I’ve managed to make it onto the Costume Express (www.costumeexpress.com) mailing list. I believe this year the first catalog arrived in June.  My son immediately latched on to the copy of it and proceeded to circle every costume in the book that he wanted. Then, in July, the 2nd copy of it arrived (I am not sure these companies are very eco-conscious!) and he once again circled all the costumes he wanted, but he paid particular attention to the Special Forces costume that featured a bullet proof vest and gas mask (two items he did NOT currently have in his arsenal of dress-up gear.)  Then, with the arrival of the THIRD catalog in August, I decided to actually get ahead of the game this year, and ordered the costume. Then the game of “don’t tell Kevin what is in the box” started. Around September 15th I gave in to the incessant questions (aka – whining!) and opened his costume for him. He did a really great job of playing with it carefully and kept track of all the pieces.

After last year’s disaster of a costume for Sarah (from age two to three she refused to wear dresses) I was a little bit skeptical that she’d go along with being Minnie Mouse. Thankfully she’s seen Mickey Mouse Clubhouse enough to really enjoy Minnie and she also gave in to wearing dresses in September so the costume was a hit.

Here are some pictures from two weeks ago when we were visiting my parents in Des Moines. We took the kids to “Night Eyes” at Blank Park Zoo and the kids enjoyed getting dressed up to go trick or treating at the zoo.

My mom will be so proud of me when she reads this post: I made the kids homemade banana popsicles today. I came across the recipe in my recipe box when trying to find the recipe for Banana Bread last week and remembered the popsicle molds my mom gave to me (which are the same molds we used when growing up.) So this morning, after checking the Phoenix forecast for the 110 degree heat for the weekend, I thought today was the PERFECT day to make some cold treats for the kids this weekend. Thankfully, the ingredient list is short and I had three perfect, overly ripe, bananas to work with. I even got a little crazy and added in some fresh strawberries for 1/2 of the batch!

Here is a link to Amazon.com for some popsicle molds. You could also use paper Dixie Cups and wooden popsicle sticks.

Banana Pops:

3 bananas, chopped

1 c. orange juice

1 T lemon juice

3 T sugar

Mix in blender until smooth.  Fille popsicle molds and freeze. Enjoy!

Well, he turned 5 three days ago, but since I am perpetually behind on a wide range of items, I am just now getting a picture posted. We have a little shin-dig planned for him this weekend to celebrate with family and close friends. I can’t wait for the cake!

This picture oozes of a cheesy personality, but I have to say, my kid is pretty darn loveable!

Thought I’d share a few of my little girl as she explored Grandma & Grandpa’s yard. I think she was a little overwhelmed by all the grass! The sandbox was BY FAR her favorite place to spend time. She got a nice start on her “must eat 1lb of dirt by the time I am 5 years old” goal and what she didn’t eat, she put down her diaper or in her hair.

I received a report from my friend Christi who informed me that today’s weather in AZ was a bit off for May… I checked the Phoenix temp and here is what I see: