{Our Weekend}

A Paris Street Market went well for us! It was especially nice Justin had the 4th off, so he was available all day to help. Angela & Peter stopped by and brought their cutie, Mara, who is Eisley's BFF. Those two must have called each other in secret and planned to match, for our little Firecrackers were wearing identical outfits! Seriously. This was not planned.
It was a nice holiday.

Today Justin & I had a preview class with Eisley over at the Gymboree in Parker. We wanted to see if it would be worth the bucks.
We think she had a lot of fun. It was her first time socializing with kids her age {or very close to} and we think it will be a nice addition to her weekly routine to have fun at Gymboree. It was a fun outing for our little threesome.
Parachutes, bubbles, climbing, friends, songs, magic toy boxes, tunnels, balls, slides, and obstacle courses - all fit nicely into a 45 minute Play & Music class. Who did our flirt choose to chase and follow when she got a chance? The only boy, of course. She has a habit of chasing boys. I'm not kidding.
Fun times ;-)

BFFs & Marshmallow Crisps

PART 1

We had a chance to finally play some Rock Band & have dinner with Peter & Angela on Tuesday1

Eisley and Mara got a chance to get better acquainted.

They hugged.

They had father/daughter time.

We were glad to see that Eisley was gentle with Mara, as opposed to her usual "grab and pull" approach with people & pets.
First Mara started in with the tears...
And Eisley followed. {Afterward they even went to the bathroom together. Girls!}

That moment pretty much had us four parents in hysterics.

PART 2

Now every time we go for a night at Peter & Angela's I'm asked if I brought my treats. I've developed a bit of a reputation for my Marshmallow Crisps. (Not "Rice Krispie Treats" because, well, they're much better.)

It's pretty much expected anymore that if we are welcome at their house, Marshmallow Crisps must be had as well.

Believe it or not, I've done research. I've developed the PERFECT recipe for Marshmallow Crisps. Seriously. People rave about my Marshmallow Crisps.

Here is how you can make:
HEATHER'S PERFECT MARSHMALLOW CRISPS!

First, measure out 10 cups (yes, I double the recipe, because no one likes too-thin treats) Rice Krispies.

Second, measure out 8 cups (buy a 1 lbs bag) mini-marshmallows. Make sure to have a little more left over...
And have on hand a "splash" of milk & vanilla extract.
Spray a 9 x 13 pan and the bottom of a flat "flipper'.
And finally, melt 1/2 cup (or 1 stick) butter. DO NOT use margarine. YUCK! Don't be a sicko! Cut it up into small pieces for melting - and melt on the lowest possible setting! Butter burns easily so be sure to do it slowly on low heat.
When butter is fully melted, stir in your mini mallows. Mmm...
Wait patiently for them to melt in. It's worth it.
Toss in splash of milk & vanilla. The milk helps add a gooey factor (because you should NEVER serve hard, crunchy treats! yuck!) and the vanilla complements the marshmallow taste.
When the marshmallows are totally melted and mixed...
Toss in another handful! Why? Because you get delightful little chunks of marshmallow in your treat - so good.
... and melt until they're just about to blend in.
Pour over the Krispies.
And blend well.
Pour in your pre-greased pan. Flatten and compact with your pre-greased flipper.

Viola! Heather's Perfect Marshmallow Crisps!
They're soooo good. Try them.

PS- Why does no one comment anymore? Hmm...

{ A New Friend }

Today my little family of three went to see our friends who just made the transition from two to three as well.

Mara was born May 1 and was 8 lbs 4 oz (which is hard to believe - that little peanut is bigger than our Eisley was? Eisley must have been tiny!... but I don't remember anymore!) and 20.5 inches. Mom, Dad, and Baby Mara are all doing just great, although they did deal with a long wait and long labor for this precious girl. She's here now and that is what matters.

She's beautiful. How wonderful it is to have her here!

{ Angela's Baby Shower }

---> {Click here for drink cooler tutorial!} <---

The diaper wreath I made, on Angela's front door.

Just thought I'd post some pictures from Angela's baby shower, which was a couple weeks ago. It was a good time!

When Angela found out she was pregnant I told her I'd *love* to throw the baby shower, I love planning parties and it was a great way to get my "ya-ya's" out. Now I'm working on Eisley's 1st birthday....

Guests playing games.

A onesie garland I made.

A decorated drink cooler. ;-)

The diaper cake.

Guests filling their plates.

The party favors stacked up near the door and ready to go.

The favors were a "Bath in a Box", included a handmade chocolate sugar scrub, rose scented tea light, Hershey kisses, and a rubber duckie.

Peter and Justin, sharing a joke before the shower.

The "spread".

The cake. It said, "The Big Day is Drawing Near, Mara Jade is Almost Here!"

By the time all the guests arrived, you couldn't see any table there.

Peter and the boys enjoyed a poker game in their cigar lounge in the basement.

Complete with "It's a Girl" cigars.

Mother-to-Be and her lovely mother.

A keepsake photo album for Mara.

Angela and Peter's lovely mom.

Angela with her mother and three sisters.

Angela and me.

And yes, even Eisley was there to celebrate.