Riley's Day

This one is a biggy. I am posting this prematurely, but I consider this Riley's birthday celebration. We spent last Monday Night together for Riley's eighth birthday. Even though it was an early shindig....due to summer vacations.....we did not let it pass unnoticed. We had a dinner/swim party, gifts, dessert, and a cousin sleepover.

The birthday gift this year was a hit! Thanks to Julie's recommendation and some helpful hints we scored. I put together a "Nancy Drew Sleuth Kit". Yeah...it worked! The theme for the rest of the night was "Nancy Drew" at her best. The little detectives spent the night looking for clues (with binoculars, flashlights and walkie talkies) that invovled anything that was amiss in the neighborhood. Grandpa even hid some clues of his own. I just watched and giggled! Oh the imagination those girls have! I now have received "Nancy Drew" requests from other grandchildren for future birthday gifts! It was a Hit!

Earlier, I took Riley shopping and to lunch for her birthday. This year the grandkids get to pick out a new pair of shoes. Can I say that it has been so much fun. I loved Riley's choice....she received a couple of compliments from strangers as we walked the mall. Very fashionable!

The night ended with a cousin sleepover/movie/popcorn event! All eligible little girls snuggled in their sleeping bags in front of "Because of Winn Dixie"....a night to remember! I love my little kiddos! We look forward to Riley's baptism in August. She is the oldest grandchild and is a sweet example of all of us.


As a side note....these little girls thrive on each other's company. They play endlessly together. It has been so much fun to have these girls so close in age. They are such good little friends. I'm hoping it stays that way! (Notice little Lucy's twirly skirt? Julie....have you visited Material Girls???? I need to get sewing....Kate is next!)

Utah And Then Some

Yes, I ate a hamburger...it was a stretch!

Last week I took Kevin up to Utah for EFY. A perfect opportunity for me to visit family and peruse every quilt shop possible. Luckily, and by chance, some of my Mesa friends were in Utah for a funeral and some family time and we scheduled a little get together in between family fun. Yippee! The pictures speak for themselves!! Might I add that the weather....some rain....in Utah, smelled soooo good. It has been a long time since we have witnessed much rain in Arizona, so it was a treat indeed!

A quilt stop!

All of my sisters and my mom managed to get together for a birthday lunch one afternoon. I miss being able to visit and lunch with the girls. We have a great time together. I have lived away so long that it is a treat for me to see them all and spend some time laughing and talking. We went to a new place to eat...at least for me.....and it was YUMMY!

I found a quilt I am going to make......this is a little picture preview. Who knows when I will get around to it....I am famous for that! Oh the quilts I have to finish!! But I love it so!

Keeping Up

My blogging has taken a back seat to the hectic pace of life! I am not a "quickie" when it comes to keeping up the latest and greatest news. So I will skip the past and begin with yesterday....

I had a much needed "pool day" with the grand-kiddos. All of them got an invitation to come and swim with Nana for a couple of hours. Yes, they all showed up in time and their mamas made a dash for the door! A free two hours to take a deep breath with some of the gang gone.

Can I say that I have a lot of grandkids???? I had to request Kevin's services as co-pool lifeguard. I have 3 little swimmers that needed constant attention. Lucy and Drew are coming along with their swimming skills.....but still need a watchful eye. Once in a while they just can't make it to the side.... Their little heads are bobbing while they try and tread water to stay alive. On the other hand....Zack is simply a swimming maniac. He has no idea. He thinks he can do everything the other kids do. He's lucky to be alive. He leaves the safety of the "big step" thinking he will surely be able to survive. Jumps off the diving board....you gotta move fast!....takes a standing dive off the floating mat in the middle of the pool....decides to swim away while he is doing "monkeys" at the edge of the pool... jumps off the side of the pool while I am not looking (he always comes up smiling). I had to perform several life-saving attempts!

Kevin is the most popular playmate. He held a basketball shooting contest and roughed them up on the pool floats. They all plead for his attention!

Really....to watch all those kids at once is a feat! But can I say we had a marvelous time?? They are adorable and all of them are little "fish". There is nothing better than spending the day in a "warm" pool....gorgeous weather (for some reason it is not hot here yet...remarkable!) with my cute kiddos.

Lunch....McDonald's Chicken Nuggets, of course