It's been raining Legos . . .

. . . or so it would seem. Earlier this week I posted a comment on Facebook noting that Lego now makes cool board games which you first build, then play. Of course we had to get one! Blake and Taylor have spent HOURS during their visit playing with vintage Legos courtesy of Denise (thanks again!).Coincidentally, our local Lakeview Museum is currently exhibiting Lego art so we thought we'd take a trip over there yesterday. Here are Taylor and Blake at the museum:

The exhibit is called "The Art of the Brick" by a talented, full-time artist named Nathan Sawaya.


This is entirely made of Legos, including the reflection in the "mirror."
It was difficult to capture in my photo that this dude's head is separated entirely from his neck.
Everything in this photos is made of legos. Yes, even the floor, cabinet and easel.
After viewing the Lego exhibit, we had just a bit more fun at the museum.

Yours truly. Have I ever looked better?

Rhapsody in Bloom . . .

. . . was the title of the art fest held at our local Luthy Botanical Garden this past weekend. Close to 50 artists exhibited their creations including jewelry, garden sculptures, pottery and many other items. It was hot, hot, hot! Nevertheless, it was a great show where we met lots of nice people, received many compliments and much of our jewelry inventory found new homes. Here's a pretty necklace my sister snagged from Janet of Free to Bead:
Beautiful, eh?

"And all the monkeys aren't in the zoo . . .

. . . every day you see quite a few." Here are my two visiting monkeys, Blake and Taylor. As a reward for outstanding final report cards, each child was granted his/her own special day. Taylor chose a "pajama day," one of my personal favorites. Together we made jewelry and played Dino-opoly while Blake played "couch potato." Blake chose a visit to the Peoria Zoo on his special day. Here are a few photos!



Who doesn't love an elephant nosed shrew?
Last, but not least, always my favorite -- the meerkat.

More visitors . . .

. . . during this busy time! Our friends Blake and Taylor are visiting from the Indianapolis area. Since they are used to visiting at our former home in Tampa, it is somewhat challenging to replace the instant gratification we had there of stepping out the door and into our pool. This morning we took a walk to a nearby park and found this cool fort to play in. Unfortunately play was cut short after Blake and a muddy puddle collided; we had to return home to wash everything, including his shoes, and send him to the shower.Later this afternoon Taylor and I spent some time making jewelry. I think she is a natural! She instantly grasped the purpose of different components, i.e. wire guards, crimps, crimp covers, etc.
Here are her first creations. I see more jewelry making in Taylor's future!

On Memorial Day weekend . . .

. . . we had a visit from kids Kris and Jon (center), Kris' hubby Dave (left), and grandsons Cade and Cole. Hey, no pictures of the boys? Oops!We took a trip to Wildlife Prairie State Park in Peoria, Illinois. This was the first time I've ever been so close to the very majestic bald eagles. Don't they look wise? Maybe like they should be old Supreme Court judges . . .
Among the animals living in the park was a grey wolf pack. Personally, I wish they could roam free. Nevertheless, it was good to see them.
We closed out our trip to the park with a train ride and then it was on to One World for lunch amidst the glorious air conditioning!

It's not often . . .

. . . that I blog about food, but here's a quick one. Mmmm, strawberry shortcake for dessert tonight.And have you seen this? I picked this up at our local Kroger. McCormick has pre-measured the spices needed for Rosemary Roasted Chicken with Potatoes. On the back is a a tear-off recipe card with instructions and a list of other items you'll need, in this case just olive oil, salt, chicken and potatoes.

Bon appetit!

Is there anything . . .

. . . more joyous than a healthy, new baby? We can't help but smile and be SO happy for our dear friends, Alice and Bob, on the birth of their beautiful baby grand-daughter, Nora, shown here partying down on her one month's birthday.Have you ever seen a prouder Grandpa? I have to believe Nora's birth has opened a chapter in Bob's life that he never expected. That often happens to men who were BUSY, BUSY, BUSY during the birth and childhood of their own kids.
Nora completes (at least for now) the wonderful family of Stacy, Geoffrey and Murray (the dog). We wish every good thing and happiness for all!