was when she got to blow bubbles to show my dad after dinner!

I think Grandpa liked watching how far my bubbles could travel!