Domestic

John's Mom turned 80 this past month, and so I was asked to bring 4 dozen treats. Feeling ambitious about such a special occasion, my amazing mom helped me whip out 6 dozen of the prettiest little fruit tarts!

We made them with sugar cookie dough, and put them in cupcake cups (like pie crust) and baked them, then drizzled 1/4 inch of chocolate in the bottom, made the "filling" with 1/2 whipped cream and 1/2 jello vanilla pudding (with just 2 1/2 cups of milk instead of 3) then arranged the fruit...and for that beautiful shiny glaze, melted apple jelly on the stove, then brushed the fruit with it.

VOILA!

Soccer Season

After being cooped up, the kids were SO READY to start running around outside! We haven't done soccer for YEARS, but that didn't matter! The kids LOVE it and are crazy at chasing after that ball! Go Team orange, maroon, and green!

AWESOME ANDREW



AMAZING ASHLEY



GNARLY NATTLES



MAGNIFICENT MATTHEW


Loyal Cheerleader: all tied up in knots!


TEAM BYTHEWAY: (minus Ashley)

My Talented Family

Amy and Marshall planned a fun-filled talent show for the Loveridge family! The instructions were simple: show off. With so many talented family members, the night proved to be a great success! Thanks for the GREAT reminder to all of us of what an amazing family we have!!!

Among the stars of the evening:

Abby recites "The Road Less Traveled"

Adam trips his fingers across the ivories

Ava and Lauren do an impromptu dance to "Sugarplum Fairies"
*note the adorable baby-seat cover in the background made by Tiffany and Mom, gifted to Jennifer as a surprise

Kate demonstrates her AMAZING hugs

Natalie plays "Waltz for a Princess"

Tim shows off his most recent scrapbook

Aaron shows off his home-made go-kart

Matthew and Elizabeth dance (*note the black and white photography above their heads, taken by Tim and Tiffany)

Mom drags us in for "I did, I does, and I do."

Other talents not pictured:

Ashley plays "Alla Turca" and Andrew plays "Scherzo" on the piano. Joshua does a dramatic reading of Shel Silverstein, Thomas shows everyone how good he is at hiding during Hide and Seek, Madelyn and Elayna show off their beautiful ballet costumes, and John shows a video of "learning to play the banjo".

What a great night!

Afterward we retreated outdoors for some fun:
Gabriel enjoys cake like NOBODY'S BUSINESS!

Kids in the wagon

Holden!

Matthew opens a few birthday gifts

Thanks again!

We have a talented family!!!