Papa G and Grandma Visit

This past weekend "Papa G" and Grandma Grossheider came out for a quick trip. On Saturday the boys (Dad, Cyle, Clayton and Levi) visited the Air and Space Museum. They were able to see all kinds of aircraft - from small experimental planes to the space shuttle. Lorie and I were able to get in a little shopping! On Sunday we relaxed at home and caught up from such a busy Saturday. It was so nice to see them and I know they enjoyed seeing the boys!

Dress Up

Who says little boys don't like to play dress up? I think all cowboys should wear fancy shoes.



After our neighbor gave us some new clothes for the new baby, the boys couldn't resist trying them on. They didn't really care that they were pink...or baby-sized.



In honor of Chick-Fil-A's Cow Appreciation Day on July 9, the boys and I dressed up like cows and visited our favorite fast food joint. We were rewarded with free food all around!

Happy 4th of July

We went to Culpeper's 4th of July Parade to celebrate the holiday in a traditional, small-town way.


Levi loved trying to catch the smoke from the smoke bombs. Clayton ran the other way.


Clayton couldn't wait to shoot off the biggest firework.

I might be very behind the times, but I just discovered picnik.com I love how easily photos can be edited.




Happy Independence Day!

Sneak Peak...sssshhhhh!

Ammonite and fish...

carnivorous drocera plants with pipe-cleaner insects...

hidden fossils...

a cave entrance...
...and an erupting volcano...the dinosaur cave is DONE! Thank goodness Mom came and helped me out! I'd still be sewing little parts by hand! I cannot wait to give it to the boys for their birthday. I may just have their party early because I don't know how long I can wait for them to have it. I have to keep this post a secret...I'll post more photos later.

Once the cave was finished, I had to fill my evenings with something. I chose ruffles.

Camouflage ruffles. Yes, this was done especially for Cyle. Was it appreciated? By Levi.

So I moved on to purple. I washed and dried this since taking the picture and it actually looks much better now that the green is frayed. It's going to look really good with the matching shirts for the boys...

These, too, look better since being washed. I can't wait for them all to match!

This past week, I also made a crib quilt for Levi. I know he's getting ready to turn two. I know. And that's why the mother's guilt has set in. Clayton has a crib quilt his Grandma Huck made, the new baby has a crib quilt I made years ago when I needed to fill the hours while I lived in a hotel room and Levi had nothing. It's not totally finished, but it's as done as it can be for now. The top is done and is getting ready to be mailed for quilting. It's not elaborate, but it's camouflage and made-by-mom. What more could he want?

At the moment, I don't have a project going. But that's not going to last for long. I could really use some more dishcloths, so I'm pulling out the knitting needles...we'll see how it goes. Mom and Lynn are awfully far away.

Nonna Came to Visit

Nonna came to visit us for three weeks! She started off her visit by watching the boys while I was in New York and spent the rest of it, in Clayton's words, "spoiling everyone." It was so great to have her here. The boys love all of the extra attention they get and I love having the help and companionship. Cyle loves that he never has to do the dishes. Her visit was so nice. Cyle and I were able to take a day and visit Mount Vernon (on my to-do while in VA list) and I was able to complete some projects. We can't wait for her to come back again!

Field Day

Both boys had so much fun at Epiphany's Field Day. The teachers and PTO did a great job organizing a truly fun day. (And the weather cooperated!)

The End of School

Clayton on his first day of school...


...and on his last day of school. (Clearly, he did not want me to take this picture.)

For most of the year, Clayton's classmate Rachel has been totally taken by Levi.

And now that Levi is a little older, he's totally taken with Rachel. I would say, "We're going to Clayton's school today!" And Levi would reply, "Rachel!" She is adorable and sweet and we will miss her.

Clayton told us is he is a "graduator," because he got a certificate from preschool.

We all had such a wonderful year with the Dashing Dinosaurs thanks to Mrs. Klagges and Mrs. Pories. They were loving, caring and fun. Future teachers have a high standard to meet!