Isabel has this lovely wreath hanging on her bedroom door. She was the high bidder at the Festival of Wreaths of the beautiful wreath made by her best friend Casey and Casey's sister and mom.

The purpose of the Festival is to raise money for Carroll Arts Center and they do that by having folks bid (silent auction style) on the various wreaths. Apparently, while viewing the wreaths with Grandmom, Isabel bid (note with Grandmom's knowledge) on Casey's wreath. And lucky us, she was the high bidder and she was thrilled when we got the call with the good news.

Bowling with a friend!

Isabel had given her friend Beth a coupon good for a day of bowling for her birthday (back in July!). I took them on Sunday and what a blast. Isabel won the first two games and Beth came back strong and won the second two.

With kids (mine especially) having so much stuff it's nice to give a gift that allows you to spend time with a friend! Bowling, mini golf, skating, a trip to the zoo - all make great gift ideas for a friend.

Friends

Wonder what this is...I'll tell you soon!

Isabel and Nick had their very best friends Casey and Emma spend the night. What an adventure. We started the evening by making their names out of clay which was then baked:

Here they are all baked - now they need to cool so it's time to build a tent:

Well, then they wanted to play Twister, so down came the tent and out came the game. Lots of laughs and giggles ensued:

Then pillow fights and more laughs:

Nick crashed around 10 pm but the girls were going strong. At 1 AM I made the executive decision to declare it bed time! Even with the lights out chatter continued for another 20-30 minutes.

We started the next morning bright and early at about 7AM. Apparently Emma had a bloody nose, so she woke Casey. Well, Casey felt that she needed to wake Isabel and then of course, I needed to be awaken. They tried to wake Nick but he was having none of it and continued to sleep until about 9.

They played til Nick got up and then Santi made pancakes. Then it was outside to paint the clay letters they made the night before.

The finished names:

Some swimming fun:

So then I made the mistake of leaving the kids alone with Daddy. I ran to pick up pizza and returned home to find this:

Seems they asked Daddy if they could paint the swingset and he answered, "Sure." So they did!

Dutch Wonderland with Friends

Last weekend we took our annual trip to Dutch Wonderland with friends. The kids had a fabulous time despite the rain. The day started great - hot and sunny - so we hit the water park. And, for the first time both kids enjoyed the area where you get super wet. Plus Nick and Isabel, after some persuasion, took a ride on the big slide. Nick loved it and went again. Isabel, not so much - one ride was enough.

After the water park we treked over to the rides. Isabel and Casey were able to ride the antique cars by themselves - and did they ride. Over and over again. Even when the rain came they kept getting back in line, taking turns driving. God help us when they really do learn to drive! Nick's favorite ride was, of course, the roller coaster. I think he rode it 10 times! I couldn't get Isabel on it once even with a bribe of $20!

The day ended with face painting and games! A great day with great friends!

Isabel & Casey enjoy a shower!

Isabel's trip down the big slide - she's in the middle of Kim & Casey - really!

Nick's first trip down the slide with Daddy - he loved it!

Our ride on the monorail
Nick & Emma on the frog hopper

Nick & Daddy on the roller coaster.
Nick, Casey, Emma & Isabel

Face Painting

Best friends.