3rd time is a charm!

Ok. So 3rd time is supposed to be the charm, right? Let's hope that holds true. Summer is here, and it feels like it's almost gone! The fam has been pretty busy so far. In May, Ed and I went to see Elton John. That was a great concert! What a professional! 3 shows. 3 nights in a row. 2 1/2 hours each show! All Elton. It was fantastic. Ed was only home for 6 days though. He went back up to Prudhoe Bay for a 3 week hitch. While he was away, the girls and I kept busy. We painted most of the walls upstairs. We changed from the "we just moved in" off-white to "Wilmington Tan" which reminds many of caramel or peanut butter. I think it's warmer and more welcoming. After painting, I got to work and Cousin Bernie & Angie's wedding cake.



Cake for Mr. & Mrs. Bernie Kale. This was my first attempt at fondant flowers.

Not TOO shabby...

The week following that, Dawn came over and we built a deck. No pictures yet, sorry. I will post some as soon as I get back outside to get them. So, after the deck was finished, we had our 2nd annual Summer Solstice Block party. It was pretty fun, even though 3 homes are up for sale. It's a great time to get caught up and a good opportunity to meet the new neighbors. We have a pretty cool neighborhood. There are a lot of little kids though. I am sure Caitlyn and Haley wish there were more kids their age. Maybe some will move in...

So, after the block party, I began baking for Aliscia's quinceanera/Sweet 16 party. It was a HUGE event. All three of my girls took part in the festivites. It was a crazy weekend! On the 28th of June, I went to set up the cake for Aliscia's party at the Hacienda Restaurant, came home, and changed for Jake and Kristina's wedding. Haley, Riley and I went to the wedding. It was beautiful. After the wedding, we had to race home so Haley could change for Aliscia's party.
We got to the party and I had to leave after about an hour because that evening was the dinner for my 20 year high school reunion!

Aliscia's birthday cake. Center is white with raspberry filling. The satelites are

(clockwise: chocolate, confetti, strawberry, and yellow all with buttercream icing)

Aliscia standing by her B-day cake

Haley, Caitlyn, Me, and Riley at Aliscia's Quinceanera/Sweet 16 party

Well, after that wild day, one would think it would be time for a day of rest. Nah...not around here! The picnic for the reunion was on Sunday. It was ok, Friday and Saturday night were better, but oh well. We went to see a movie before Ed and the girls dropped me off at the airport for my flight to DC.
Caitlyn, Haley, Riley & I hanging out with Deanna at the reunion picnic

Whew! I am tired just thinking about that weekend. Well, I got back safe and sound on Monday, July 7. I went in for surgery on my right knee on July 8th. Now, since I am forced to take it easy, I am beginning my blog. I plan to add some D.C. pics over the next couple of days. Hopefully I will be fully operational within the next week or so. Well, maybe not FULLY, but at least more upright. Till then!