So much to do during a weekend with grandkids. No more training wheels for Caleb. We found a bike at a yard sale this weekend so this little guy could ride at our house too.
With the GrandKids this Week
Real Knowledge for Back to School and a Cute Rolo Candy Pencil Craft
As our grandchildren begin a new school year, my prayer above all others is that they all learn more of the Lord and grow closer to him. Proverbs Chapter 2 and verses 1-11 tells of the blessing and benefits of wisdom and knowledge. Sending them back to school with prayers and cute, Rolo candy pencil for a sweet treat as they begin a new year.Spur of the Moment Adventure
Jared, Ella and I planned to spend the day with Jamie and the kids. When we arrived Jamie asked if we wanted to go on an adventure. We all climbed into her 12-passenger van and it was off the Camden Waterfront. What a gorgeous day with lower temps and humidity, a sky filled with fluffy white clouds, eight delighted children and a (round about) 😉 trek to the city. There was a mad dash to catch the ferry that shuttled us across the Delaware River.
From the ferry we could see on the Jersey banks, the Battleship New Jersey, The RCA building, Campbell’s Field, The Ben Franklin Bridge, the New Jersey State Aquarium and the Camden Children’s Garden. On the Philly side we saw Penn’s Landing and historic Philadelphia.
We walked through the streets and looking for just the right place to eat.
And we found it! An Asian cafe with seating on the quiet sidewalk under shady trees.
The food was delicious! We ended our meal with a wonderful plate of
Sesame Fried Bananas topped with Coconut Ice Cream!
It was such a lovely day that I texted John telling him I found the perfect day-outing for our anniversary in October. I even told our server at the restaurant we will see her then.
He is excited!
Banana Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting
My blog friend Lynn @Happier Than a Pig in Mud shares the tastiest recipes! I have made several and enjoyed each one! She found this delicious Banana Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting and I like it for the same reasons Lynn does ~ moist, delicious and small enough to bake in a countertop oven.Continue Reading
August
jenny and nick’s wedding
happy baby
birthday fun
the lake
baby hat
fishing
twilight
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canoeing
fancy evening
Coconut Banana Bread
As if banana bread isn’t already a great quick bread for snacking on or with coffee for breakfast, this version, Coconut Banana Bread, is pretty special with the addition of coconut and a bright citrus glaze. You can even add chocolate chips for an even more decadent version!
Birthday Outing with Silas
We were finally able to take Silas out to celebrate his 6th birthday that was back in May.
We went to a Camden Riversharks Baseball game at Campbell’s Field at the base of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.
Here at The Camden Waterfront just across the river from Philadelphia, Silas clenches his Finley.
A ride on the carousel and a hug from Skeeter
Though he doesn’t look it, Jared had a great time too.
Sweet guy was at a sleepover the night before and hadn’t slept for over thirty hours but was still cheerful and kind. He dozed in the car then came alert a bit after this 🙂
We had had seats right in the center just behind the dugout but when the sun came out from behind the clouds it got pretty hot. We moved to higher, shadier seats with an occasional breeze that was better.
View of the Ben Franklin Bridge heading into Philly
After the game there was a firework display
Tradition, History & Fun
It’s Chloe’s turn…
joining her siblings and cousins in this sentimental family tradition.
Chloe’s Aunt Abbey was one of the firsts to wear this vintage outfit belonging to John
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Abbey and her dad chilling on the sofa after work, looking so much alike 🙂
Amid the hectic summer schedule, John wanted to take a vacation day.
Last week, we shared a lovely day together strolling through the nearby historic town of Haddonfield.
We toured the Indian King Tavern Museum, where on September 1777, the Legislature of New Jersey unanimously resolved that thereafter the word “state” should be substituted for “colony” in all public writs and commissions.
On the second-floor assemble room of this historic building is where
The Great Seal of New Jersey was adopted
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Haddonfield’s Indian King Tavern is one of New Jersey’s most historic buildings. Named for the local Lenape Indians, it is a premiere example of eighteenth-century colonial tavern architecture as well as the site where New Jersey was legally created.
In 1777, as clashing armies devastated Trenton, the Assembly reconvened in the Indian King to pass legislation officially creating an independent state and adopting its Great Seal. Legend has it that, throughout the 1780s, Dolley Payne — who later became First Lady Dolley Madison — was a frequent visitor. Source
Photos inside the building were not allowed.
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Afterward our walk down the brick sidewalks and through many of the shops, we used a LivingSocial coupon for lunch at The British Chip Shop.
That evening, we relaxed on the sofa together while watching Driving Miss Daisy.
It was a perfect day!
Mother’s Day Weekend
Saturday, John and I worked from 7am until 3pm in the yard weeding, trimming bushes and adding a new berm where there was a bare spot from a Japanese Maple we lost last year.  We quit to shower and dress for a drive to my cousin’s son’s wedding reception.  We picked up my sister on the way and headed to a lovely evening with family and friends.
Johnny and Nanea had a beautiful beach wedding a few weeks ago in Hawaii.
Aunt Marie’s Knitted Dainty Bells
Easy vintage pattern for knitted dainty bells work up quickly and are sweet for holiday tree ornaments, baby or wedding shower favors and corsages. My husband’s Aunt Marie enjoyed all sorts of needlework and loved gifting us with special items she made.
The Kiddos
Cambrie Keri & Chloe
Keri ~ motherly and girly
Cambrie ~ tiny and independent (capable of holding her own as one of six siblings)
Also… soft and pixie-ish (loud and clear when defending herself)
Silas ~ sweet and connected
Ella (like a grandchild) Very girly, bright, capable
Keri ~ thoughtful artistic and creative
Noah ~ strong, athletic and organized
Caleb John ~ full of fun quirky character. Wish you could hear the sweet musical way he talks. It would warm your heart.
Keri and Chloe
Chloe Keri and wiggly Cambrie (even Gummy Bears couldn’t keep her in place for a photo)
Jared ~ self-proclaimed geek, academic neat organized even-keeled, affectionate and tender-hearted
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Baby Chloe ~ tiny soft kissable snugly happy smiley
Jamie and Chloe
Family gathered together for a lovely bridal shower for my niece Toni
sisters ~ caring, thoughtful encouraging helpful fun-loving and oft times downright giddy
Carol is the mother-of-the-bride
Ryan’s birthday gift from Aunt Erin ~ he thought this was very cool
Ryan ~ Bright, athletic, respectful, attentive considerate
Brenna ~ quiet, athletic, thoughtful and nurturing
Shaela ~ Adorable, fun, affectionate leader and Daddy’s girl
and Ella who love spending time with the kids.
Brenna ~ quiet, athletic, thoughtful and nurturing
Shaela ~ Adorable, fun, affectionate leader and Daddy’s girl
and Ella who love spending time with the kids.
Guess who lost her first baby tooth while visiting Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop’s?
Linking to:
Happy Family Times @Crafty Moms Share
Easter Weekend
Little Wooden Cross from Sticks
I just love the simplicity of this project. Easily made from sticks gathered from your yard, a humble little wooden cross is so symbolic. Attach a tag with the bible verse from Luke 2:11, “a Savior has been born to you”, and it is perfect as you celebrate Easter or even Christmas. These little stick crosses are a sweet and easy holiday craft to make for or with kids.Continue ReadingA St. Patrick’s Day Birthday
St Patrick’s Day has always been special in our family since it was also my moms birthday. The photo above is a St. Patrick’s Day Birthday given in honor of Mommy way back in the 1960’s. Held at my aunts house with friends, my dad (in white shirt) and me (in green dress).
Loving Those Shamrock Shake Mustache Smiles
Not too sure why making shamrock shake mustache faces became a tradition here but these silly leprechauns always have a delightful time of it.
A cheerful heart is good medicine
Proverbs 17:22
Life Overflowing
The days have been so busy I’m not sure where to begin.
Recapping some of the recent happenings…
A few days after Chloe’s birth, Caleb celebrated his 4th birthday. He was most happy all day and each thing he said seemed to come out in song.
Amid everything else, we had the roof replaced. It was a bit unnerving to have the house draped in dark plastic while workers tore off the old roof making a racket for those inside, but now we have a roof that should last longer than we do.
There was an unexpected return to the hospital for Jamie but baby Chloe was allowed to be there too. I gave her her first bath on the tiny counter in the bathroom while Pop-Pop snapped a few pics with Jamie’s camera phone.
This little dear didn’t give out a peep as I jostled and ruffled her trying to keep her warm in a less than ideal space. I couldn’t refrain from kissing those soft baby cheeks.
Jamie’s hospital stay brought Jill, Brad and kids down to lend a hand and give opportunity for Cousin~time.
Some more lovin’ and a primrose and hyacinth announcing spring is on the way.
We watched Keri and Noah at Salao Soccer.
Jamie is home now and feeling much better. So good, that we all met at the playground to enjoy the warm sunshine (even thought the air was still nippy). Jill, Brad and kids will be heading back to NY in the morning.