Exploring My Creative Side

This year I decided to do photo Valentines of the kids.  I didn't want to just send out pictures of them, since I can do that anytime, so I did an Internet search and happened upon a blog with this adorable idea that was super-easy (not to mention afforable).  How's that for a win/win situation?! 

First, I took individual pictures of Lorelai and Miller in front of a giant chalkboard wall with the words "HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!" and their own "signature" underneath.  They each held PVC pipe in a strategic position for a specific look that would come into play later.

Once the pictures were developed I cut a slit right at the top of the PVC pipe and put a heart-shaped lollipop behind it.  I taped it down to the back of the picture so that it wouldn't move.  It made it look like the kids were holding giant lollipops.

Finally, I glued the pictures to red, pink, and white construction paper to make borders for the cards.  They got rave reviews!  Hope y'all love the idea, too, and maybe choose to use it for your Valentines next year.  :)

**I know the lollipops look a little disjointed but it's just due to the angle that I took the pictures from.  I couldn't take them from straight above or I would have gotten a glare from the flash.**

Fancy Nancy Tea Party

My great friend, Susan, told me about a Fancy Nancy Tea Party that was being hosted at one of the local libraries here in Powdersville.  Well, who better to attend this function than the original "Fancy Nancy" herself, Miss Lorelai Jacob.

As instructed by the invitation: a fancy dress was a definite "yes."  Lorelai wore a lavender dress that Grandmother bought for her.  It looked like it was a flower girl dress in its former life.  I added a tiara, some clunky costume jewelry, velvety gloves, a wand, and a bit of shimmer make-up and lipstick since it was a special occasion.

VOILA ~ our girl was transformed into something quite "magnifique." (That's a fancy french word for great.)  **By the way, for those of you who don't read "Fancy Nancy," that's a nearly direct line from a book.  She takes a word and then in parentheses tells what it really means.  She's fabulous AND educational.  LOVE HER!!!**

My absolute favorite one.

The theme of the book tour.

When we were taken to our seats, each girl had a star with her name on it as her place setting.

This is the book that was read aloud during the party.

Since we were one of the first groups to arrive we had to find ways to kill time.  Lorelai spent the minutes posing with everything.  Here she is with the table decorations.

And here she is with the lady of the hour, Fancy Nancy herself...or at least a picture of her.  (Please forgive the glare.)

Our dining partners were a little girl named Vanessa and her mother.  Vanessa and Lorelai became quick friends.

After reading the book and playing "Pin the Tiara on Fancy Nancy," the girls got to decorate their stars with jewels and feathers.

Now, on to the actual tea party portion of the afternoon.  We were served mini-eclairs, creme puffs, butter cookies, strawberry sugar wafers, animal cookies, and pink lemonade.  Not too shabby for a free event hosted by the library!

Check out those dimples!  She is the light of my world, the joy of my life ~ not to mention growing up to be quite a beautful young lady, if I do say so myself.  It was a wonderful afternoon, Lorelai, thank you for letting me share it with you.

Little Miss & Mr. Men

Little Miss Studious

Mr. Man Who Melts My Heart

A Few Family Photos

Before we left Partee Time I tried to wrangle everyone together to get a few family photos.  It wasn't as successful as I would have hoped, but I still got some great pictures.

A wonderful mother/daughter picture of Lisa and Sierra.

Rob and is always gracious to stop and pose for the camera.

A huge grin from Chase.

Men and their technology.

I was trying to get a picture of the Jacob brothers and Lorelai hopped right into Dan's lap - classic photobomb!!

A-Golfing We Will Go

While at Partee Time all of the kids played a round of mini-golf. 

Chase was up first and played through all nine holes pretty quickly. 

Lorelai got a lesson from Daddy.

 Sierra hit it smoothly through the windmill.

Miller decided the clubs were just slowing him down.

Meet Furman

As I mentioned previously, Furman is Sierra's class mascot.  He got to go to Partee Time with us and I think he had a pretty fun outing.  First, he got to have his picture made with "The Lighthouse Kid."

Next, he got to ride on the slides with Sierra and Lorelai.

Finally, he got to finish off the day with a tasty Cheerwine.  Who wouldn't enjoy a day like that?!

Celebrating Sierra's Special Award

Sierra won " The Lighthouse Kid" award two weeks ago.  One of the ways she wanted to celebrate was to go to Partee Time - Easley's version of Monkee Joe's.  She was nice enough to invite us to go along for the celebration.  She got to take the class mascot, Furman - a stuffed turtle - with her and had to take pictures with him while she did her activities.  (Another post will include Furman's journeys.)