This is Nicholas. Our friends adopted him from South Korea this spring. We love this little guy. He’s always so smiley and happy.

We were lucky enough to get to celebrate Korean Liberation Day with them all when we were in Des Moines this year. Nicholas waved his flag…

and we all had some Korean pancakes (Hoddeok)

They’re described as “a fried yeast dumpling, flattened to a pancake, with sticky cinnamon sugar centre.”

And let me tell you…they’re tasty!

If you’re interested in learning more…or trying to make them for yourselves…check out this site.

http://www.lastappetite.com/korean-street-food-recipes-hoddeok/

I can’t believe summer is going this fast. On one hand, I’m thrilled…the further in we get, the closer to fall temperatures. On the other hand…the closer to snow too.

I just said snow…in July.

Anyway…Happy 4th. Hope you’re spending it with family and friends! Be safe, and remember why we celebrate today -

For mother’s day this year, i was inspired by the LOVE photo collage I saw on tipjunkie.com…

http://www.tipjunkie.com/2010/04/handmade-mothers-day-gift-ideas-2.html (number 9 on the page)

i decided to make my children freeze their tails off and get some pictures of my own…in all fairness, i did let them put on sweatshirts!

I made my signs by printing out large letters, cutting them out and gluing them to posterboard. It didn’t take all that long, and I kindof liked the way it turned out.

This is probably my favorite shot from the morning. Their little faces get me everytime. I’m not sure what was so funny…but they were certainly having fun!

This is also a favorite…it shows the progression of the photo shoot…

Evan saying “I’m done”

from “the elf on the shelf”…

“Have you ever wondered how Santa could know if you’re naughty or nice each year as you grow?”

“At holiday time, Santa sends me to you. I watch and report on all that you do.”

do you have the elf?

At our house, we search for him every morning and then I usually get asked what he told Santa the night before…

we strive for good things every day.

Gotta love the elf.

to the man who spent his late Saturday night and Sunday evening “turning” doll limbs for me…

(photo courtesy of my three year old)

so these two little girls could have a very Merry Christmas…

with these two little girls.

thanks, Nathan…you’re the best!