Crafty Aunt Samantha

In case I haven't mentioned, my sister is living with us for the summer.  She is transferring to DC in August with her current job and her lease expired in May. 

After careful thought of kicking her to the curb during her 3.5 homeless months, we decided it would be more worthwhile to let her live with us in exchange for free babysitting and batches of her killer oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.  Several pounds later, we are ready for her to leave still eating our way thru her visit.

Last summer, Samantha scored this rundown chair on the curb during my neighborhood bulk trash week. 

She stored it in my garage for far too long and finally decided to get her butt in gear and make good on her big plans to flip the chair.

After a can of spray paint, a new swatch of fabric, and 4 screws, check out the result:



Nice job, Samantha.  That will be a great desk chair for your new posh Georgetown digs.
-Bethany

Aguas Frescas

Yesterday, I was reading one of my favorite food blogs and stumbled across these recipes for Cantelope Basil Agua Fresca and Watermelon Agua Fresca. I had a hankering for the summer drinks all afternoon and couldn't get them out of my head.  Aguas frescas are fairly simple to make with few ingredients, but the process of chopping and straining all of the fruit seemed a little daunting with a toddler at my heels.

On the way home from work, a light bulb went off in my head: I wonder if the nearby authentic fruteria sells aguas frescas. 

Palmer and I were off for a field trip to find out!

What did I see when I pulled up?

Oh HECK yes.  Good call, Bethany!

For $1/each, I ordered a melon agua fresca and Palmer enjoyed the mango agua fresca.  It was love at first sip.

And with the wide offering of seven flavors, you can BET I'll be back this summer, er maybe later today.

-Bethany

Wordless Wednesday

-Bethany

Summer Time

The temps are starting to creep up and we are making the most of outdoor activities before the inevitable 100+ degree weather hits.

The park is a big hit these days.  With all of the options to climb and run, Palmer is in heaven.

And he's slightly impatient to go down the slide.  I often have to remind him to "sit down" at the top of the slide because Palmer would prefer to barrel down face first.  Sitting just takes too much time away from the impending fun of the slide.

Last summer, Palmer was too little for sunscreen so we had to dodge the sun and limit our outdoor activities.  Not this year.  I slather the little boy up and send him on his way.  

So far, he seems to have his mom's skin genes and doesn't burn.  I remember how dark I used to get as a kid and hope he has the same fortune.

Palmer had a blast at Blythe's birthday party.  He couldn't believe his luck when he played in 4 kiddie pools, sprinklers, AND a ball pit.

Combine all of that fun with a cupcake, an ice cream cone, 3 packets of teddy grahams, and strawberries...

 ...and you can bet that a very happy and very tired little boy quickly fell asleep on the way home from the party.

-Bethany

Wordless Wednesday

-Bethany

Lake House

Rick went out to the lake house last weekend and came back with stories about Palmer's first boat ride.  Rick said Palmer was content as long as he was tucked away safely in Rick's lap.  Otherwise, he was terrified.

Palmer (aka Dad, which I think is really aka Pops) caught his first fish, but I hear he didn't help with pulling the hook out of the fish's mouth.

Elle and Palmer had a ball together, until they had to share a seat at the dinner table.  Then, Elle was sure to tattle on Palmer and his messy eating habits.  She kept telling Rick and Nana, "Palmer making mess.  Hey.  Palmer making mess."  

I'm sure the dogs had a feast of floor scraps after Palmer and Elle were finished at the picnic table.

And speaking of messes, check out the hand smudges on the back door of the lake house.  Poor GG.  I'm sure she had her Windex out as soon as everyone left.  Sorry about that, GG.

Rick took Palmer to the lake by himself so that I could have some pre-Mother's Day alone time. Interestingly enough, my girly plans were canceled at the last minute and I found myself at home alone.  When everyone is driving me crazy, I dream of some time to myself.  But, while the boys were gone, I discovered I actually missed them and couldn't wait for their return.  It's a good lesson to realize how good I really have it.

-Bethany

Family Board

My neighbors (technically my neighbors from my old house, but whatevs) gave me a great idea several years ago when their kids were toddlers.  They put a photo of every person in their family on a poster board and laminated it.

The neighbor kids loved to point to different aunts and uncles and grandparents and tell me who they saw.  That idea stuck with me until I eagerly put together Palmer's own family tree last month.

Palmer loves to go over to the board and say "Dada" or "Dog".  The board also helps me to prepare Palmer for an upcoming visit with "Grampi" or "Pops" or "Cousin Elle".

Thanks, Burns Family for the great idea!

-Bethany