Ava: If leprechauns aren’t real, who leaves gold at the end of rainbows?
Archive for March, 2011
14 Mar
Did someone say something about spring?
It is gorgeous here this morning. These photos do not do justice, but I hope they give you some idea of how beautiful campus looks. Of course, knowing it will be gone by 5 pm makes it all that much more enjoyable.
13 Mar
Spring cleaning
I thought I’d try to spruce up around here—any thoughts on the new (possibly temporary) theme?
13 Mar
Chocolate Cake with Irish Cream Mousse
I made this Chocolate Cake with Irish Cream Mousse for my coworkers last week. I heeded reviews and substituted Martha Stewart’s fool proof cake recipe for the base, but the chocolate mousse and whiskey syrup from Bon Appetit were fantastic (and quite appropriate for the approaching holiday).
13 Mar
Birthday girl(s)
I celebrated a birthday last week, and despite the fact I promised Gramma Great a photo, I’d much prefer to focus on the birthday celebration planned for Ava on Saturday. That’s not to say that it wasn’t a great day—the girls made me a cake (with a bit of help from Bryan), and my friends planned a gathering for me downtown.
If the day was any indication, 28 should be a great year for me.
As I mentioned, plans are underway for Ava’s sixth birthday. We’ve finished our papier mache pinata project, and we’re working on a few other details, too. It’s going to be a very busy week for both Bryan and me at work, but we are looking forward to seeing our families in a few days!
8 Mar
Arts, crafts and naked time, all rolled into one
Mom recently gave us a subscription to the Disney Family Fun magazine, which we love. It’s filled with great ideas, fun recipes and cool projects. A couple of weeks ago, this necklace holder caught Ava’s eye:
I found a few die-cut pieces at the craft store, and armed with washable paint and paintbrushes, the girls set to work on their own versions.
Ava was very precise in her painting and assembly, and she was more than a bit irritated when I wouldn’t let her use the hot glue gun.
Here are the finished pieces—Olivia’s is on the left, and Ava’s is on the right.
Bryan will hang them in their rooms. I’m expecting a few of my own necklaces may go missing, but at least they’ll have a good home!
5 Mar
Here’s to you, Rex.
You were a good man, Rex. We were fortunate to know you, and though we’re not in Minnesota with our family and yours, we’re lifting a pint in your memory today.
3 Mar
Ava Fix
Ava’s been a bit under the weather lately, but here she is in a sunnier disposition.
By the way, she’s pleased to tell you she has another loose tooth!
Smith Family Weblog 