Evie Walks

Evelyn took her first steps on July 14th (the day of Lillian's birthday party). At that time, she was 10 months and 1 week old. This video was taken at the end of July. She's really getting around now and is into EVERYTHING!

Arrrrrrrrrrrgh!

Lilly's 5th birthday party was a BLAST!!! The kids really seemed to have a good time splashing in the back yard, digging for buried treasure and claiming their share of the booty from the treasure chest. Lilly was surrounded by her closest friends and family which made her feel very special. Thanks to all for coming and making it the best birthday she's ever had!

Captain Lilly Longlegs boards the ship while the crew stands ready.

With Henry at the helm and Carter on weapons, these pirates

are sure to win the day!(Those bubbles don't stand a chance!)

Matthew digs for buried treasure.

The kids were able to dig for their own silver pieces of eight (replicas, of course).

The Dollhouse

Steve and I built this dollhouse for Lillian's 5th birthday. We worked so hard to get it ready in time and barely made it. We still have some finishing touches to complete but it is certainly in "playable" condition and we are proud of how it turned out. This was truly a labor of love and we hope it will give her many, many happy hours. Let me give you the tour.

2nd floor landing

3rd floor landing

Happy Birthday Lillian!!!

Steve thought it couldn't be done. Ha!

I was very pleased with the way this cake turned out but I can't take all of the credit. My Mom and my brother Jonathan were here and provided some much-needed artistic advice and some assistance with the detail work. We had a great time today with our family and friends who came to help Lilly celebrate her 5th birthday. Thanks everyone! Hope you had fun sailing the seas, digging for treasure and grabbing some booty (did I just say that?).

(pictures of the party coming soon)

In Loving Memory

Hannah Dean

May 14, 1989 - June 29, 2007

We are missing her more than words can say.

***

Robert A. Heinlein once wrote, "There is, incidentally, no way of talking about cats that enables one to come off as a sane person."

I think this is true, but I would welcome any stories, thoughts or feelings.

Matthew and Henry Lavinder turn 4!!!

I know! I know! You may ask, "How is this possible?" but I swear it's true. The cheeky little buggers went and got themselves another year older. They are really into cars right now so I made this cake hoping they would love it...and they did! They sat and looked at it for a very long time and made sweet and funny comments like, "This is a very pretty cake and it smells very good" and Henry declared, "I'm going to eat my whole car!". He didn't, but I think Matthew gave it a good try. Uncle Ed caught Meg trying to steal a hubcap and as we were leaving, Matthew was sitting down to another piece of "road". I love baking for this family!