Finally the 3rd party this summer!

Happy Bday Emma!

Jess made the cupcake toppers and crown!

Here is my confession for the day-

I admit it, the cake is not made by me.

I admit, my kids didn't care.
I admit, my husband did notice and was shocked.
I admit, I liked the hassle free version of a store bought cake decorated cute by me =).
I admit as much as I liked it, I will not be buying cakes in the future.
I admit it feels like I cheated.
I admit- I am weird like that, plus-homemade tastes way better!
I admit that I am glad the birthday party train has stopped for awhile.
Thus ends my confessions.

It was so nice we did it twice!

So nice we did it twice this time with an amazing view! Saratoga Springs has our heart! Isn't the view great. I can only imagine having coffee on my deck looking at this!

Told you so. It is amazing.

Mountainside with Mormor and Morfar

It was all smiles on the most perfect day for a mountainside picnic!

This is the life!

With Grandpa's handcarved walking sticks we can climb any mountain!

Erik's new friend a "poley poley" aka a rollie pollie bug

The Grill Masters at work! They make a good team!

Ikea's midsummer celebration

Finally I got to make flower wreaths! I have always wanted to do this since I went to Sweden my first trip! In the mountains, across the sea, far from Sweden's borders...I did it!

Frank was very festive.

Sweden is only as far away as Ikea.
Thanks Ikea, even though your chairs are crappy, I still love you!
Our home away from home!

A yummy find

So I drove by a new shop, Beyond Glaze. Donuts, can you hear the whisper....."fika dax"!(Swedish for drive in and buys some!) This is just to tease all the readers in Sweden! Get over here and donuts are on me!

I will just be me

I can't be that, yet a thought says I should
It would feel like being a wrinkled up carbon copy of some sort
I could try a million times to smooth it out
Every quirk that makes me, Me

The green grass of the other side
Makes my complexion a bit dull and my mind puzzled
My feet are tired, don't really like to stand and stare

The constant reminders come as whispers and shouts
To move quickly back towards the mirror
The Light is perfect the image fades

Embracing me alone
Every imperfection, every fault
Giggling at way I have glanced so quickly past
The beauty inside, peeking sheepishly out

I long for the balance
Between glimpses and shadows
Reflecting on the victory
Telling of the challenge

Rallying myself again
A steadfast reminder
I will just be me

Father's Day Cafe

Here is what happened today at our house!
"Father's Day Cafe"
open 6-8am only once a year.
by
Chefs Tammy, Jules,Em

Entertainment after by Peter (looking for his gift)

Julia's piece de resistanc (sp)

Emma has seen Food Network...excellent plating (note the runaway blueberry)

They are awesome kids, kept the secret! Ran out of bed to start getting the restaurant going, they said in the end they want me to open a restaurant not them. I doubt that will ever happen, but it was a nice compliment! We love our Dad so much! He is worth it! He doesn't get enough praise! You are the best, Peter! Happy Father's Day.