Camping in Arkansas

For Labor day weekend we decided to go camping in Arkansas. We were there two years ago and we loved canoeing in Beaver Lake. We invited our good friends the Robinson's and Jeremy's brother David plus part of his family to join us. The children were really excited to camp and enjoy the outdoors. Unfortunately for me I lost my voice Friday morning and throughout the whole trip I could barely talk. But that did not stop me from having a great time with my family. The views were amazing and the weather was just perfect during the day. A little cold during the night for my taste.

This amazing picture was taken by Jasmine my beautiful 9 years old daughter

On Saturday morning Jeremy, Jasmine and Andrew went fishing early in the morning while Michael and I slept in.

Later that same day Jeremy, David and the kids went tubing while Lisa( David's wife), Michael and I enjoyed the ride and views from the pontoon. Andrew and Jasmine loved it. They giggled the whole time and asked for more turns in the tube.

On Sunday we went swimming for most of the day and the kids did not want to return to the campsite for dinner. That's how much they loved playing in the water. I think the only thing that convinced them to come was that we had smores afterwards.

It was fun and I know we created some great memories as a family!



Straight from our garden

We have enjoyed quite a harvest from our garden this year despite the lack of knowledge of how to keep the bugs off our yummy veggies and fruits.

I think an organic garden is great but in Kansas I think some sort of pesticide is necessary if you want your garden to last the whole season. So, next year in order to not have to fight constantly with zucchini bugs, cucumbers bugs and who knows what other bugs that have enjoyed our garden as much as we have, I am going to try to spray it with something. I'm not sure what yet but by next year I will know.

We were able to eat 8 cantaloupes, 2 watermelons, lots of cucumbers, bell peppers, 6 zucchinis, enough tomatoes to make several batches of delicious home-made salsa, lots of jalapenos and fresh herbs.

We will continue to harvest more basil and rosemary plus several more melons if the bugs don't get to them before they are ripe. Overall gardening has been something that everyone in the family has enjoyed working on in anticipation of the wonderful results.

Here are some pictures of what we have picked from our garden.

6 month recap

Michael turned 7 months today and I just realized that I have not documented what he did while 6 months old. Well, I should start by letting everyone know that Michael started to crawl at six months. He is very mobile now and loves to get into everything. He has also learned how to blow bubbles and how to give kisses. They both are slobbery but we love every minute of it.

Michael loves his toys, loves to be read to, especially by Jasmine, loves the remote control, playing ball with big brother and of course he loves big people food.

I also noticed that lately he does not like strangers to hold him and he is quite attached to me. He wants mommy near most of the time. I am OK with this stage as all of my children seemed to go through it.

Michael says tata, tata ( daddy in romanian) and papa ( food in romanian). I am still waiting for mama, mama, mama and I think it will be come soon enough.

We all love playing with Michael and making him laugh. Andrew is the best at it. For some reason he manages to make Michael laugh quite easily. When I look at them I can see how much they love each other.

Michael continues to be a very happy baby and we are so grateful to have him in our family.

6 months stats: Weight -18lbs 3oz

Height -27 inches

Magic show, art & toys

This summer we were able to watch a cute magic show at our library. The kids were really in awe over most of the tricks performed. Jasmine got invited on the stage and helped perform a fun trick with a live duck. After the show we had to check out books about magic tricks from the library. That's how much my cuties loved the show. I have been informed that we are going to host a show at our house with guests, magic tricks, music and deserts. I told the kids that I can't wait. Isn't being a mom so much fun! I don't want to forget these times when everything is so exciting and simple for them.

                 We also enjoyed the art museum and the toy store. My children adore the toy store:)

This art collection was priced at $500------Andrew, Jasmine and I are going to make it for about $10.

Baby food jars with paint inside and a frame:) So easy and fun!

Indoor pool

For family home evening we decided to take the kids to the outdoor pool but because of strong storm advisory we ended up going to the indoor pool. Jeremy's nephew and nice joined us also. They are here in Kansas for the summer working for Jeremy. The pool was nice and no sun=no sweat which was great.

We had a great time as a family and for dinner that night we picked up pizza which ended the day perfectly.

Happy harvest

I love fresh produce! I recall my mom walking to the open market (piata) almost every day in Romania. She would purchase everything fresh from the farmers and prepare it that day. It was healthy and delicious. I really want my children to enjoy home cooked food with fresh veggies as I did. They are so much better and flavorful.

This harvest is not from our garden but it was still very delicious. One of our friends was out of town for a week so she invited us to enjoy her garden. I have learned a lot from her and I hope to be able to use all the new tricks on my garden next year.

Fishing with daddy

Several weeks ago while I was hosting a baby shower for one of my friends Jeremy took the kids fishing. Jasmine and Andrew were super excited! They stopped and bought some live worms before getting to the lake where they patiently waited for the big one to bite. It was very hot and the fish that took the bite was fairly small so they released it back in the lake. Even though they did not bring home any fish they had an amazing time at the lake.

Hello 4th grade!

Wow,wow,wow! Let me say that one more time. Wow,wow,wow ...I have a 4th grader! Today was Jasmine's first day of school. She was excited to have her math and chess teacher from the previous year as her class teacher this year. We were too since we know her well from all the chess tournaments we went together. Mrs G is such a wonderful teacher with great standards. We know that Jasmine is in good hands for another year. I can't believe Jasmine has been at this school since kindergarten.

Jasmine looked radiant, happy and excited this morning while she was getting ready to get to class. I love the clothes she picked for her first day of school. A cute striped top with a whimsy lacy skirt make the perfect outfit for my little princess. She is sooo beautiful!

Andrew missed Jasmine a lot and all I could hear from him was; “Mom, Jasmine is much funner to play with than you”. I also missed my little helper and couldn't wait until she arrived home. When Jasmine got home we received a full report on the first day of school while enjoying some fresh watermelon together.