Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Happy Father's Day, Honey!

For Father's Day we treated my dear and wonderful husband to a feast at Lamberts,
home of the throwed rolls, and
a walk at the nature center.

 
A classic and timeless combination,
enjoyed by our family for the past ten years.
It was a pleasant day!


Happy Father's Day, honey!

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Another Happy Birthday!

Welcome to the Helton Farm for the celebration of Austin's 2nd birthday!



It was a party full of incredible clever details,

including fun and fabulous food
(a vegetable garden, an orchard and a pig pen)


and a wonderfully sweet and yummy cake.

My favorite detail would have to be this t-shirt that his mama made for him to wear on this special day.  It reads, "If I'm crying it's because PopPop is driving the tractor without me."
And, yes, in fact, that statement would be true.
When PopPop was driving the tractor to hitch it to the trailer for the hay rides...

...this was Austin's response.

He was placated when the hay ride began.
(This boy loves outdoor adventures and
mechanized adventures.  A hay ride might just be the best
of both worlds).

After the hay ride Austin got right down to the serious business of package opening

and the less serious business of wish making and cake eating,
and of creating "messy"
yet "delicious" hands.
(His choice of words, chanted over and over again).
Austin declared the party a huge success!

Thanks, Mama!

All that's left for Austin to do is play with all the really cool gifts that he received
and enjoy being two!
Happy Birthday, Austin!
We love you!



Thursday, June 14, 2012

Happy 237th Birthday!

On June 14, 1775 the Continental Army was created by the Continental Congress as a unified army that would allow the colonies to fight Great Britain, shortly thereafter George Washington was appointed as its commander.
And today, June 14, 2012,  we wish the Army a Happy 237th Birthday!
On June 14, 1777 the Second Continental Congress adopted our flag to represent the young nation so, on this day we also recognize Flag Day.
We displayed Old Glory and had a little party.
Bishop developed a red, white and blue menu. 

The menu included Maceo's latest creation - buffaloed burgers.
We figured that the buffalo sauce could be considered red, the blue cheese might be considered white and blue.  Of course, the buns could be considered white as well.
We also served homemade salsa alongside blue and white corn tortilla chips.

And, for dessert, Bishop made camouflaged pretzels and flag cupcakes.
Yum, yum and yum!

Fittingly, Bishop and I had the opportunity to go to a traveling exhibit provided by the 
National World War I Museum out of Kansas City.  We learned that the wristwatch became popular in the United States after World War I. Prior to this war most American men utilized pocket watches; however, during the war British officers encouraged American officers to make the switch so that they wouldn't lose any time checking their watches when their missions required synchronization.
We also learned that America did not enter the war as an allied power but as an associated power because we wanted to maintain autonomy from the European nations.

On November 11, 1918, "at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month," the war ended.  I love the hope and optimism of the sign, 'May it be peace forever. USA.'
If only it could be so
Until that day, I am so grateful for the United States Armed Services and its devotion to the protection of my beloved nation.
Once again, Happy 237th Birthday U.S. Army!!!

Friday, June 1, 2012

A Week (or so) In Review

A busy week (or so) has been had by our family as we try to wrap up our school year and just continue to live our adventure.
Bishop's scout troop was asked to place flags on veteran's graves prior to Memorial Day.
As a family, we were so honored to get to be a part of this.
It was a rewarding experience!

Homeschool choir finished the school year by performing at a local university.
Maceo's choir was getting positioned during intermission and I was able to get this relaxed candid shot.  He doesn't allow that very often so I treasure photos such as this.
The performance was fantastic and he has been promoted to concert choir a semester early.
He is pleased and I am proud.
The day after the performance the homeschool choir and orchestra, comprised of about 350 students, fellowshipped at a local park.
It was four hours of fun and sun - the boys got the fun and I got the sun, a sun burn that is.
The boys had a fantastic time.  We will miss our homeschool friends over the summer.
And, finally, our week involved celebrating the birthday of the Christian church, Pentecost.
Maceo has declared this one of his favorite celebrations of the year because he is guaranteed one of his favorite entrees - buffalo chicken wings.
We also had 'tongues of fire' veggie tray and 'fruits of the spirit' salad.
For dessert we had simple cupcakes each with their individual flames.
(I tried to make tri-colored flames on each cupcake.  I failed miserably but that didn't keep everyone from enjoying the sweet treat).
Happy Birthday!