Cotton Candy for the Birthday Girl

On Phoebe's actual birthday we made cupcakes and opened presents from family. She was thrilled with everything. Money in cards is now a favorite and this cotton candy machine from Nana and Papa was the biggest surprise ever. I mean who actually even knows where to find a home size machine? The best part is that it is super easy to use and can even be made with hard candies, YUMMY! Needless to say it has been a hit and we have had many cotton candy days here :) I think the next thing on her list is a fondue maker now.

Fun water photos with Instagram

I just love taking pictures of water. The movement and the way it looks different in every picture is just amazing. Here are some fun pictures I took, and one Phoebe took of me, in a water fall at a pool one day.

Swim Team 2012

Horseback Riding Camp

Phoebe's fun event this summer was being able to attend a horseback riding camp all day for a week.  We had the hottest record breaking temperatures of the summer that week and there was no air conditioning on the ranch.  Phoebe did not complain once and only said that she didn't even notice the heat at all.  She loved riding all day long and would have fun stories to tell us everyday when I picked her up.  On the last day they put on a little show to show the parents all the things the kids had learned.  It was cute to see her so happy and it really was a great camp.  Not only did she learn how to ride, but she also learned how to clean, feed, and saddle the horses.  She is in love with them.

Phoebe with her show horse Addy

Luke taking a turn feeding some carrots to the horses

 Phoebe won best in show for her group, and got a medal for being best camper of the week.  She was always helping out everyone and taking care of the horses.  We will for sure be back next year.

 in the saddle room

Luke riding the fake horse. They use this to teach the kids how to saddle the real ones.

Paisley taking a turn on Woody

Fresh Peaches

 My friend had an abundance of peaches on her tree this year and we were happy to take a bucket off her hands.  Phoebe helped my peel and pit them and they have been wonderful for making smoothies.  It is just too hot to even want to make any jam with them, and I don't think we will have any problems finishing them off. Oh so yummy!  I may need to get a tree in my yard

Phoebe's 11th Birthday

 Phoebe turned 11 last week. Here is the cake she made this year for her party.  It was a fun design and she pretty much did all of it by herself this year.  The staff at the Cake Stand liked it so much they took a picture of it and decided to add it to their book of cake ideas to order.  We thought that was pretty cool.

 She had a minute to win it party with lots of fun games.  The girls did really good and we didn't even have enough time to do all the games we had planned.

 

 Phoebe got a new bike this year as she has outgrown her old one.  She is happy to have a new set of wheels.