Erin's luau

In addition to Sean's 8th grade dance last night Erin had her "end of the year luau" at her school.  

It was an all you can eat ice cream buffet sponsored by Cold Stone Creamery, and she chose cotton candy ice cream with gummy bears.

There was all kinds of dancing, games, and shell coloring (her favorite).

And at the end of the event there was a raffle drawing, and Erin won one of the prizes.  A huge beach bucket filled with beach/summer goodies.  She was so excited when they called our number.

8th grade dance

Tonight was a big night for Sean.  It was his 8th grade dance, celebrating the end of middle school and the move to high school.  It was a semi-formal event (and parents were not allowed).  The boys mostly dressed in khaki's and nice shirts, but the girls were dressed more formally.  They were all so cute.  

Jessica and Sean have been friends since 1st grade.  We picked her up, and her mom and I were both taking a ton of pictures.

After leaving Jessica's house we went to AJ's (in the black) to take pictures with a group of their other close friends. 

Upstairs on the balcony at AJ's house.

The group of seven that AJ's dad and I drove to the dance.

The complete group once we got to the school.

After the dance (6-9pm) they all went to Beef 'O Brady's for a couple of hours even though the dance was catered (all you can eat, too).  I guess it's just the thing to do after a dance, eh?

Maggie's Decadent Brownies

I have no words.  Nevermind, I do.  Sinful.  That is the best way to describe these frosted brownies, and if you make them you will understand.  A layer of rich, dense brownie, and then a layer of chocolate frosting with marshmallows. Oh my!

Maggie's Decadent Brownies (click the name to get the recipe)

Erin

And lastly, Erin climbed up in one of the trees down by the lake to have a picture taken.

A new neighbor

While we were sitting by the lake we discovered a new neighbor.  We now have a baby alligator living in the lake with the big 9-footer that lives in there.  This one is only about 3 feet long, and he wasn't at all bothered by us being there.  (click once on any picture to see it enlarged)

With a dragonfly on its head.

Anah Belle

We spent some time down by the lake behind our house today, and Anah enjoyed the fun, too.  She is such a sweet dog, and she has so much personality.  

Smiling

Playing "peek-a-boo"

Telling us that she wants her belly rubbed

Snuggling with Erin

Getting kisses from Sean

Jumbo 3-Chip Cookies

Oh, these are good.  Crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, and loaded with white chocolate chips, semisweet chips, milk chocolate chips, and chopped walnuts.  And they are "jumbo"-between 4 and 4.5 inches in diameter!  Enjoy.

Jumbo 3-Chip Cookies

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1.5 cups (3 sticks) butter, softened

1.25 cups granulated sugar

1.25 cups packed brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 cup milk chocolate morsels

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels

1/2 cup white morsels (I used 3/4 cup)

1 cup chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 375º F.

Combine flour, baking powder and baking soda in medium bowl.  Beat butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar in large mixer bowl until creamy.  Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.  Gradually beat in flour mixture.  Stir in morsels and nuts.  Drop dough by level 1/4 cup scoops 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets.

Bake for 12-14 minutes or until light golden brown.  Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Sleepy head

Taking a nap on the way home from Jacksonville a couple of weeks ago.  I just love how sweet she looks when she's sleeping.

These were taken on my phone so they aren't really clear.

Brendan's spring concert

He had a great performance this evening.  This time he played the xylophone, suspended cymbal, and the triangle.  

Before the concert Brendan and his friend Jordan were goofing off while I tried to get a picture of them.

The beginning band that Bren is a part of is the largest in the state of Florida.  It really is impressive that we have such a huge participation in the music program at the schools around here.  And the staff works wonders with these kids. (You can see Bren standing over on the far left hand side).

Afterwards Erin wanted a picture with her "Bub-bub".

Look who wrapped up the season...

Today was the last day of baseball for the spring season.  And who was left with closing up the pitching?  That would be my boy!  And talk about finishing with a bang...he did it with a NO HITTER!  They had a double-header today, so it was a long one for us.  We were at the field from 9am until 3pm.  Afterwards they had a closing ceremony with trophies, and cupcakes and drinks.  Now they are off for two months before they start the fall season.

At bat during the first game.  He hit an awesome line-drive down the third base line, and earned a double.

Erin helped the president of the league pass out trophies to all of the teams all day.

Love his expressions when he pitches.  You can just feel him throwing it.

Throwing his two seam fast ball (click and you can actually see the two fingers that hold the ball after they released it).

Kiss your heart

Every night Erin and I snuggle and talk for about 30 minutes before falling asleep.  It's our quiet time to talk about whatever she wants to talk about.  This was part of the conversation on Thursday night.  

Erin: "Mommy.  If both of us were about to die, right before we died I would kiss your heart."

Me: "Why would you do that?"

Erin: "Because your heart is so beautiful, and it has worked so hard to keep you alive this long."

Me: No words.  I just kissed her and told her how sweet she is.

Various pictures from this week

You all know that my girl loves to pose.  And of course it doesn't matter where we are.  These first two pictures were taken of her at Bren's baseball game last weekend.  The last one I took of her as she was watching Bren play. You can see him in blue out on the field.  She adores him.

We've been at the pool at the YMCA nearly every day after school with Lars and his family (usually until it's dark). These are just a few pictures taken there this week.

Brendan modeling.

And last, but not least, a picture of Bren while he was playing the drums at practice this week.  He is REALLY good! He actually had a crowd watching him play.

Redneck school bus

As seen on the side of the road on our way home from Jacksonville last weekend.  

Pure enjoyment

On our way to Jacksonville this weekend Erin was in heaven.  She had an Icee in her lap, and a book in her hand.  

**She read this particular one from start to finish in 90 minutes.  Our trip was three hours, and she asked for another after she finished this one, but I hadn't packed any others.  Now I know better.