Happy Birthday Grandy!

Sophia's first popsicle

Sophia deserved a reward for being such a good sport and sitting out in the heat while the rest of us were staying cool by being wet (see below). She got her first popsicle. She told me later that it was totally worth it.

Turning Lemons into Lemonade

When we decided on our new home, the biggest "con" for me was the backyard. In Tennessee, we had this great big, flat yard that the kids loved to play in. Here, our yard is one gigantic hill. Well, first of all, I didn't take into account that it's really to hot to play outside in Tuscaloosa anyway! I also underestimated my husband's uncanny ability to turn a "con" into a "pro". Today was the very first Dixon family slip-n-slide extravaganza. I foresee many more in the future. If you come and visit, you too can partake in the thrills. I have a few "grass burns" (yeah, didn't know those existed). But other than that - the most fun I've had in a while. I have prepared a short video so that you may experience the excitement as well!

Sophia had fun watching all of the idiots in her family.

The only way to end SSS (Slip n Slide Saturday) is with a popsicle!

Cinni Minis

I'm in the process of trying to organize my recipes. Right now they are all just shoved into a box. Some are folded, some are magazine clippings, some are on post-it-notes.... Anyway, I felt the need to have some uniformity and I've also been missing my digital scrapbooking. So, I'm combining my project with a little bit of fun and I thought I would occasionally pass on some of my favorite recipes to you. Enjoy!

I also wanted to share a helpful website I found. It's www.organizedhome.com. They have tons of free printables for things like weekly meal planners, shopping lists, etc....

Carnival

Tonight was "carnival night" at UCM. I have no idea how much cotton candy, cookies, popcorn, and hot dogs Micah ate. Let's just say that I was praying he wouldn't throw up on the way home!

They had a blast on the inflatable obstacle course. Micah showed no fear as you might expect.

Micah

Pardon the nudity, but that face was too cute not to share.

I was worried they wouldn't like the yard because of the hill :).

Just wanted to share a couple of books that I have enjoyed this summer.

The Shack by William Young

A very thought provoking fictional story about spiritual things.

Serve God, Save the Planet by Matthew Sleeth

A book about why we should care more about how our lifestyles affect others and a lot more eye opening truths.

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

A fictional account taken from the story of Dinah in the Bible. I wouldn't call this book "inspirational" like a Francine Rivers novel, but it does give some interesting insight into what it would've been like to be a woman living in "bible times".

I'm now reading Irresistable Revolution by Shane Claiborne. So far a very challenging book. I'll let you know about it when I finish!

Summer Fun and Monkey's Treehouse

A little update on our summer.

The only way you can stand to be outdoors in Tuscaloosa in August is if water is involved!

Sophia is pulling up on everything. The only problem is she can't figure out how to sit down, so we have lots of frustration going on.

Micah started going to preschool last week. It's 2 mornings a week and he loves it. Duane decided it would be a good idea after he came home and found me curled up in a corner rocking back and forth while mumbling. Just kidding (sortof).

This past weekend we were able to hang out with some of our Tennessee cousins! My mom, a.k.a. hostess with the mostest, had everyone over for lunch so that we could see them while we were in town. I got to see my grandmothers and some aunts and uncles too! We are blessed with a big family.

While we were in Nashville we went to a place call The Monkey's Treehouse. It's this really cool place for kids where they have lots of different centers set up for play. The kids had a great time.

Noah sought refuge from the many preschoolers and played with dinosaurs in the corner.



My husband is still weird.