Three Years!

Avery is three years old today. Can you believe it? In some ways, I'm amazed she's already three. In other ways, it feels like she's been three for a while. She's growing up so fast! We've had a great day so far with lots of fun things to do and great gifts from family. Thanks everyone for making this a great day so far for her. This morning we had some girls over for a princess party. She had a blast dressing up and playing games with her friends. I'll get some pictures up soon. Tonight we're going to go out to eat and then go play games at Chuck E. Cheese!

I love my little girl. She's sure fun to have around!

I've always wanted to make one of these so when my friend Whitney asked if I wanted in on her vinyl lettering order I jumped at the chance. I think it turned out cute! Plus it motivated me to rearrange all the wall hangings in my house.

Up in My Grill

It has been hot this week so we decided to finally get a grill so we can start cooking outdoors. I've been really wanting this Weber Q100 for a while and wouldn't you know, we got it for a steal at Kohl's! It has been super awesome. This grill came with great reviews and, although smaller than a traditional gas grill, it can probably handle 6-8 burgers on it at once, which isn't too shabby. Plus we can take it anywhere. So far we've made Brats and Burgers, Salmon and Tilapia, and Chicken/Veggie Kabobs (above). It's been great! I'll also be making BBQ chicken, grilled corn on the cob, grilled pizza, and whatever else I can come up with. What else do you make on your BBQ?

Pie #2- Peach Pie

I know that National Peach Pie day isn't until August 24th but Peach Pie was Merrick's second pie request for my 1 pie a month for 6 months. I wish I had waited to do this one until the peaches were in season because the peaches I got were although fresh, not the best. At least I took some pictures this time.

A good tip I learned in the process: The easiest way to peel your peaches is to cut a small X in the skin on the bottom of the peach. Then stick 2-3 in a pot of boiling water for 30-60 seconds until the skin starts curling up. Take them out, put in a bowl of ice water, and then the peels just come right off. However, if your peaches aren't ripe this won't work!

I won't give you my recipe this time because I just grabbed a general peach pie recipe that you can get out of any standard cookbook. Mine used 2 T of dry quick cooking tapioca as the secret ingredient.

Yay for pies!

Pretty Pretty

It's been a while since I tried to get some good pictures of my kids so I dressed them up and took them in the backyard to see what I could get. Here are some fun ones.