Hail and Well Met!

Yesterday, my sister and I took the kids to the Southern California Renaissance Pleasure Faire. We've been going since our Aunt took us in the 1970's. This was the kid's first trip to this faire. They've been to a much smaller version. I had to make them all new costumes because they hadn't been to a faire since they were about 4 years old. They looked really cute (if I do say so myself) and got lots of compliments.

We have two favorite shows- Broon !

Kieran was picked to be Broon's helper.

And MooNIE the Magnif'Cent. The underwear goes with a lively little diddy called "Sweaty Man Panties".

At the joust Kendra presented her favor to the Knight she was cheering for.

Alas, Sir William perished.

The kids shot crossbows, lobbed tomatoes at a man in stocks, cheered at the joust, ate, drank and were generally merry.

And the faire has wonderful child care when the grown ups need to go and grab a quiet moment and a Guinness.

And the winner is.....

We were up in L.A. this weekend for a feis. We stayed on the top floor of the LAX Hilton. Great view of the city and the planes landing. We had a room that included access to the Tower Club. Hors d'oeuvres in the evening and a really nice continental breakfast. Feis families are pretty creative with accommodations. We are big families. I think that has something to do with a lot of us being Irish Catholics. Just a theory. Anyway, we are usually fitting a big family into a room with two double (Thank God when its two Queens)beds. Some get roll aways (usually an extra charge), some bring twin air mattresses (brilliant!) and others create a cozy little niche for the extra body.
Kieran loves hotel stationary.

We had happiness all around. Kyle took a 1st place in his reel. Kendra got a 3rd place in her light jig and they tied for 2nd in their single jig. Kyle has now advanced to Beginner Two in all his light shoe dances. They will start learning hard shoe next week.

Mad Scientist

Ta Da!!! I have no idea what it is.

Oh Paul, it's HUGE!

You're all perverted.
The barbeque project is nearing it's end.

Hints of Summer's Arrival

The corn is showing up in the market and the pets are lounging in the sun.

Flip this backyard?

Now Mr. Fixit is building the base for a barbeque.

And some pretty flowers just because I was playing with the camera.

Here Comes The Sun...

Ahhhh-glimpses of Summer-87 degrees today.

Mommy Thoughts

Who needs a calendar when you have a full Costco cart.

Chocolate muffins
Chocolate chip cookies
Peanut butter filled pretzels
Rice crispy treats
Popcorn
People magazine
Glamour magazine

Ohhh it's that time of the month.