first day of school

brody looking so grown up and ready to start VPK in Mrs Selitti's class

charlotte sending her brothers off to school (she starts PMO in two weeks)

Riley looking so handsome...he is very excited to start second grade

so cute!

bath time

having fun in the bath tub

practicing her floating...just love that smile!

the end of summer

Summertime...hanging out at Nanna...having fun!

play dough (home made)

Recipe for home made play dough (makes 5-6 cups/colors):

3 cups flour

1 1/2 cups salt

3 cups water

2 tbs canola oil

1 tbs cream of tartar

food coloring (I used gel)

 

Gather supplies.

Combine in pot (except for food coloring).

Heat ingredients on medium/low (#4 on my glass top stove). Stirring occasionally for approx 10 min.

Heat/Stir until your dough looks like this.

I took approx one cup out at a time, and kneaded gel food coloring in (WITH GLOVES ON!) till I got the color I wanted.

First off, let me say that I got this idea and recipe from Art Nest. I made a double batch so I could have closer to 6 cups/colors of dough...since my kids love playing with play dough. It was really fun and easy to make...I am sure this will not be the last batch I make.
xoxo

Roasted Peppers

Place peppers on middle rack on low broil...turning often.

...till they look like this. Let cool, then peel and de seed.

This is what your scraps look like...

and you end up with this bowl of delicious!! (just add fresh garlic)

My dear friend Elena taught me how to make this dish while we were on vacation together last week (she also taught me how to make homemade sauce and chicken curry). It is delicious on my salads I eat every day as well as on grilled chicken...pretty much any meat or fish. Thank El.
xoxo

Meet the teacher

Every year before school starts we get a home visit from Riley's teacher. He was so excited to meet Mrs Ramage. We had such a nice visit and Riley and I think second grade will be great!

Pillowcase purses

Over the shoulder tie purse/bag.

Long Handle bag.

I saw some cute pillowcase purse/bag tutorials on pinterest and thought they would be fun to make for each of my girlfriends for our upcoming girls weekend in September/October. I swung by Goodwill on my way home last night and found out they sell pillowcases for .98 cents apiece. I bought two to experiment with. I found the adorable and easy tutorials here on Sweet Charli blog for the tie over the sholder bag and here on Spider Woman Knits blog for the long handled bag (she made hers with 2 handles, but I like one longer handle for over the shoulder). I was able to make each bag in about an hour... the over the shoulder tie bag is definately more finished looking bag...the other one is more plain (but still perfect as a reusable grocery tote or roomy beach bag).
xoxo

Orlando

I just couldn't stop taking pictures of our two adorable girls...Elena, I hope they grow to love each other as much as we do!

Before we left, I wanted to snap a couple of pictures of the condo...it really was nice!

I couldn't imagine a more fun week.... Elena and I with our six kids. It may sound a little crazy (and it was at times...ok, most of the time), but each night after the kids were in bed we got the chance to enjoy a glass or two of wine and play cards. And of course when the lights were out and we could hardly keep our eyes open, we would talk some more...gosh, I am definitely going to miss this.
xoxo

Orlando

Charlotte and Cha Cha taking a break from swimming and eating a banana at one of the kiddy pools at the Grand Beach resort on Lake Bryan.

The whole crew in the pool.

On Wednesday we took the kiddos to Downtown Disney. They all had a blast. We went to the biggest Disney Store in the World, practically having to drag the kids through it...I can't imagine how much overload their little brains were on.

Lego Land was definitely a favorite with all the kids. We spent hours digging through all the legos and making new creations, then went inside where you could play lego computer games, or make 3 mini figures for 9.99, or purchase ANY miscellaneous piece that you may have lost...it was AMAZING.

The seven dwarfs all made from Legos.

After Lego Land we headed to T-Rex for an early dinner.  I had called ahead and they assured me that they have a strict policy re: peanut allergies. When we arrived they sent a chef from their kitchen who came to the table and told us what was safe to order off the menu for Riley.  Then he also said he would be the one preparing the meal from start to finish so it could not be cross contaminated by a nut(s). It was the FIRST time i ever felt fully relaxed eating out. I guess that is why we NEVER go out to eat with the kiddos.

Climbing the dinosaur leg outside of the T-Rex restaurant.

Sleeping Beauty getting love from Matteo, Brody, Cha Cha and Sophia.

This week has been so much fun so far. Elena and I have kept the kids and stayed around the resort swimming and taking advantage of the activities they have. We did drag take the kids to a flea market yesterday and scored on some great items (sunglasses, a ring, purses) . Of course we did bribe all the kids if they were good, we would get them one souvenir...and for the most part they were all great! Charlotte got a Hello Kitty stuffed animal, Brody got a Spiderman cup/notebook/pencils etc, Sophia and Matteo got little dog stuffed animals, ChaCha got a Sleeping Beauty stuffed doll and Riley decided to save his money and rather wait till I went to Wal-mart so he could get a Lego set (he ended up getting a great set that you can make 8 diff. Star Wars vehicles).
I was also blessed with the chance to run to the Ann Taylor Loft Outlet Store (thanks El). I found a few great button up tops (one for my mom too) at prices that were ridiculously cheap. So FUN!
xoxo