Stella's slightly early 3rd birthday party

Yesterday was Stella's third birthday party, which she thoroughly enjoyed. Of course.

Above is the highlight of the evening's event, the cake and candles. Note the ever-familiar scowl when candle #3 refused to extinguish. I'm afraid she got that outward display of frustration from me. You're welcome, honey.

Thanks to the small band of friends and family who made it. Our apologies if your child walked away with a bruise, scrape or concussion. We party hard in Bellevue.

Happy Father's Day

We started our Father's Day weekend with a trip to Union City to see my parents. Stella always has a big time there and my parents just love her being there. We went to Reelfoot Lake to visit family and ended the night at Boyett's for some fried catfish - my Dad's Father's Day dinner pick.

And Sunday after naps, we went for a walk at Radnor Lake (see picture of Chip and Stella above). Stella loves the outdoors and had a great time throwing rocks into the lake. Then we took Daddy out for Mexcian food and margaritas - Chip's pick. And we never have to convince Stella that cheese dip is a good idea.

When I look at this face, he is what I see. I am so thankful every day for this little family. We love you, Daddy. Happy Father's Day!

The Great Turtle Adventure of 2011

So I got a call on the way home tonight asking if I was almost there because my two favorite girls needed help getting a turtle out of the yard.

What? Needed help? It's just a turtle.

"You don't understand," Markana replied, "We've been trying to pick it up with a shovel, but it snapped at me, I screamed, Stella cried, and we need your help." OK. Whatever.

But then I saw this mean little SOB...


I'm not sure I've ever seen a snapping turtle outside of a zoo or YouTube, but this little guy was super-quick and scary. So we picked him up (with said shovel), and carried him down to the creek to let him go. He scampered off quickly and that was that.


M told me later that while they were trying to catch him before I got home Stella said, "We need the Wonder Pets. Where are they?"

Thank you, T.V., for raising my child.