Wordless Wednesday

Swimming with the Holleys

John and Robin invited us over to swim Saturday afternoon. The kids had so much fun (and we did too)! Thanks to the Holley's for a fun afternoon!

Papa's Little Helper

Saturday my dad came and installed thresholds in the doorways from where we installed new tile last fall. Jack was very eager to be Papa's helper. He went and got his tool box and "helped" Papa saw and drill. Maybe Jack will get a 1/10 of my dad's woodworking talent....I sure hope so because I need someone handy at our house!

Fourth of July Weekend

We had a wonderful Fourth of July weekend! It was packed full of laughter and family-time. I am so thankful that we live in the greatest country in the world!

We enjoyed our first watermelon of the summer.....

except Daniel.... He did not like watermelon!

We were so happy to get to spend some time with this cute "little firecracker"...

The kids had the best time playing with cousin Banks!

After church Sunday we snapped a few family pictures.

This was a first for us. We actually bought the kids sparklers. They were a little scared of them at first but then loved them!

Daniel kept trying to blow his out!

Monday morning we headed downtown for a walking parade. The community was invited to decorate wagons and strollers and come in their patriotic clothes. We traveled around the block then had a ice cream party at Suzannah's Photography.

They awarded a few prizes and we were surprised when Georgie won "Best Patriotic Dressed". Suzy said her red boots sealed the deal!

Georgie (Best Dressed), Beth Dunn (Best Vehicle) and Chloe the dog (Honorable Mention for Best Dressed)

Then we headed to the lake to visit Michael's grandparents. The kids always have fun swimming...

Then the boys enjoyed a few games of flag football. I love the fact that Michael's grandaddy can still run and throw just as good as him and his cousin Larry!

Spring Risotto

I thought I'd share a new recipe we tried this evening. We had fresh squash and zucchini we got at the Farmer's Market last Saturday that we need to use, and when I saw this recipe in Southern Lady magazine, I thought it sounded good (and it was). Just be warned that it is kind of labor intensive, since you basically have to stir it for 30 minutes.

Spring Risotto
Serves 6

4 tablespoons butter, divided
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup green or yellow onion
1 3/4 cups Arborio rice
1 1/2 quarts hot vegetable or chicken broth
1/2 cup diced yellow squash
1/2 cup diced zucchini
1/2 cup grated carrot
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 6oz. bag baby spinach, steamed and chopped
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon thyme

In a large Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp. butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add onion; cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Add rice and cook until lightly browned (about 2 to 3 minutes), stirring constantly. Add hot broth 1/4 cup at a time, allowing liquid to be absorbed after each addition, stirring constantly. Repeat until broth is gone (about 30 minutes). Add squash, zucchini, carrot, salt and pepper, cook for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, and add spinach, cheese and thyme and the remaining 2 tbsp. of butter.

Dare Devil

If someone told me two weeks ago that Georgie would be diving and doing cannonballs off the high dive I would have laughed in their face. Anyone who knows Georgie knows that water was not one of her strong points. This child has fought and cried about having her hair washed since she was one because she didn't want to get her head wet. Well, fast forward to now. It is like a light switch was turned on and there is no stopping her now. She will jump off the high dive as many times as her teachers will let her. She is so excited every morning when she wakes up because she can't wait to go to swim lessons. She loves it so much that she begged me to let her take another session. I am so proud of her progress!!

Our Little Friend

Now I know this is going to seem a little strange, but this little green lizard comes to our kitchen window everyday and watches us inside the house. When he first started coming, I thought he was just sitting there to catch flies and gnats, but now I really am convinced he comes to watch us. I spend a lot of time in the kitchen (it's actually where I paint), and almost every time I am in there for more than a few minutes, he appears. He just looks in the window at us. The kids love to sit on the counter and watch him. He just sits there and looks back at them. They will get inches away from him and he never acts scared or intimidated. I guess he is intrigued by all the "activity" that goes on in the Butler house. Anyway, I like the little guy and think we need to come up with a name for him. Any suggestions??