Feeling pretty pleased with myself for actually taking some photos this weekend after a bit of a dry spell. Of course, it helped that we had an eventful weekend to inspire me. I used my iPhone 5 although ironically had my Canon 60D complete with external flash already to go. The phone camera is just so much more convenient.
Friday night Ella and I hit the store to buy supplies for her 11th Birthday Party. She doesn't actually turn 11 until next month, but her birthday falls on the 4th July Holiday weekend and we've learned from experience that most people are vacationing during this time.
I rarely go to Walmart but time constraints necessitated the visit. Ella was thrilled to pick out her favorite treats as well as *the glow in the dark stuff* needed to fulfill her detailed *plan* for the night. As is typical for Ella, this birthday was 365 days in the making. Planning for the next party always starts immediately after the current party.
She made her own gluten and dairy free cupcakes from start to fainish, bar a little help from her brother.
The girls arrived and Ella kept them really well entertained. One of the activities she had planned was decorating pillow cases with neon permanent markers.
It got really loud with all those girls indoors so Eric and escaped to the porch outside. My parents always sit out when they visit but this was the first time that we've done it.
Enjoyed a glass or two of wine with our his and hers grain-free pizzas.
And enjoyed the view. I will miss the endless Colorado blue skies when we move at the end of the year.
Opening the presents in the glow of the black lights.
Ella had planned dancing but her guests wanted to play outside instead. This caused quite a bit of frustration and a few tears for E who does not do well will any type of non-conformity. This is something we constantly have to work on with her.
Bringing the tempo down with a movie - Marley and Me. I ended up falling asleep unintentionally leaving Eric to cope with 6 weeping girls. The movie is apparently a tear jerker. I wish I could have been a fly on the wall as compassion is not one of Eric's top skills.
It was a quick turn around in the morning as we headed out for Snake Avoidance Training for the boys. Children meanwhile passed out and wouldn't even get out of the car.
Austin took it in his stride and required a little more coaxing than Rocky. They test the success rate of the training by placing the rattle snake between the dog and the owner. Austin failed the first round as he headed right for the snake when called. Second time around he took the required detour. I sent Eric out there as I was not going anywhere near that angry snake.
Poor little Rocky was not happy with this process and didn't know which way to run. He also got a little too close and the snake struck him in the chest. I'm not sure who yelped louder -Me or him! Thankfully the process worked as advertised. The snakes have their fangs clipped often to remove the venom and this particular snake didn't puncture his skin. While they both couldn't get back into the car fast enough, Rocky was soon *smiling* again. No harm done. On the contrary, this training might just be a life saver one day.
