Blooming

 Baby snap peas and cactus......beautiful

Today's Happiness

 Today's happiness brought to you by splashes of color added to the fall porch decor,

 Blooming fairy gardens,

And Ukelele playing.

Focus

After a full day at the beach we came home and unloaded...everywhere. Sand covered the laundry room, wet towels and suits immediately went into the wash. And the snack bag threw up on my counter. That counter. It is my nemesis. It is so lovely cleared off with not clutter. That doesn't happen very often. So instead of worrying about all that clutter I chose to focus on something beautiful, something lovely. I think it helped.

A Trip to the Farmers Market

 This morning we ventured out to one of our favorite Farmers Markets. It's been awhile so it was so nice to get out, let the kids ride their scooters around (even with the "why aren't they in school on a Friday morning?" glances...) and take a few pictures.

 This one is my favorite of the morning - we stumbled upon the grape vines (I think?).

Snacking on fresh fruit in the car - the best!

Good Memories on "Bad" Days

 Here are pictures of the memories I choose to remember from today. They don't capture the complaining or whining or disobedience. Once sweet faces happy with our purchase from the veggie stand on the corner.

And a little baking therapy for me. Banana chocolate chip bread. Yum.

Roses

A Day to Celebrate

 Wyatt has been sick with the flu. All week. He had a fever. All week. We watching a lot of TV. All week. Did I mention this has gone on ALL WEEK? Well today is the day - he is fever free. That kind of news was cause for celebration. So when my little man suggested we go on a "hike" I happily obliged. Off we went with him leading the way - he even agreed to carry he and sissy's waters.

 The hike was walking along a trail in the back of our neighborhood.

 Here is Payton in front on her "favorite" tree. Not our yard - a random house on our street. She was hesitant to stand in their yard.

 I was excited to see a little Spring color at the end of our "hike". Love this yellow.

 Ok - these are out of order (darn blog). But we had a lovely plate of girl scout cookies (what else this time of year?) and some fresh lemonade.

 Here they are at the park - a pit stop on our way home.

 And here he is -  Mr Fever Free! With a glass of lemonade and a lemonade cookie!

That's my little man on my lap. Not because he is sick but because he wanted to snuggle. Love. him.

Queen Califia's Magic Circle Field Trip

 Wyatt still has the flu and is on day 3 of a fever. But we all have a bit of cabin fever and I just couldn't stand the idea of sitting at home again all day watching TV. So we ventured out to Kit Carson Park to check out Queen Califia's Magic Circle. It is nestled in the park which was perfect. We could be outside without worrying about infecting anyone.

 The kids loved traipsing through the park, they both definitely needed some outside time.

 This picture is out of order and it's hard to explain the "circle". This part is a maze which the kids loved.

 Once you get through the maze these concrete statues are everywhere in the center of the circle. It is beautiful.

 While the kids ran around I snapped some pictures.

 The detail in her work is amazing. And the fact that this is at our local park is also amazing.

 See Wyatt? He is low crawling in an attempt to "sneak" up on us. In about 5 minutes though he was running behind yelling "wait up!" He had reached his limit.

A quick trip to feed the ducks and back home we went. The perfect little outing.

Sick Day

This is what our day consisted of:

A girl happy to have a "chill" kind of day drawing, looking up what type of puppy she will be asking for for next Christmas (yes, Daddy, I said puppy), and watching a whole lot of TV. Just what a 10 year old needed after a long weekend of celebrating. Did I mention she didn't get up until 10:30?

A boy not so happy to have yet another day with a fever. Today was a mix of kind of feeling ok enough to want to play and jump around but not able to interact with any friends. Boredom and complaining mixed with hugs and snuggles. A night with a heavy dose of Motrin and decongestant after the thermometer read 101.

A tired mom who took advantage of a viewing of Hotel Transylvania and took a nap. A semi productive mom who caught up on laundry. A mom looking forward to a quiet night alone in front of an adult type show - Disney Channel has worn out it's welcome today (even if I do love Good Luck Charlie).

Lizard Wizard Party!!!!

 What does a 10 year old girl like to do to celebrate her birthday? Hang out with amphibians, insects and arthropods of course!

 The lovely Kathy from Lizard Wizard came over yesterday and put on quite a show.

 Payton enjoyed every minute in that birthday chair.

 She was in heaven I tell you - I could totally see her growing up and taking over for Kathy!

 Wyatt got in on the action too - wasn't afraid at all.

 Did I mention snakes are not my fave?

 The selling point on a Lizard Wizard party? What Kathy calls the "dare chair". The minute we booked the party Payton told everyone I would be sitting in that lovely chair.

 I love how she is trying to make me feel better....all the while the laughing, screaming and giggling with the other 15 9, 10 and 11 year olds!

 I seriously could not bring myself to open my eyes at this point. Pure torture I tell you!

 AWWWWW.......sigh of relief! It's over!

 Wyatt was willing to hold anything! That's a scorpion.

 The grand finale was this "little" beauty!

 Yuck!

Happy Birthday Payton!!!!!!!!