Rest in peace, Uncle Larry

This is how my Uncle Larry will forever be remembered.  Laughing & wearing a cowboy hat. 

Larry V. CrumNovember 19, 1942 - July 12, 2012

Link to Obituary

Tuesday in Topeka!

First stop...The World Famous Topeka Zoo!

Giraffes!

Penguins!

Hippos!

Rainforest

Elephants!

Gorillas

Lions!

Having a little chat with their new friend.

We love our family pass to the ZOO!

Next stop...Chuck E. Cheese!

Sketch Booth Fun

PIZZA!

All caged UP! 

Prizes!

Monday Messy Makeovers!

GIRL TIME!

We had a couple of hours to fill (Talin was enjoying special time with nana) so we decided to have makeovers complete with hair & make-up!  Who knew it would get them SO excited!

We also got out the shaving cream and got creative...and messy!  :)

Last Summer Tourney

Jaedin played in her last 8U Sidekick softball tournament.  She has to move up to the 10U team in the fall.  We are very excited to continue to watch her grow but will miss many teammates & her coaches greatly!  Jaedin, of course, can't wait for the season to start back up.

#10

Warming up

Best little brothers & biggest fans!

The girls got 2nd place at the VIP Metro Softball Tournament in Blue Springs, MO. 

Sidekicks

Amazing coaches!

Jaedin getting her medal

2nd place!!!

Go 'Kicks!

Trophy!

Celebrating!!!!

My TEAM

Happy Independence Day!

American Kids!

The first of MANY smoke bombs.

Fun afternoon at the pool with friends.

Tricks by Jaedin  :)

I even got my hands on sweet Kyle!

Talin LOVED fireworks this year...the smell, the smoke, the noise...ALL OF IT!

Remi needed to cool off!

Hope you had a wonderful holiday too!

U.S.A.

Oh Remi!  I can't wait for you to see this photo in 10 years!

COOKIES!

Lots & lots of COOKIES!

I thought I would share a new cookie recipe.  This is the third time I've made these and each time I'm amazed at how many cookies it makes.  The cookies stay soft for DAYS and the kids LOVE them!

M&M Pudding Cookies

* 2 cups butter, softened
* 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar

* 1/2 cup sugar

* 2 (3.4 ounce) instant vanilla pudding mix

* 4 eggs

* 2 tsps. vanilla

* 4 3/4 cup flour

* 2 tsps. backing soda

* 4 cups M & Ms (or we prefer mini chocolate chips)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Sift together the flour and baking soda, set aside.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar.

3. Beat in the instant pudding mix until blended.  Stir in the eggs and vanilla.

4. Blend in the flour mixture.

5. Stir in the chocolate chips (or M&M's), trying to spread evenly through cookie dough.

6. Make balls of cookie dough, about 1 inch in diameter.

7. Bake for 10-12 minutes in the preheated oven.  Edges should be golden brown.

ENJOY!



Our MVP!

Another weekend of softball and another weekend of SMILES!

The Sidekicks played in the VIP Summer Blast tournament in Overland Park, KS. 

Jaedin got a MVP medal on Saturday!

The team took 3rd place after bracket play on Sunday.

Way to go, 'Kicks!