Nail Art 2011

I'd like to thank all of my nail models from 2011: Eleanor Theis, Peggy Johnson, Claire Fortney, Jessica Fortney, Lauren Woods, Elsa Sorenson, Vincent Theis, Presley, and my Grandma Brown most of all!

The Paper Lady Guest Giveaway

The Paper Lady Guest Giveaway

Rebecca's Shower

Last Sunday I co-hosted a Bridal Shower for my husbands Best-friends Fiance - Well, she's my friend too, but I wanted to get the "How I know this California Girl" out there.

I spent most of Last weeks preparing for the Shower. I intended to sew the Bride an apron to match the pink and black themed cleaning gift I had assembled - But I never got around to it. I couldn't quite figure out how to get to the paper store I needed to go to to get the supplies I needed until Last Thursday - and when I finally did get the supplies - My Cat - Tralfaz - pee'd all over the bag.

So, the party is over now, it went really well. Andrew and I made a pretty neat game up called "Give Me Some Sugar Baby." It was basically a rendition of pin the tail on the Donkey where guest's try to pin a kiss onto the groom.

The party was fun, be it definitely needed some cocktails. From here on out I will have alcohol of some sort at all parties I host (and, I should say, That I usually do - but I wasn't in charge of food for this one).

Pearl Park

Minneapolis is known for having great parks with child friendly pools. Pearl Park in south Minneapolis is no exception. Pearl is located on the corner of Portland Avenue and Diamond Lake Road. The pool is large, clean and has a depth of only 18 inches (or so). It is fenced in and does not have any shade (my biggest complaint). You can find shade outside of the fenced in pool however. The playground at Pearl park is very nice and satisfying for kids. The slides are plastic and can become very hot -so watch out. Last week Vincent and visited Pearl Park twice and spent a total of 4 hours there. I give Pearl Park a high rating. It's nice because it is not too crowded - Your kids are easy to spot. It has a very clean and fun play pool that Vincent just loved!

Kelley Park

On Thursday morning Eleanor, Vincent and I went to Kelley park. We met Christina, Genesis and Titus there. Kelley Park is located just south of Co. Rd. 42 on Galaxy Avenue in Apple Valley. Kelley is obviously new as the trees are very tiny. People show up early in the day/late morning to find themselves a tiny tree to park next to. Otherwise - the park doesn't provide very much shade. What the park does have is one of the largest water pads that I have ever seen at a public park! The water pad has spray rainbows, shooters and bucket dumpers. There is also a nice playground adjacent to the water pad and a very beautiful perennial garden on one side of the park. The park also features two fountains that are seemingly intended for play (as each time I have gone to the park I have seen kids playing in them). However, that is NOT the case (as it states on a sign mounted on the fountain). The first time I visited the park (2 Friday's ago) the ice cream man came and stayed for quite awhile. He had a line most of the time he was at the park. Both visits I have made were swamped with people. Overall, my review of this park is high. I would prefer to see more shady places for people to rest. I also prefer going to parks with less poeple traffic. It is hard to keep an eye on my kids at parks this congested.

Attack of the Japanese Beetles!

Today Eleanor had a play date with her friend Abbey. Vinny and I made muffins - he did most of the work (and ate 4 out of 6) - then we picked Eleanor up and brought her to Art camp. While at camp Vincent and I managed to make it to Pearl Park (Portland and Diamond Lake Road, Mpls) and swim for some time before it rained buckets.
When we arrived home I noticed a SWARM of Japanese beetles eating my bean plants! Are you kidding me? First Slugs, then the voles moved in and now this?!?! I still have to put out more beer traps this week and figure out some way to control the voles.