Pie Contestant

Apple Pie in September? Not typical around the Moloko household, especially from scratch. That recipe is usually saved for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Big Sister batted those grey-blue eyes and asked if she could enter the "Homemade Pie Contest" at our recent Church Festival. My first instinct was deny her the opportunity, mostly because I would not consider my pie making skills as "contest worthy." So rather than transfer my insecurities, I relented and the pie making began.

She decided on an Crumbly Apple Pie. This meant only needing one crust...aces! From peeling the apples, to slicing the apples, rolling out the crust, and mixing the spicery, Big Sister was involved. She managed to keep her smile all throughout the afternoon and I let her enjoy the Saturday afternoon baking experience.

Sunday afternoon, we took her creation to the Pie Booth and waited for the judging. Big Sister did a fantastic job tempting the judges and receiving rave reviews. She managed to win the 15 and under age division for "Best Pie." The only category she did not receive the highest marks was under the "crust" criteria. She managed to get a slice of her pie before it was cut and sold at the dessert booth. She was rather tickled at her accomplishment and I was glad I did not hinder her desire.

Slicing those apples...thinly

Working on that perfect crust
Finished creationCrumbly Apple Pie

Pie Booth
Mmm...so tasty!

Perched

At a recent family picnic, the Little Dudes and their cousin D, were fishing. Unsuccessful at fishing, they decided to hang around the water's edge skipping rocks, tossing sticks and laughing at goofy jokes. They found a log to chill upon, and I grabbed my camera!

They caught me...

Big Sister's Oz

Over a year ago, Big Sister created a "Bucket List." Odd for a eight year old, but, after hearing her Grandma's list, she thought she ought to create one as well. I wish I could remember all of items listed, but, visiting an American Girl store was definitely on her list. While in NYC, we made an afternoon trek, just us gals, to take in the American Girl experience.

It was an experience like no other! Once Big Sister entered the revolving door, the adrenaline high kicked overdrive and she was in heaven. Seeing everything pictured in the catalog, up close and being able to touch the items was such a thrill. The store just screamed drop all your money and escape to this girl wonderland.

To make the day even grander, we booked reservations in the dining room for "Afternoon Tea" with her doll, Chrissa. We enjoyed the delicate treats and it was fun being along for her bucket list experience.

The smile says it all

Ready for Tea

Big Sister and her AG doll

Menu

Tasty Treats

Moloko Gals Enjoying Tea

Utopia

Doll holder (inside the bathroom stall)

Big Sister and Chrissa

August Adventure #2

After our wonderful trip to Martha's Vineyard, I was worried the munchkins would be disappointed with the next leg of our vacation. It was not going to be as relaxing but it was going to be exciting, that I could guarantee!

Next stop: New York City

New York City was LOTS of fun. The weather was wonderful and the munchkins were troopers as we walked block after block and tackled as many tourist spots as possible in four packed days. They truly enjoyed taking the Staten Island Ferry into Manhattan every morning (we were staying at a hotel on Staten Island) and then jumping on the subway as we headed our way Uptown & Downtown. It had been 24 years since I had last stepped foot in the City...I will not wait that long again!

Lady Liberty

Empire State Building

Times Square - Daytime

Times Square @ Night. Little Dude M said "Now, this is New York!"

Little Italy

Chocolate Covered Cannoli's
Chrysler Building
(They now understand my reference to "Make it shine like top of the Chrysler Building")


Taking it all in!

August Adventure #1

With Labor Day behind us, school beginning, scouts, and soccer practices and games in our midst, it is safe to say:

SUMMER IS OVER!!!

And...it was a good one. Although, Hubby was gone from late May to Mid-July, the munchkins and I kept busy with swimming lessons, summer homework packets, local adventures, and most afternoons beating the heat lounging poolside.

FINALLY, in early August we were able venture on a family vacation.

First Stop: Martha's Vineyard

Ferry Rides

The Renowned Black Dog Cafe

Tubing Adventures

Boating Instructions

Zip Line Friendly "Chap"- Loved the Munchkins!

The Moloko Five had the extreme pleasure to be guests of some dear family friends. We were feed, housed, and spoiled. It was relaxing, entertaining, and thoroughly memorable. The munchkins would love to return every summer. Can not say I blame them! It was a good thing we had another adventure to follow...boarding the ferry back to Cape Cod was not easy.

Manly Scent

"Mom, we can NOT shower tonight!"

"Why," I asked?

"Well, we are out of "Dude Body Wash," and "We can not use that icky smelling flowery girl stuff Big Sister uses."

Hmm...I was quite impressed with his logical response. However, the Little Dudes had just returned home from soccer practice in 95 degree temps. The sweat scent permeating off their bodies was not so pleasant and not one I was willing to tolerate. So, I ventured upstairs to assess the suitable cleansing products. I quickly found the supposed *empty* bottle, turned it upside down and then scrounged through Hubby's hotel collection of lotions and potions. We definitely had enough "dude scented" items that they could successfully take a shower.

This new found fascination with "manly" scented items has been spurned by those clever Old Spice commercials. For sport, they have been watching the recent and older campaigns for the Body Wash on You Tube. They love walking around the house chanting the slogans "Smell like a Man, Man" and "Be a Man, Man." This obsession for "all things manly" was only further solidified in their mind when they realized a good tween friend had an arsenal of "dude scented" items on his dresser. Hubby's coolness factor arose too once they realized he has Old Spice Aftershave. The Little Dudes have been known to enjoy a splash or two.

Now, here is one of those videos they just love to watch!

Labor Day

We definitely had a relaxing Labor Day.

The munchkins awoke early and immersed themselves in Legos until their tummies could no longer stand the hunger pains. Hubby announced he would make pancakes and there was much rejoicing! Little did they know, he was going to deviate from his usual round tasty pancakes to personalized creations.

I believe Hubby has felt the pressure to create ever since the munchkins and I discovered the blog Jim's Pancakes. Jim, is quite the pancake architect and has made some pretty remarkable cakes...check out his site http://www.jimspancakes.com/.

With bellies full and after completing some items on the "to do list" we headed out for an afternoon at our local reservoir, Lunga. The Moloko men rented a boat for some fishing and Big Sister and I decided we would join them on the water but in a kayak.

Who needs REAL fish when you have GOLDFISH?

The Moloko Men
My view...
Big Sister enjoying our adventure

Big Sister enjoyed teasing her brothers that they opted for the "wimpy motor boat" rather than the kayak which took skill and provided exercise. Let's just say, Mom did most of the rowing!

Wonder Twin Powers?

We were in Connecticut heading south to New York City when the kids were complaining of hunger. The Little Dudes won the toss on where to stop KFC or Taco Bell? (Note: Col Sanders in the background). While we were waiting for our order, I managed to capture the following photo. This definitely was the highlight to the meal for me!

Rockwell-esque I say!

Dude Bonding

Over the years, I have realized there are skills Hubby possess that I never thought were necessary to inquire about during our courtship. It just never occured to me that such skills were SO very important and SO manly. He is definitely one of those "do it yourself" kinda guys. This is definitely a blessing and has saved us a pretty penny over our 12+ years of marriage.

Well, the time has come to teach the Little Dudes some of these useful and manageable skills. Both cars were due for an oil change, so, the "Moloko Men" went to the local Autozone to purchase the filters and oil. Upon their return, the Little Dudes came into the house asking for a shirt they could wear to be "grease monkeys." With a change of a shirt, they had front row seats to the viewing and changing of oil.

The Little Dudes enjoyed their afternoon with Dad and I have no doubt in the future they will be proficient at this task!

Back in Session

With 2 1/2 days of school under their belts, the Moloko munchkins are transitioning from summer mode to school mode without little complaint. The Little Dudes were VERY leery about first grade as they know lots of homework comes with the teacher. However, I have been told that without a doubt that FIRST GRADE ROCKS! It apparently is WAY better than Kindergarten.

Although the onslaught of homework has yet to begin, they are very enthusiastic and Little Dude B came home and said "I think we are going to be challenged this year!" Their teacher has been described as the "teacher for college bound 1st graders!" LOVE IT!

Big Sister seems to be enjoying 4th grade and likes her teacher, notably a tough no-nonsense type of person. This is the year we transition to a numerical grading scale and where actual grades (A's - F's) will be noted on report cards and assignments. WOW! Big Kid stuff!