Festival Time

Spring has sprung...and we went to our first festival this weekend...the good 'ole Maple Syrup Festival in Shepherd on Friday evening. Ryan and I an the kids went out to a quick dinner and then on to the festival.

We planning on just going for the "Lights and Sirens" Parade...but we got there a bit before dusk, so had to walk around. We met up with my besting Erica and her son Dylan. The boys rode a couple of rides...and it was adorable! They were just giddy over it and SOO SOO cute! They laughed and squealed the whole time.




And then on to the parade where we met up with my friend Wendy and her daughters. It was fun..but LOUD. Blake got a kick out of it but covered his ears after a bit. Liv just took it all in like a champ!


(Can't get over how OLD Blake looks in this pic)

Hooray for spring time and outdoor activities! SO ready for the warmer weather!

Weekend Wrap Up

We had a busy/fun weekend...and of course it went too fast.

Friday the in-laws came over for pizza. After dinner I went out to meet up with friends for a 30th b-day party. It was F.U.N. I could have stayed longer...but I was a good girl and came home early since Ry was home with the babies :)

Saturday I met up for lunch with one of my bestest girls, Heather, whom I hadn't seen in way too long. 2 babies each and living 1+ hour apart...that will have and effect on your time together. It was great to catch up and we decided that we need to do it more often!

I tool B to the movies Sat. afternoon. We saw Puss and Boots...free family film festival, YAY. But it was still $14.50 after the popcorn and pop at the concession stand...who can go to the movies and NOT have snacks though?! Not Blake (or his mama :))!

After the movies I took B and Liv to go visit my mama, because my dad was away for the night!

Sun a.m. B and I went to church..he was a chatterbox...

Went to the in-laws for dinner....

All in all BUSY, fun weekend that flew right on by...

Florida Vacation 2012

We have been back from Florida for just over a week. It was a GREAT vacation. The kids were angles, loved the beach, swimming, were great travelers. We got to see family, meet my future BIL, enjoy the sun. Everything was great!

It has been a crazy week since we returned. Ryan had his (4th) hernia surgery on Monday, so he is home recovering from that.

I am crazy busy at work and still trying to get settled at home! Hopefully things will slow down soon!

Livi Kay LOVED walking the beach!
My family together after celebrating my grandpa Bill's 88th birthday!Night time walk on the beack with my boy...love these memories!

Looks like these two are enjoying themselves :)

Building sand castles!

Testing the waters...my little swimmer baby!

Her favorite thing :)

Wouldn't you know that I forgot my camera! These are all cell phone pics...my Aunt Sue took a lot...so hopefully she sends more soon (hint, hint :))!!

Hey Good Lookin...What Cha Been Cooking?!

I have been cooking up some of the recipes that I have been pinning, and I thought that I would share some of my finds :)

Grilled Chicken-and-Veggie Tortellini
This one was GOOD. I think that it will become a summer staple. We do grilled chicken and veggies a lot, but the tortellini added a good carb to the mix!

Source: myrecipes.com via Annie on Pinterest

Lawnmower Taco - freezer meal or make & bake!
This was good and super easy...using ingredients that I always have on hand. It was like Nachos....but in casserole format! Topped it with lettuce, tomato, black olives, sour cream, taco sauce...Yum!

Source: lifeasmom.com via Annie on Pinterest

Best Steak Marinade 1/3 cup soy sauce 1/2 cup olive oil 1/3 cup lemon juice 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce 1 1/2 Tbsp garlic powder 3 Tbsp dried basil 1 1/2 Tbsp dried parsley flakes 1 tsp ground white pepper 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper 1 tsp minced garlic Combine all ingredients. Pour marinade over meat. Cover and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. Cook meat as desired.

I did this on flank steak and then grilled, so good!

Source: plainchicken.com via Annie on Pinterest

Calzones
This was easy and good for a change of pace for dinner...will def. make again!

Source: family.go.com via Annie on Pinterest

Banana Bars
I always have leftover bananas...tried this this past weekend...good...makes a HUGE batch though. We couldn't eat it all. May cut it in half next time!

Source: melskitchencafe.com via Annie on Pinterest

Banana Cookies
These are my favorite. I make these often and they always turn out SO good!

Source: chef-in-training.com via Annie on Pinterest

Cinnamon Rolls in the Waffle Maker!
What!? Crazy...but we tried it and it was yummy. I dont think that I will do it ALL of the time...but it was a fun little Saturday morning treat for the whole family!

Source: Uploaded by user via Annie on Pinterest

Have any of you found yummy recipies that you could share with me!? I love trying new things...Pinterest usually comes through for me....but sometimes the recipies that LOOK good on there are flops!

Oh How Pinteresting...and VOTE for Livi!

First and foremost...Olivia STILL needs your help in her photo competition. The cotes are CLOSE....so each one is important at this point. All you have to do is "like" her pics on facebook...links are here!

And now I am linking up with Michelle for Oh, How Pinteresting!

Ummmm yes, please!

Source: vanillakitchen.blogspot.com via Annie on Pinterest

How cute is this top?

Source: store.shopprivategallery.com via Annie on Pinterest

This made me lol...

Source: Uploaded by user via Annie on Pinterest

Love this color and cut:

Source: hair.becomegorgeous.com via Annie on Pinterest

yummm...

Source: google.com via Annie on Pinterest

What are you pinning?!

Olivia Needs Your Help!

I mentioned here that I entered little Olivia in a photo contest....well, the pics have been taken and it is time to Vote!

I need ALL OF YOUR HELP!

My crazy "Toddlers and Tiaras" mother side of me is coming out...and I am in competitive mode! haha

There are two different contests. Each on facebook. In each contest the picture with the most "likes" wins....so all you have to do is click on Olivia's picture in the contest folder and "like" it for your vote to be counted!

We are not in the lead right now...so it's important that you vote. It's really important to Livi {err, I mean me}...ha!

The first picture is on Two Tutu Ladies...click here to like this one....she is one of 7 in the album! This is the picture...The second pic is for Carm's Creations...click here to "like" this one. She is one of seven in this album as well! This is the pic...
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU in advance for your help! We {I} really appreciate it.

Signing off,
Crazy stage mother :)