Snoop!!!

 This is Snoop...

 This is my niece Grayce...

This is Snoop around Grayce...

Any questions?

Weekending With Grayce

My niece Grayce spent the weekend with me.  Because I am her favorite aunt, I made sure it was extra special.

Grayce is not only artistic, but beautiful too...

 

We cooked...

 

Enjoyed looking at photo albums of when she was "little" :)

Went bowling (I'm doing another post on that tomorrow), ate too many Twix...

Baked and decorated an amazing chocolate mayonnaise cake...

Hiked and visited with friends...

And, then we relaxed...

because we were dog tired...

Never, ever, ever underestimate the energy level of a very soon-to-be 11 year old. 
They can bring you to your knees :)

Double Digits

Somebody recently entered the double digit zone...

Any guess as to who that is?
Happy Birthday Grayce!!!
We love you :)

Lucky 7

Emma, let's tell everyone how seven is not only how old you are, but also our lucky number. Better yet, let's show them how much fun we had with only $7.00. Softball, shirt, and overall dress - $3.00.

Softball sweatshirt - free!!!

Capris, coverup and lovely heart dress shirt - $3.00.

Baby doll cradle - $1.00

Thrifting on a Saturday morning with my favorite nieces - priceless :)

My Day With Grayce

What a wonderful day I spent with Grayce. We were so busy. I picked her up at my brother's place of work, went to my favorite quilt shop (Grayce's now too), went to Walmart and Aldi's, and then we came home. Grayce played with a friend's son who was also visiting, we wrapped the Birthday Girl's presents, cooked, played ping pong, ate, picked DJ up from Bristol Mountain, watched the Olympics, and then we hit the hay.

Here are some snapshots of our day...

It was alot of fun. Next time she comes, we feed the birds, count the money in the change jar, and pull out the sewing machine:) Can't wait Grayce.

The Indians Are Coming

I am the oldest of three children (Brenda and John are my younger siblings). My sister always liked my brother better than me. I don't understand why.

Well, maybe I do. When I was five and Brenda was three, cowboy and indian movies were the thing to watch. Everybody was afraid of indians. My sister was no exception and I took full advantage of that knowledge (even at that very young age, I was a keen observer of the human psyche).

We lived in a big old house with woods behind it. The woods eventually lead to a farm that had horses. I would lure my little sister to that area by saying, "Brenda, let's go see the horses."

Excitedly, she followed me (her older, loving sister) into the woods, up the hill to the fence (well, I made it there-she did not). You see, right as she was about to get to the fence to see the horses, I would start yelling, "The indians are coming. The indians are coming." and proceed to run as fast as my little five year old feet would take me back towards the house (laughing all the way) with Brenda hot behind me screaming, "Wait for me!!! Wait for me!!!"

God I love that kid :)

Speaking of kids I love and indians, this little indian is here for the night. Yeah, she gets to sleep in Alexandra's room, have stew, watch movies, and help me bake a carrot cake for my soon to be 20 year old daughter.

I am glad that my brother (who I never did anything mischievous to;) has allowed Grayce to come over.

And, don't worry John, I promise I won't give her any creative, mischievous ideas. She reminds me of me enough already :)

Let's Go Grayce, Let's Go

This weekend I went with my mother and watched my wonderful niece, Grayce, play basketball. I spent most of Saturday afternoon smiling as I watched this young lady play ball. You would have too. Just look at this picture of her. She was so happy we were there.





We surprised my brother, John, by showing up unexpectedly.

We also surprised my other niece, Emma ;O

I took a lot of pictures of Grayce playing ball...

Look at her form...

her defensive position...

her ability to focus on the game :)

Emma's ability to focus on the game ;)

It was so much fun. I love Grayce and Emma and I love their exhuberance regarding life and basketball. I was glad I was there to participate in it. Thanks girls XOXO.

Look Who's 9 Years Old

Saturday I went to my niece's birthday party.

Grayce turned nine years old.


Her Dad gave her a bike...

She also got to have a party.
A pajama party to be exact.
What do they do at pajama parties?
Well...
They play twister...

They listen to Miley Cyrus and do the limbo.

I can't believe I did not take any pictures of that, but it is true.

They listened to Miley Cyrus and did the limbo.

I like Miley Cyrus.

Grayce opened presents...

and cards...

While her sister (my other niece) Emma played shy...
I took her picture anyway.

Aunt Brenda was there...

Cousin Daniel too...

As well as, many of Grayce's friends...

and family...

That's really what it is all about -- being around for those that you love :)

Happy Birthday Grayce.

Thank you for inviting me to your party.

It was awesome!!!