Puzzle Fun

I think James received this puzzle when he was about two years-old. Ella has just about got her alphabet song down, so I thought it would be fun to pull the puzzle out and see how well she did putting it together. Looks like fun was had by all--including Rocco!

A Little Piece of Heaven at Sandy Beach

We are lucky that about 20 miles away from us there is a nice lake called Crystal Lake. We were able to head out there yesterday and spend the afternoon at Sandy Beach. I love it because it is very clean, the water is warm and there are areas marked off "deep" and "shallow" so there is a great area for James and Ella.










Needless to say, this is our new beachy spot. Close to home, not too far of a drive, close parking, and it only cost us $5 to park. A good deal all around. I can't wait to head back!

My New Calling

Frosting cupcakes.

So, I think I need to start a either a travelling kids cupcake party business,
or else just open up a nursery school / drama camp / art school.

I've been lucky to have this crowd of kids hanging out with me over the past two days,
and as much as their moms think I'm out of my ever lovin' mind
appreciate it, I wish that I could have these little ones over every day for a few hours.

SERIOUSLY. I mean where else can I bundle all of the fun things
that I enjoy doing into one period of time? Like,
Art
Storytelling
Baking
Drama
Singing
Jewelry Making
Laughing
Dancing
Cooking

Where else can I have an adoring crush of fans loving me as I pass out
Popsicles
Brownies
Cheese-sticks
Cookies
Cupcakes
Capri-Suns,

And at what other point can I read stories to my heart's content,
and then be begged for
another,
and another,
and another?

Did I mention that my Mom ran a daycare?
Did I mention that I have a theatre degree?
Did I mention that I LOVE kids???

Hmmm . . .

maybe I'll call it
Pollyanna's Pre-School!!!!

Summer Fun (with Photoshop Actions)

I've been having a ton of fun with my camera (thanks Dad!) and have been trying to learn a new Photoshop trick or two every few days. Here are a few of my new favorite actions that I have been using (click on the image to enlarge it):

RAW Definition

(Ahem, I don't come up with the names) Bitchin' Black & White

Sun Kissed

Polaroid Type 600

Okay, it was 102.9 here in Longmeadow, MA today!!! I am not sure that the heat translates in these photos, but who cares about the heat when you are surrounded by such cutie patootie kids!!

I Love Kids

They make me happy.
How could they not?
Isn't this the cutest Pinata line you've ever seen?

Party for our friend Mary Larkin, far right.
Photo by her Mom, Flannery.
James is in the blue t-shirt with the ginormous smile.
Yes, that is Chris and I in the back. Can you tell I'm all partied out?