Summer Reading

I just finished two good books. The first was "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" and the other was "Can't Wait to Get to Heaven." I liked them both although they were quick reads for me. The first book was for my book club and I'm really hoping I can convince the club to read the second book. I think the discussion would be great.
Now, I'm off tomorrow to the library to find another good read. What are you reading right now and what would you recommend?

Mad Tea Party

In a spur of "if I don't find something for these kids to do, they're going to end up driving me crazy" I decided that we should have a tea party. This was met with much enthusiasm and when I suggested we invite Louisa, our across the street neighbor, the kids were ecstatic. So, Wolfie made the invitation and Princess helped with some decorations. When they tried to deliver the message to Louisa, she wasn't home and it was a sad, sad moment to watch their little faces fall and walk (well, OK, run) dejectedly back home. But, a few hours later, they delivered the invite and she said she'd be right over. Now, what you must realize is that the original invitation gave me over an hour to get ready. So I planned to set up the table outside, make some yummy sandwiches and goodies and get myself all gussied up and the kids to get their faces cleaned and hair combed. When Louisa wasn't home, I figured I was off the hook. But then, the kids spied her and before I could stop them, off they bolted to deliver the message. Holy Crap! She was coming over in a few minutes and I looked like I had stepped out of a tornado and judging by the clothes I was wearing, I was color blind as well. Luckily, I had made muffins for the next morning's breakfast so we could eat them. And, I quickly made up a pitcher of lemonade, a.k.a. kid's tea.
Then I rushed upstairs (which in and of itself was quite a spectacle) and threw on a black skirt and a clean t shirt. Ran a brush through my wild mane and put on my white hat with flowers that I have exclusively for tea parties. (What, you don't keep a hat for such occasions? Well, remind me to tell you about my tiara that I use when I vacuum.)
Anyway, we had the table set up on the deck, the tea accoutrements ready and over walks Louisa. In her tea hat. Bearing mini cupcakes. Oh joy in heaven!
We had a lovely time drinking tea and when the muffins and cupcakes were devoured (guess next time we need to talk about proper etiquette of eating) the kids ran off to play. Louisa and I continued to sit and chat while the kids ended up breaking the trapeze on the swing set. Who knew kids and chains don't always mix?!
It was a wonderful tea party. While I'm no psychic, I predict more of these in our future.

Mother Daughter Tea

In June, we had a mother/daughter tea at church. Princess and I dressed up in our finest and headed off. It was nice to spend time with her, but I must confess, it was not the most interesting event I have attended. I think it was intended for older daughters. So, to pass some time, we did some self-portraits and I must say they turned out all right.

Princess entertained herself as well. Here is how she spent her time while the speaker was talking:

Hey, as long as she was quiet and not bothering anyone, I wasn't about to ruin her good time. I'm not sure if I would go again, but Princess declared it the best one ever (which is not hard when it's the only one you have attended)!

Smores, Fireworks and Reindeer

We had a blast camping! When asked what the favorite things about this camping trip, Princess answered: 1) roasting marshmallows and making smores 2)fireworks 3)seeing the reindeer (which were actually white tailed deer, but hey, who am I to disillusion a little girl who thinks Santa can be checking up on her at any time?!)
Wolfgang answered: 1) making smores 2) hiking and family bike rides 3)fireworks.
Unfortunately, we didn't get to the sparklers so we still have them to look forward to using. We did use the pudgie pie makers, thanks to all those who suggested them.
We also got lots of exercise while camping. We loaded up our bikes (which was an adventure all in itself to be recounted later) and we took Maggie with us in a basket on my bike. She loved riding there! I was concerned that she would jump out but she just sat nicely and looked all around. I can't wait to try the bike trail here with her and the kids.
All in all, we had much success with camping and we have all decided to go back there again next year. The kids were sad we had to leave and truth be told, so was I.
Now, it's off to do all the laundry. Definitely not my favorite part of camping.