The "L" Party

Today was Libby's birthday party and it was an "L" party. The day started with Libby asking, "How much longer till my party???" She was so excited all day. She went to play with her friend Sadie and loved her lunch she ate there: chicken nuggets, French fries, chips, grapes, etc. She had a fun time. While she was gone, I put Ellie down and I had a rare occasion...Ellie was sleeping and so was Hattie. Sheesh! It was soooo nice. I had some "alone" time at home which rarely happens! Let's see...I caught up on some e-mails, frosted the cupcakes for Libby's party and finished writing the program that the YW will be doing in sacrament meeting in a couple of months. I am excited to have it finished and am excited for them to do it!

Libby came home during my quiet time and she helped me put the "L's" on the cupcakes. Soon after Ellie got up, so did Hattie, then it was time to go get Eliza. At 3:30 it was party time! Brian came home early to help out. I couldn't have done it without him with Hattie and Ellie. Ellie was right in the middle of the party--making a mess eating the licorice, doing the craft and eating the cupcakes. For the party, Libby and Eliza helped me make a big "L" that we put on the front door.

After all the girls came, we started off by taking a picture of all the attendees (proved to be a harder task than I imagined!). Then we played the Limbo, Libby says (like Simon Says) and the Laughing game (they took turns making each other laugh). After the games (which didn't take nearly as long as I had figured), the girls enjoyed licorice, lifesavers (gummy) and lemonade. After some sweets, it was craft time. Each girl made her own "letter" journal. I covered the front of composition books with white cardstock and stuck down some 7gypsies gaffer tape to cover the seam. Then I adhered a glittery, chipboard letter to the bottom corner for each girl's name. I had that done ahead of time. So for the craft, I had bought a big pack of Disney princess stickers at Wal-Mart and let the girls go to town, decorating the front. They seemed to be so focused and involved in decorating them! After the craft, we opened gifts and headed out back for a few more pictures and the "L" cupcakes. Then it was time for the moms to come! As each girl left, she got a favor bag that had a lollipop and lip gloss in it (in cellophane bags with LINES on them). I took the "L" theme as far as I could! It was a lot of fun. Libby got some really cute gifts--it was hard to see as there were 6 girls totally crowding around awaiting what was inside! It was fun, but it's a relief it is over!!!

We had dinner, then I had to go a meeting/training for the YW presidents and Brian took Libby to her "meet the teacher" for preschool which starts on Wednesday. Earlier in the day--in true Libby character--she said, "I don't want to go meet the teacher, etc. etc." But when time came, she put on this adorable "laugh" shirt she got at her party and went just fine.


Brian said she did great, read books in her little seat, etc. As they left he asked her, "So, are you excited?" She looked at him and questioningly said, "I think so?" He thought it was cute. After that they went to McDonalds and shared a shake where she talked his ear off. We had gotten a babysitter for the other girls so he could give Libby some time for this new adventure in her life!

Well, tomorrow is Hattie's 6 month well check and Libby's 4 year. I think they are both in for some shots. Hmmmm. That ought to be interesting...especially with Libby.

I leave you with some shots from the "L" party (and a few other cute pictures and some flowers Brian brought home a couple nights ago).

4

Today Libby turned four. Brian and I feel like she has been 3 forever!! It seems like she should have been 4 months ago! She had a good day today. I wasn't sure about this morning though. Today was her first day of her gymnastics class, and she had been excited about it. But this morning she came in and said/whined/cried, "I don't want to do gymnastics. I want to do piano." All morning she whined about going to gymnastics. I was worried that she really would be stubborn and not go when we got there. So all morning I worked on talking her into and getting her excited about it. She finally consented to just going on the balance beam. I was fine with that. Well we got there and she went right in--no problems. And she did everything! She is definitely her own girl! She had a great time and looked like she was really enjoying herself. After her class, we all picked up Brian and went to lunch. We picked up McDonald's for Libby and Ellie, then had them eat it at Paradise Bakery, where Brian and I ate. I am afraid for when the one by us opens up. I am afraid I'll be making too many trips there, eating the yummy muffins (lemon poppy seed), cookies (any and all!), sandwiches, soups, etc. I can't wait. It was fun to share a special lunch with Libby. We dropped Brian back off at work, then went home. Before too long it was time to get Eliza, then drop her off at piano. She had a good lesson her teacher said. Tonight after dinner Libby opened her gifts from us--a new puzzle and the game Operation. Since Libby had cake on Sunday and will have cupcakes at her party on Thursday, she chose popsicles for tonight. The girls had Dora popsicles and the adults had pudding pops.

Here's to a great 4th year for Libby!

I think Libby and Hattie are going to look so much alike. What do you think? (one is Hattie and one is Libby at about the same age.)






The chore charts we started a couple weeks ago are working great. Thanks Rachel for the idea! It's simply a magnetic dry erase board and I printed chores on magnetic printer paper. When Eliza gets home from school, this is what they find on their beds.






I decide what chores I want them to do and that need to be done and I put that under their name and day of the week. It is so nice because if I don't need
something done that day, I don't put it over for them to do. It is working well and the girls do well with it. There are some that stay the same every day, then a couple switch out depending what needs to be done.

Weekend Update

Quickly...
--Friday night we had a babysitter (we tried out a new one and she did a good job). We met my brother and his wife at the movies. Brian and Brian saw Bourne Ultimatum and Kamille and I saw Hairspray. I totally loved it! It was such a great movie and very entertaining. The music was great, too. After the movie, Brian and I were starving so we went to Cheesecake Factory and shared a chicken chipotle pasta. I totally wanted the Godiva brownie sundae after, but we were too stuffed! Maybe next time.
--Saturday morning I went to the temple with the youth. The Relief Society presidency first made breakfast at the church for all the girls, so that was a fun way to start the day. We didn't get back until 3:30, but it was a good time.
--Friday night Libby had her birthday sleepover with my parents. They picked her up and 5 and she and Dallin went to Chuck E. Cheese for dinner and playing. Then Dallin went home and Libby played at my parents' before finally going to bed at 11. She had a great time and even got to help my dad do some laundry. On Saturday morning, Abby joined them and they went out to the carousel at Superstition Springs Mall for a morning of going around and around. Eliza, Brian, Hattie and Ellie hung out in the morning. It was a crazy morning for him--having to run Eliza to the doctor and tyring to get a few other things done. But he managed fine. In the evening we went to the ward party. It was a ward "cruise" and lot of fun. They had "excursions" in the classrooms where you did a game or an activity, then you could hang out on the "ship" (in the cultural hall) doing games, ping pong, or stuffing your face at the dessert bar. Ellie took full advantage of that one. We and the girls had a fun time.








--Sunday I had an early meeting and just like clockwork, Brian showed up on time with all 4 girls in tow. Their hair looked really good, too. He is great.
--After church, we hung out at home, then went to Brian's parents' for dinner. We were in charge of the dessert and I made a Texas sheet cake. After dinner, we lit the candles for Libby's birthday and she was so funny. She had told me earlier that she didn't want to blow her candles out. She got all bashful when we started singing to her and Eliza had to blow the candles out for her.
--Today started another week of school. Eliza did a great job today. And she had a great day at school. This afternoon she told me, "I think I am starting to really like school." Yee-haw!! I am so glad. She told Brian on the way to school that she really enjoys music and looks forward to that class, which she has tomorrow. She has been really excited for it.
--Tonight we took brownies over to our new neighbors, then had family home evening.

Here's to a good week.

I Finally Got My Wish...

of having a cleaning lady. In fact, two came today and cleaned. They were really good. They probably took longer than it would take me, but I welcomed the help. They even fought over who was going to clean the mirrors. I am glad I found someone so ambitious as they were. They were a little shy, but they agreed to having their picture taken while they were working.











OK--so my wish didn't come totally true, but I am lucky that they love to help. Libby would seriously help with cleaning all day. Today is clean the house day. They helped cleaning the mirrors and I showed Libby how to clean the toilets for the first time. She really enjoyed it. Go figure! She cleaned all three and was excited about it. Even after that, she was still excited to go find her chore chart and do those, too!

Here are some pictures of Hattie eating her first bits of cereal. Libby and Eliza were so excited to watch her try it. They couldn't stop giggling. Hattie is growing up sooooo fast. I was going through her clothes and getting some things out to fit her now. It seems like I JUST put them away from being too small for Ellie. Must be time for another one. Ha! Just kidding. I just wanted to give my mom a heart attack. ;)





Tonight is Libby's sleepover for her birthday with my parents. She is so very excited and keeps asking when it's going to be 5 o'clock. This morning she packed all by herself and put it all by the door--all by 10. She said, "I'll just wait by the door until they get here." I think she is just a little excited.




Libby said a funny today. As were folding laundry together, I was telling her that the boy (guy) who sprays for bugs was coming over today to spray. She said, "I don't know why we have bugs anyway." Followed immediately by, "I don't know why we have kids either." Is there a pest company for kids, too? She must think so!

Have a good weekend.

Hi there--

It's me again. My mom probably wonders how I got up to her computer to type. It's simple. Whenever someone leaves a bar stool out, I just climb right up and help myself. It's pretty fun. Today my mom even had to come rescue me from the laundry room sink. If I could only have figured out how to get down.

I can't believe I am almost two. My mom can though. I'm sure it's because of some "special" two year old behaviors I have already started doing. I must be a prodigy or something! I like to yell when I want something or when someone takes something away that I want. I also like to yell, "No!" "Mine!" or "I need that!" Sometimes my mom gets after me for that, but then I'll make a cute face and she can't be mad anymore!

I also can't believe Eliza is in kindergarten. She did great going to school today, but I kept hearing her be excited only because it was only a half day. I like to see her after school and say, "Eliiiiizaaaaa!" She likes to play with me and set up little "kids' camp" full of toys and books. Sometimes I like to play, but when I don't, Eliza tries to carry me in there. I scream until mom comes and rescues me.

I've been playing a lot more with Libby now since Eliza is at school. It's probably because I am only one, but she doesn't always share. Usually after a little while and after some prodding from my mom, she'll share. She does really have a tender heart like that.

Hattie started rice cereal last night. She seemed to like it okay, but she has to get used to eating from a spoon. She is a really cute sister. I like to say "Hattie" a lot and help my mom feed her.

Well, I'd better get down from here before my mom catches me!

Almost 4

Libby is almost 4. I finished her birthday invites last night and Brian mailed them off today. We decided to do an "L" party, so we brainstormed everything "L" that we could eat and do for fun! I think we have some fun things planned!

Libby's friend came over today so her mom could go to the temple. They had a fun time playing house, dolls, Polly's, Life and coloring. They are so silly!

Eliza did great going to school today. No tears at all!! Hopefully this is the trend!

Short post, but that's about all that's going on!

Second Week

We are having a little bit better week. Not totally perfect but much better. Eliza has done okay both mornings up until about 5 minutes before she leaves. Brian has been taking her on his way to work this week and he is good about diverting her attention and taking her. Today her teacher said she did so much better and so great! Eliza even told her she wasn't going to cry anymore. Eliza got a nice note from her teacher because of her day. Yay Eliza!

This morning we did a couple errands. One was to Costco, but when I got there (and everyone unloaded and in the cart) I realized I didn't have my card. Ugh. So we turned around and got back in the car. We went to Wal-Mart to get a few things there, then came home.

Eliza started piano today. I overheard her talking to the girl we carpool with yesterday. She told her she had piano and Eliza said, "Yea, I'm taking piano so I can play High School Musical." She has high aspirations! She enjoyed it. I think as long as she can get through the initial basic part, she'll keep loving it!

Well, I'd better get going... This week started out pretty open, but things keep popping up! There is always so much to do. Libby turns four next week, so I've got to get her invitations done for a little party.

Here is a picture of my latest decorating. This is on a wall by our kitchen table.



And here is Libby and Ellie coloring. I wish they got along like this all the time. I am trying to work with Libby on being more patient and nicer to Ellie. She is difficult a lot of the time.

HSM 2

The much anticipated movie was on last night: High School Musical 2. And you'll never guess what I did. I FEEL ASLEEP!!! I was so mad! It was really good but I was sooooooo tired from the week or something and I zonked on the couch at 9:30. I missed the last half hour. I couldn't believe I did that. I really liked what I saw so far. We have it taped, so I just need to watch the last part. I tried to today, but I didn't get time to watch it and focus on it. But I really liked it! I had heard the songs before and thought they were okay, but after seeing the movie, they make more sense and I like them a lot now. Brian surprised us and bought the CD on iTunes last night, so we've been listening today.

Here's a quick update on the rest of our week.
--Friday morning going to school was a bear. I left Eliza crying with her teacher. It about ripped my heart out. Eliza started crying when we were just about at her school. I stayed in touch with her teacher throughout the day, and she did great. She was fine when I picked her up and had had a good day. I am hoping this adjustment to school gets easier. Soon.
--We saved our date night for tonight since we stayed home for our family HSM 2 party! We had brownies and ice cream. Libby was excited about that part for sure!
--This morning Brian went on a 4x4 drive, then a friend helped him fix our sprinklers. That took a while, but it's done! We also got our trees trimmed today. It looks so bare! Brian took Ellie, Libby and Eliza swimming at a friend in the ward's house while I tried to get some stuff done at home. I got ready for my lesson tomorrow and I got some decorating done. I am trying to finish E & L's room. I also put up a picture in the kitchen. I'll work on posting a picture.
--For our date, we ate dinner at Rumbi with a gift card we got for our anniversary. Thanks Mom & Dad! Then we checked out Hobby Lobby (my first time there), and did some errands at Wal-Mart, Kohl's and Walgreen's.

Better get to bed!

Yummy Dinner

Today started with Eliza giving us a hard time about going to school. "I am NOT going to school!" Nice. After a long time of that (and no other choice!) I took her to school. She is fine once she is there and did great when I dropped her off. After I dropped her oof, I had a presidency meeting at Becky's. All our kids played while we met. It is a little loud, but we get it done! After the meeting we came home, then my visiting teachers came over. It is always fun to visit with them and have them come. Leslie gave a great lesson--it's a good one this month (when is it not good?!). She also gave me a CD from Time Out For Women. I am listening to it right now and love all the songs! I am working on a young women's sacrament program and I think I might use one of the songs for it.

When they left, we did lunch and played a little bit. We stopped at Target before we picked up Eliza. I am trying one last ditch effort (not really) for a chore chart that works. I got the idea from my friend Rachel and I am excited to try it out. It sounds like it might really work! I'll test it out and report on it. So I had to get something at Target for it. After Target, we picked Eliza and friend up from school. She ran to me with a smile on her face. Silly girl. She had a good day. She is so funny--throughout the evening she tells me everything that happens at school. Really everything. I know all that goes on at kindergarten at her school. She internalizes and remembers everything! Eliza takes her lunch and I slip in little notes to her and she is so cute about them. She saves them and loves getting them. She was so sad today because she lost it. The drama!!

After school, the girl we carpool with came over to play. While they played, I made dinner. It was really good and so easy! It's Shredded Beef & Tortilla Casserole.

shredded beef (i used the beef chuncks from the cannery and it was great!)
1 1/2 pints sour cream
1 can diced green chili
1 sm. red onion, finely chopped
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 bag spinach/avacado chips (from Target)
1 to 2 cups shredded cheese

Crush chips and line the bottom of glass baking dish until it's about 2" thick (or so). Combine all other ingredients and pour over tortilla chips. Sprinkle with a little more cheese and bake at 350 for 35 minutes.

So easy and my family liked it. Tonight we cleaned up the house, did some laundry, played a little and put the girls to bed. A good night. ...except for more complaining from Eliza. Sheesh. I really hope it wears off soon! I can't handle that every night!

Wednesday

This morning I took Eliza again to school. This time, she played a little on the playground before they blew the whistle. So I showed her where to put her backpack down before she played. I waited until they blew the whistle and showed her how she would then line up. It's all so new to her--I am glad I could be there to help show her learn the ropes. Really--it seems so easy, but to a kindergartner, it's all so new and I am sure can be scary.

After we dropped her off, we went to Target for some milk and a few other items. Then it was back home to play and to keep busy. After lunch I put Hattie and Ellie down for naps, and Libby had a friend come over for a play date. They had such a great time together. They played Polly Pockets, Barbies, dolls, house, etc. We also painted nails and had a snack. So cute! I think Libby enjoyed having her over and it made her feel special. We took her home, then picked up Eliza. It was another good day. After that we went swimming at Becky's house. It was a bit crazy and I didn't get to chat as much with others as I was trying to take care of Hattie and Ellie. But I think Eliza and Libby had a fun time.

Tonight was mutual and boy was it a mess!!!! We had to label the metal chairs at the new ward building with the stake name and building name. We had way too much "help". Some of the girls weren't as concerned as making it look as nice as I was hoping. And some of the less mature ones (beehives) were being silly with the paint...getting their hands ALL dirty. So needless to say, one of the leaders had to clean up a big mess in the bathroom. Nice. We had to touch up a lot of the chairs with alcohol and paint thinner. So annoying! When we finish the job I think just one class will do it and I have an idea to make the stencil better.

Picture info:

1. Eliza giving the a-okay about her first day of school.

2. Hattie posing

3. I had a piece of cardboard--from the inside of Eliza's backpack--Eliza took it, grabbed some scissors and created that girl in no time! Seriously. She has some talent!

4. Eliza LOVES helping my mom make the little hats on the loom. Eliza calls her and asks if she can knit. She wants her to come over and bring her looms.

5. Ellie's new favorite place to play...in the little niches in the family room. Brian moved the speakers into the new room.

6. My big helper!! If you need anything cleaned or organized, she is the one to call!

Have a good day.

Day 2

Today went better. Eliza was in better spirits when I picked her up from school, so that made me happy.

She wanted me to take her and pick her up today again (versus doing a carpool). So this morning, I took her to school and she seemed excited. Then I came back home and filled our day with playing and trying to keep things picked up. My friend Terri came over and she taught me a few things in Photoshop. I am so excited to continue to learn more--I am afraid it's going to be addicting! It is a lot of fun to see the possibilities of what you can do to a photo.

In the afternoon, we packed up and picked up Eliza and our other carpool kindergartner and took her home. Eliza ended up staying at playing at her house, which was fun for her. But when Libby realized Eliza was staying, she cried. It was so heart-wrenching--it made me so sad! My parents came over later, though, and Libby had a play-date with her grandpa, which she totally ate up. She is a definite cruise director when he comes over.

But Eliza said her day went well and that she enjoyed it. She told me that one of the boys who had cried yesterday was playing by himself and just playing in the sand. Eliza said she went up to him and said hi and asked if he wanted to play with them. That made my heart smile. What a sweet and caring girl she is. She said that he said, "Yes," and then came and played with her and some other friends. So sweet.

Another funny story...I asked her about her lunch. She is taking her lunch. School lunch is so expensive! $2.25 a day! Yikes. So we pack her lunch and today she had a PB&honey, a granola bar and a drink. (She didn't want the mandarin oranges again like she had on Monday because she spilled them.) I asked her if she liked the granola bar and she kind of got a look on her face. Turns out she didn't eat it. She said two other girls wanted it, so she gave it to them. I asked her, "What did they say?" (thinking--OK--there better not be bullies in kindergarten!!) They just saw it and innocently thought it looked yummy so they asked if they could have some. Eliza let them split it! So I talked to her about being nice vs. getting enough to eat for lunch! She wants to pack 3 bars tomorrow. Ha ha!

1st Day of Kindergarten

Today was Eliza's first day of school. We got up and got ready. She picked out her own outfit and looked very cute. She seemed somewhat excited and a bit nervous. We got every one ready and headed to her school. Brian and I (and all the girls) went in and dropped Eliza off. She went right in and got to coloring a picture. I did pretty good, too. There really wasn't time to cry as we were just trying to learn where to put her backpack and lunch, etc. My heart got stomped on a bit, thinking of her on her own at school all day, but I survived. After we dropped her off, we came home and played. Libby asked once what time Eliza gets home. She tried to play with Ellie, but that is not always easy. I think as time goes on, they'll become good playing buddies. After lunch, I put Ellie down for a nap (I am trying to figure out a schedule) soon followed by Hattie. During lunch was so lonely! I'm used to having Eliza there eating with us, but not having her there made it sad for me! That was probably the hardest part of the day. While they were both sleeping though, I made dinner and Libby emptied the dishwasher. I think her and I are making a great team. After we did our "chores," we played several games of Uno and one game of Life. After that, I loaded everyone up and went to Office Max (the new one by our house!) to get a few things for mutual on Wednesday. Then it was time to pick up Eliza. She ran to the car and was excited to see us. As were we! She had a good day. She said she missed me and I think it was a long day. She has already asked me, "When is Saturday?" I hope though that once they get into more "learning" instead of housekeeping and learning routine, she will eat it up and have more fun. I hope so!

I think the biggest adjustment is for me and Brian. It's nice that she went to school today, but we have to turn around and do it again tomorrow and for the next 9 months! It will take some getting used to for sure. I hope I am up for the challenge.

Here is to day 2!

I've Been Tagged...

by Kristi.

Jobs I've had:
1. Cold Stone Creamery (yum)
2. receptionist at Barrett/Eastman Property Management
3. high school English teacher
4. English professor at GCC

Movies I could watch over and over again:
1. High School Musical
2. Princess and the Pauper (yes, a Barbie movie, but it's cute)
3. I don't really do movies

Places I've lived:
1. Glendale, AZ
2. Surprise, AZ
3. Peoria, AZ
4.

Favorite TV Shows:
1. American Idol
2. The Apprentice
3. Man vs. Wild
4. Dirty Jobs

Favorite Dishes:
1. Pizza
2. Chicken stuffed tortillas from Cheesecake Factory
3. anything Mexican
4. Steak and Bleu from Babbos

Websites I visit:
1. My friends' blogs
2. Sally Jean
3. photography sites
4. azcentral.com

Places I'd like to be:
1. Disneyland
2. Disneyworld
3. Disney cruise (do you see a trend here?!)
4. shopping or somewhere inside in Park City in the winter sipping hot chocolate

Tagging
1. Kari
2. Terri
3. Emali
4.

Weekend

Yesterday Brian picked up Sarah on his way home from work to babysit. At the beginning of our date I took pictures of a cute little family at Cibola Vista. I tried my new trick I saw on a Photojojo newsletter. Basically you cut a Pez dispenser to fit in the flash hotshoe of your camera. It worked pretty well in the beginning in getting the kids to look and smile. Here is a cute one of one of their little boys. He was definitely the hardest to photograph--he is 15 months old and on the move! He was not interested in having his picture taken at all!

After that we went to Gordon Biersch for dinner. Brian had gotten a gift card from there, so we decided to use it. We had to laugh as we told the waitress after she gave us a run-down on all the beers they had, "I know this sounds a little strange to come here when we don't drink!" The food was great though. We had the garlic fries for an appetizer and shared the fire-roasted chicken and fettuccine. It was so delicious. It had a pesto cream sauce on it. We both really loved it. Then we headed to Target for a gift for one of the ladies I visit teach. We got some Cold Stone and headed home.

Today we did odds and ends around the house and cleaned up a bit and did a few errands. We went and looked at my brother's (and family) new house they are buying. It was fun to finally see that. Then we went to Brian's parents' for a little bit before heading home.

Tomorrow we get to go to church in our new building. Last week was the first week in, but since we were gone, we missed it!

Good night.

On the Homefront

Eliza starts kindergarten on Monday. I can't believe it's finally here. We are excited for her, but I feel so nervous. It's been like a boot camp here the past week as I am trying to think of everything I want to make sure she knows as she is thrown out to the wolves in the real world! Now I can't protect her as much as I would like here at home! It's so weird knowing she'll be out there making choices and hearing and seeing things that I would rather she didn't. I hope we have taught her well so she does make good choices. This whole week I have been trying to think of everything and she just thinks I am weird for always having something to tell or teach her. She is like, "Moooom." It's rather funny. I am reminding her that she'll see other kids wearing things and doing and saying things that we don't allow in our home and hoping she understands that every home has their own rules, etc. etc. I've talked to her about respecting teachers, and being friends with all the kids, integrity and honesty and not cheating, etc. I have taught her those things all along, but with school starting Monday, I've felt the need for a life lessons boot camp! We met her teacher last night and we were very impressed with her. She seems very on the ball and I think will be great for Eliza.

In other home news...Hattie is getting bigger and bigger. Basically I think she is a chunk! So cute though! Ellie is getting closer to two years old, I am afraid. She is still so sweet and fun, but she is wanting to be more and more independent with things like eating. Libby starts preschool the week of labor day. I think she is excited but a little nervous. We went on Tuesday night to get their backpacks. I thought Eliza was just getting one, but Brian wanted Libby to get a new one since she always just gets the hand-me-downs. They picked out matching backpacks...black and pink Hello Kitty ones. They were only $12.50 at Kohl's! Score!

Wednesday night was mutual--a stake opening social for all the wards. It was a service project, followed by a dance. It was fun to dance a little and enjoy the music.

I got copies of my latest book the other day. Designing With Details. I can't believe it's, sheesh, probably my 25th book at least. Hard to believe!

I have a photo shoot tonight I am doing. It's a family of 4 and I am going to do them at Cibola Vista. I have never done pictures there, but they have a lot of great places for pictures. Then Brian and I are headed to dinner. Yum!

OK--some photos from our trip.

1. the pierced lady

2. An amazingly beautiful park in Edinburgh

3. Yummy crepe stand--we got milk chocolate, so they put in these Cadbury "buttons". So good!

4. The castle at the Military Tattoo...they lit it up with different colors throughout the performance

5. Brian and I before our last dinner

6. Our dish from the Indian restaurant

7. From the Military Tattoo

8. Stirling Castle

9. Holyrod Palace

10. From the Military Tattoo

11. in front of Edinburgh Castle

12. a clock made from flora and fauna

13. on the Royal Mile

14. busy Royal Mile b/c of the Edinburgh festival

15. Edinburgh Castle