BACK TO BALLET

 The arrival of September means the start of so much more than just the school year. While Wyatt has decided to pick up a new sport to play, Delta Mae was excited to stick with an activity she loves. BALLET!

Delta Mae took her first year of ballet lessons at age two while we were living in Mississippi. Then we moved to Oregon and her second year of lessons was taken at our local dance studio. This year, as September drew nearer, I spent numerous hours trying to find a ballet class offered to her age group that met in the mornings, opposite her days at preschool.

It was a struggle - which really surprised me. I found a nearby studio that offered a "custom class" if I could find five other participants. It gave me hope, so I reached out to the other MOPS Mamas on our Facebook group but, unfortunately, their interest was low. Except for my friend, Jenn. She was up for the idea, but two ballerinas are far from six, so the search continued.

Eventually, I found a studio about twenty minutes from my home that offered just what I was looking for. A Tuesday morning, ballet only, class. We signed up and lessons began two days ago.

Caution: These photos contain cuteness overload.

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AN EASTERN OREGON ADVENTURE

For the past three years when bow hunting season arrives, I lose my Husband to the hills of Eastern Oregon. This year was a little different because the kids + I got to tag along with him on opening weekend. I was hoping to get the chance to spot an elk or two but unfortunately, our efforts were unsuccessful. We were able to catch a glimpse of a herd of deer while making our drive into camp, but I was behind the wheel instead of behind the camera lens.

We had a great time! We took a couple of family hikes that involved minimal complaining from the kids + only two piggie-back rides. We gathered around a fire under a star-filled sky where we all took turns naming new constellations. (I think someone saw a purple hippo, yellow elephant + a kite.) Our daughter took her first four-wheeler ride + had a blast! All in all, it was a wonderful time spent together.

Oregon, you sure are pretty.

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WELCOME TO MERMAID ACADEMY

To celebrate our daughter’s fifth birthday we invited five of her best friends over + enrolled them in Mermaid Academy. I thought it would be a fun idea to call the party an academy, let her guests participate in mermaid activities + then send them home as graduates. I decorated our home in beachy blue, turquoise, white + gold. It turned out so cute, y’all! Here’s a peek at the details.I contacted a local bake shop, Lux Sucre Desserts, about having a cake made for the party + they gave me multiple mermaid-ish options to choose from. We chose a rustic ombre cake + I absolutely LOVED the way it turned out. I topped with a golden 5 sparkler wand + it was perfection.

On the top of each place setting was the Mermaid Academy Checklist I designed, which highlighted all of the activities for those attending Mermaid Academy:

• Pick a Mermaid Name.
• Get a Mermaid Manicure.
• Color a Mermaid Masterpiece.
• Go on a Starfish Hunt.
• Make a Splash.

On each of the chair backs were super comfy Mermaid Academy tees. The girls looked so cute in their Matchy-Matchy Mermaid goodies. =)

And when the party came to an end, each guest left with their Mermaid Academy tees + their Mermaid Academy Graduate Gumball Scrolls.

It was such a fun party!

Here are a few more details.The Mermaid Masterpieces that the guests colored came from The Hanna Blog. Below are links to all other party prints + decor.

• Mermaid Academy Activities Printable
• Mermaid Academy Graduate + Thanks For Coming Party Circle Printable
• Turquoise, Light Blue + Gold Party Fans
• Turquoise, Light Blue + Gold Plates
• Blue Cream Soda
• Gold Flatware (no longer available)
• White Scalloped Cake Stand (no longer available)
• Mermaid Academy Tee
• Mini Party Hats
• 40″ Gold Foil Balloon
• Gumball Tubes
• Celebrate Banner

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HASHTAG STAR SPANGLED KIDS

Fourth of July Weekend celebrations are in full swing which means we’re squeezing all of the Red, White + Blue love that we can over the next few days. And we’re looking at some phenomenal weather in our forecast (highs in the 90s + lows in the 50s) so I couldn’t possibly be happier about spending most of our time over the next few days poolside. Come July 4th, our big plans (wink, wink) are to be a part of our neighborhood’s bike parade + barbecue… then a dip in the pool. This is our third year to celebrate along side these neighbors of ours + I think it’s great that we don’t have to travel to make the day special.

This year’s parade will be a new experience for the kids because they will be participants, not just spectators. So earlier today, I took the kids into town to grab some inexpensive decor for their bikes + helmets. Mostly they just told us what to do while Brad + I did the decorating.Duct Tape for the win.

I also took the kids around the neighborhood, waiting for the just right moment when the wind would blow + the American Flag would wave + the kids would be all happy + smiling right at my camera lens. Yeah, that didn’t really happen. The biggest smiles came when they would run + attack me. I have an elbow scratch as proof of their assault. But some pretty sweet moments happened in-between the crazy ones.The kiss. The wipe off. The re-kiss. =) So fun!

If you’ve stopped by today, I hope you’re here for the #StarSpangledKids Link-up Party!My friend, Liz, asked if I would be one of her co-hosts for her blog link-up party this year + I was so thrilled and immediately replied YES! It’s super easy to join in on the fun. Use the link up below to add your Star Spangled Kids blog post through July 7.

If you don’t have a blog, no worries. Join us on your social media accounts using #StarSpangledKids! And don’t forget to show some love to the co-hosts + participants.

Liz || Ellie + Addie

Jen || And Hattie Makes Three

Kristy || Seven Graces Blog

Sarah || Seeing All Sides

Whitney || Work It Mommy

Stephanie  || Wife Mommy Me

Jessica || Secrets of a Stay at Home Mom

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MERMAID ACADEMY PARTY

Ever since my daughter saw the Mystic Mermaid Show at the Downtown Denver Aquarium, she has had her heart set on having a Mermaid Themed Birthday Party. This was in part, a result of my Master Momipulation skills. You know… just a little persuasion to get her excited about having a party that I know she would love + a party that I would enjoy decorating + designing for.

So the Mermaid Themed Party was agreed upon + now it was time for me to start designing for it. I saw a Mermaid Academy tee one day + thought, what would it take to graduate from Mermaid Academy? I came up with few ideas, designed a cute little checklist + intend to do each of the activities at my daughter’s upcoming Fifth Birthday Party. When I showed the checklist list to my daughter, she was so giddy! =) Here’s a peek at the designs for the party.

So fun, right?! My daughter has already decided on her Mermaid Name. She will be Princess Pearl. =) When the party is over, each of her guests will leave with a Mermaid Academy Tee + a tube filled with gumballs. I saw were a few other people tied 2-inch party circles to the tubes but I thought sticking the party circle stick directly on the tube would be easier, so I had my design printed on label paper. Then added a 1-inch "Thanks For Coming"  circle to the tube lids, also printed on label paper.

Finally, the Mermaid Academy banner.Ahh!! The party is so close, I can hardly stand it! More party details to follow, Friends. Below you can download + print all of the Mermaid Academy goodies for free!

• MERMAID ACADEMY ACTIVITIES
• MERMAID ACADEMY GRADUATE + THANKS FOR COMING PARTY CIRCLES
• MERMAID ACADEMY BANNER

ENJOY!

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FAMILY HIKING IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

The warm, sunny weather has been abundant over the past few weekends + we have taken full advantage of them. With a little help from the All Trails App, I could easily find a trail + map directions. I am a bit partial to the waterfall hikes but it appears most people are. Even after traveling two hours away from the Portland Metro Area, the trailhead parking lots are full of cars + the trails are full of people + pets. I don’t mind it though. Not when the payoff is a million dollar view.

Today I’m sharing a few photos taken from three recent weekend hikes. The All Trails App describes two of them as moderate hikes + one as easy. I concur.

|| ONE || Falls Creek Falls – Carson, Washington

Falls Creek Falls is a new favorite of mine. A portion of the drive to the trail is along a dirt road that is full of potholes but it’s not so bad that we needed to use four-wheel drive. In fact, once we arrived at the trailhead, I was surprised to see so many cars in the parking lot.

We made it out + back along the trail, occasionally stepping to the side to let people pass us. After all, we were making the trek with a seven + four-year-old. There was one portion of the trail that required us to step on stones that had water rushing under them but we made it by just fine. And it made for an adorable father-daughter photo. Have a look!

Put Lower Falls Creek Trail on your places to visit this summer!

|| TWO || Panther Creek – Carson, Washington 

Picnicking by Panther Creek with a beautiful waterfall just on the opposite side. All good things. All good things. =) And it’s a super-short hike to boot! We actually stopped off at Panther Creek on our way to Falls Creek Falls.

|| THREE || Bald Mountain from Lolo Pass Trail – Rhododendron, Oregon

We had high hopes of reaching the Lost Lake on Memorial Day but due to snow-covered dirt roads, it wasn’t accessible. Hopefully, we can try again in a few weeks after more of the snow has melted off. I felt a bit defeated when we had to turn around but there was a trailhead on the intersecting road. The Lolo Pass Trailhead is part of the Pacific Crest Trail that we hiked along for a bit. This trail zig-zagged quite a bit, gaining elevation with each step. This also means that this trail started to become snowed-covered as well. We were only able to go one-mile in before we had to turn around. Either way, it got us up + moving and gave us a pretty awesome view of Mt. Hood.

Here’s to more Weekend Warrioring with The Family!

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POPPY SEED CHICKEN CASSEROLE WITH SPINACH

Long before my Husband + I moved away from Mississippi, he frequented a Hattiesburg Cafe, Gourmet + More, with a buddy from work + they would purchase a ready-made poppy seed chicken casserole for lunch. And proceed to eat the entire 9×13 dish. Just the two of them.

After I was made aware of his obsession, I Googled a recipe + tried the first one I came across. I must say, it was pretty good. So good, in fact, that it has pretty much been on once-a-month supper rotation for the past twelve years of our marriage.

With that being said, I’ve tried many different variations of the original recipe. Many. I’ve used canned chicken, baked chicken breast, boiled chicken… any + all types of chicken. And let me tell you, a rotisserie chicken is by far the best.

On one occasion, I didn’t have the original recipe’s required amount of sour cream, so I substituted it with mayonnaise. That alteration stuck for all future bakings. Just recently, I have been replacing iceberg lettuce with spinach on the sandwiches I make at home + I had an abundance of spinach in the fridge, so I thought I’d add a bit to the Poppy Seed Casserole. I can’t tell that it really makes a huge impact on the flavor but I feel like it makes the dish a little healthier + pretty. I hope you enjoy it!

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup butter melted
• 1 tbsp Poppy Seeds
• 1 sleeve Ritz Crackers crumbled
• 1 Onion diced
• 2 cups Spinach
• 1/2 Rotisserie Chicken shredded, about 2 cups
• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup Sour Cream
• 1 tsp Seasoned Salt
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Combine the melted Butter, Poppy Seeds + crumbled Crackers in a bowl.
3. In an oven-safe skillet, sauté the Onion on medium heat until soft, about 7 minutes. Add spinach + sauté an additional 2 minutes or so.
4. Add Chicken, Mayo, Sour Cream, Seasoned Salt, Cayenne + half of the Poppy Seed Mixture to the skillet. Stir.
5. Top with remaining Poppy Seed Mixture.
6. Transfer skillet into the oven + bake at 350° for 15 minutes, or until bubbly around the edges.
7. Broil for an additional 3 minutes or so, until the top is golden brown.

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DISCOVERING DENVER || SEVEN FAMILY FRIENDLY OUTINGS

In my last post, I shared my new found love for all things Lodo. But every now and then, we did venture beyond Wazee + Wynkoop for the occasional family adventure. On this trip we were traveling with our seven-year-old son + four-year-old daughter, so we had to make sure the trip was fun for them be too. Here’s a collection of seven family-friendly outings we enjoyed together.

1 – Downtown Aquarium

If you have small children, you’ve likely been to an aquarium. But have you ever been to any aquarium that puts on a live Mermaid Show? Y’all this was such a neat experience. There were three mermaids that swam among the sea creatures + taught the children a short lesson on recycling + how important it was to keep the ocean clean.

After the eight-minute show, there was an opportunity to take pictures with the mermaids too! If you travel to Denver with small children, make sure you see The Mystic Mermaids!

2 – Denver Zoo

Children love the zoo. Even if they aren’t old enough to necessarily learn about the animals, they enjoy looking at them. At the Denver Zoo, you can experience some up close + person experiences, especially with their Brown Bear exhibit.

I’m not going to lie, I was a little uncomfortable watching this bear pace back + forth along the trench between us. I’m glad he wasn’t very agile or else he might have leaped over + snatched us up. And there was not fencing either. Just a trench. Ekk!!

We must’ve spent at least four hours at the zoo. There wasn’t a spot we didn’t cover. So if you’re traveling with kids, this place is definitely worth checking out.

3 – Room 5280

This was SO MUCH FUN… for three of the four of us. =/ Our family was locked in a room + was given one hour to find the clues needed to escape. My four-year-old was a tad frightened once we were locked in the room. Luckily, there was a plush bear in the room that she snuggled to bring her a little comfort. When we finally made our escape, we were all thrilled.

4 – Little Man Ice Cream

Ice Cream - so she would love us again. But also because where else can you find a 28-foot, 14,000-pound cream can operating as a business? It was a delightful experience for all. =)

5 – Red Rocks Amphitheater

The Red Rocks are just a short drive from Downtown Denver, maybe ten minutes or so + the scenery is beautiful the whole way there.

This location may not have topped the kid’s list of awesome outings, but I couldn’t help but think of how neat it would be if my children performed on that stage one day. Imagining that alone was reason enough for me to send them down + have an impromptu performance.

6 – One Mile High Step

Apparently, there is some debate as which step is exactly one mile above sea level – 13th, 15th, or 18th – it didn’t matter to me. They are all so close to each other. I just love the people stand on this step.

7 – The Money Museum

The Money Museum is neat for a few different reasons. First, it’s free! The only thing they require is that you NOT be a criminal. (They will scan your ID before entrance is permitted.)

Aside from that, you can see what a $100,000 dollar bill looks like. You can take a photo with $30,000,000,000 in cold, hard cash as your backdrop. You can design your own dollar bills, in whatever denomination you chose, then have the digital copy emailed to you. Mine Littles couldn’t wait to get home + play with their “own” money. When your tour is over, grab a bag of shredded money to go.

Time to plan a return trip. =)

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DISCOVERING DENVER || LODO

Vacations are pretty incredible, right? They give you time to relax + recharge but also grant you the opportunity to see + discover new places. But when all is said + done, after about the third day, I get a bit homesick + long for a good night's sleep in my own bed.

Denver is the one + only exception (so far).

LoDo Sleeps

We recently took a belated Spring Break Trip to Denver + stayed at The Maven Hotel located on LoDo’s (Lower Denver) Dairy Block. I spent hours trying to find the just right spot to make our reservation. As soon as I saw a guest room with a bunk bed, I was sold. Plus they were running a grand opening special.

The picture above was taken from the parking garage across the street from The Maven along Wazee Avenue. The Maven Hotel is located on the far right side of the photo, situated between 19th + 18th Street. We were so close to Coors Field, where the Colorado Rockies play. Too bad there weren’t any home games happening during our stay. Womp, womp.

Inside The Maven is Poka Lola Social Club, a lounge area that offers guest at The Maven a complimentary evening cocktail.

I helped myself to a Crate + Barrel every evening. =)

Elevators to the guest rooms are just past Kachina Cantina + The Maven’s front desk. Kachina offers a complimentary cup of coffee to Maven guest + other breakfast items for purchase during early morning hours. Most mornings we took breakfast back to our room, which consisted of two ginormous, delicious breakfast burritos + an assortment of fruit. Breakfast was served out of the Airstream trailer pictured above but they also have a very nice dining area where they serve lunch + dinner meals.

Moving on to our room.The top bunk was a big hit with the kids. I thought they’d enjoy it. =)

LoDo Outings

As far as LoDo Outings go, there were two places that made my Bucket List. First, was visiting Denver’s Union Station.

Here’s the thing. I have never even visited Portland’s Union Station. Just read the reviews on trip advisor + you’ll know why. But I can tell you that Denver’s Union Station was impeccable.

It’s been very well maintained + restored. There’s no wonder it’s a hot spot for the people living + visiting the city.

The other LoDo Outing that made the list was to take a stroll along 16th Street Mall. 

One of my best friends from Texas, Lyndsey, told me to check out the pianos on display there, so off we went, and boy, were we in luck. The pianos had just been brought out + many of the artists were still painting them.

Image my surprise when one of the artist, Donté Janae, asked my children if they would like to paint on hers!

I was beyond thrilled. So were they. =)This was such a special surprise + experience. My daughter left declaring, “This has been the most wonderful day!!”

LoDo Eats

I kind of felt like I was drowning when trying to decide where to eat in LoDo. And honestly, most of the restaurants that made my list we didn’t even go to. There are only so many times you can eat a meal in one day. Plus, there were so many options a short walk from The Maven, it just made sense to try out what was close.

Inside Union Station, we had a quick bite to eat at Acme Delicatessen followed by a sweet treat at Milkbox, but it was brunch at Snooze that stole the show, in my opinion.

I had never ordered any form of eggs benedict before but I was feeling adventurous. I ordered their Bella!Bella!Benny + it was so very tasty. Also, I fell in love with their coffee mugs. I tried to purchase one to take home with me but they were out. Bummer.

Snooze wasn’t the only restaurant that was worth mentioning. Here are a few more that are all delicious + all located in LoDo.

Lucky Pie

Wynkoop Brewing Company

The Pig + The Sprout

I can’t wait to visit again… or just move there.

There’s more to come, y’all! These were just the spots we visited in LoDo. Stay tuned for more Denver City Adventures!

Also, a few more random shots...

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