2012 Bookmark Contest

For the second year in a row, Olivia pulled out her crayons and creative juices to enter the Bookmark Contest at the Franklin Library.  The bookmark had to be drawn about the theme "Dream Big- READ!"  Olivia and I racked our brains for ideas that fit into the theme.  Last year it was a piece of cake....but this year she was down to the wire and still did not have a solid idea.

After a few tries this is what she came up with....

 So cute! 

 It's a BIG dragon with a person riding on his back dreaming of all the things she is reading in the book she carries.  The dragon looks like he has popped out of the big book at the bottom.  The bookmark had to include the words---DREAM BIG- READ!

 So...since Olivia won last year's bookmark contest, we prepared her for not winning this year.  Even though I thought she had a great bookmark, I was positive that she would not get picked again.  I had also been informed that there was a lot more competition this year than in the past.

 But....

     I WAS WRONG!  SHE WON AGAIN! 

 (Please excuse the direction of the following photos.  I couldn't figure out how to rotate them once they were placed in the blog.)

 We received her congratulatory letter today in the mail.  She was so excited.  We can't wait to see her winning submission actually become a real bookmark that will be distributed to all readers at our public library.  We can't wait to see her winning submission become a real bookmark for the second year in a row.  Yeah Olivia!

Good Eats!

We are back from our vacation to Sanibel.  It was a very eventful trip that I will post about in the next few blog posts...(in between chasing Harper, feeding kids, trying to clean up the house, watering flowers, doing laundry, running errands, etc...) Here are a few pictures to remember the most important thing of any trip- FOOD!

FAMILY TIME!!

No...really I mean

FOOD!!!!

This was the first restaurant we visited.  It was also the only restaurant we revisited during our vacation. Olivia had a cheeseburger- of course.  Michael and I had blackened tuna sandwiches both times.  They were served with fries that I doused in Malt Vinegar.  Delicious.  We also ordered oysters on the half shell during both visits.  The oysters are really the highlight of any dinner that we have on Sanibel.

 We didn't eat at the Mucky Duck but couldn't resist taking a picture in front of this very popular Captiva restaurant.  People flock here to watch the sunsets on the beach. 

 We had to visit the Bubble Room for some picture opportunities.  This is a fun restaurant---but so, so, so, so crowded.

 RC Otter's was Olivia's choice.  She remembered it from our last visit to Sanibel and begged to return this time.  I think she ordered another cheeseburger. Shocking! But-- she loved eating outside on the deck, playing the ring game, and dancing to the live music (even though she was the only one).

We visited many other restaurants that I did not get to take pictures of during our visit.  We also enjoyed eating at Cheeburger- Cheeburger, East End Deli, Island Cow, Sanibel Fish House, and Hungry Heron.  As always the food was good even if the time spent at the restaurant was on the crazy side. With a tired 8 year old and a super busy 17 month old, there were times when I spent more time in the waiting area than at the table eating my dinner. Live and learn- I guess.

How Much is Too Much?

One toy was just not enough for out littlest bathing beauty tonight.  One by one she unloaded all the bath toys and then dumped the basket in too.  There was just enough room left for one 16 month old to sit and marvel at her accomplishment.

Besties!

Olivia and Madison (age 8)

Jackson, Olivia, and Madison

The only way to get them to act normal in the first two pictures was to promise them a silly picture also.  Why is it that kids ALWAYS stick their tongues out during silly pictures?

Gymboree Contest

This is Olivia's entry for the Gymboree Design-A-Bag for the Holidays Contest.  She loves snowglobes, so it is fitting that she included one in her drawing.  She did a fabulous job.  I think any company would be proud to have this fabulous design grace the front of its shopping bags during the Christmas season.

Our Two Beauties!

Super Bowl!

The family went downtown to experience the Super Bowl events in Indianapolis. It is exciting to say that we were "part" of the action for this big event in Indy. Here are some highlights of our short jaunt to the big city.

Super Bowl 46 Roman Numerals on the circle. This was a big picture place for all the visitors.

Harper was bundled up even though it was a little over 50 degrees and sunny on the last days of January. Crazy weather!

Even though the Colts were far from getting a place in this Super Bowl--there was still pride for the home team everywhere.

Cute, tired girls enjoying a fun time time together!

What's in the box?

What might be in the overly HUGE box that is sitting on my kitchen table?

See its size compared to a glass from the cupboard.

See its size compared to a package of crackers.....

See what looks to be lots and lots and lots of that same type of cracker....

See what's in the box. Crackers. Crackers. Crackers. Nana wanted to make sure that Olivia had a lifetime suppy for her lunches. We LOVE Cracker Barrel crackers!!!!

Smart Girl!

I forgot to write about this when it happened..... so better late than never!

We were so proud of Olivia at the end of this grading period. She brought home a spectacular report card. I am happy to see that she is doing well and working hard in the grade that I love! I am looking forward to watching her mind and confidence grow throughout the year. Great job Miss Olivia!

All A's

Halloween!

Since trick or treating started so early, we decided to have a fun, festive, and fast dinner. We ordered a Jack-o-lantern pizza from Papa Murphy's. It was cute, and Olivia loved having the special dinner treat before the real fun began. (After only eating salads, veggies, fruit, and meat for the past few weeks- Michael and I enjoyed it too!)


We graduated from the Disney costumes this year. I still put my foot down when it came to choosing the outfit. I want to keep her young, sweet, and cute as long as I can. I thought her Geisha outfit was perfect. The Asian umbrella is authentic and was given to me when I was a little girl. I can't believe something this old has lasted this long. Olivia thought it was perfect as a finishing touch.

Notice the fancy make-up!

Allie, Amanda, and Olivia(friends from Jamie's house)

Our Halloween tradition- a photo with the Small family. We added Harper this year.

Geisha, Astronaut, Fairy, Harper minus a costume

It's Here!!!

We finally received Olivia's printed bookmark in the mail yesterday. This bookmark was the result of the contest she entered this summer. She was the winner in the K-2 category. She had to draw a picture for the "One World, Many Stories" slogan from the library's summer reading program. I think she did a super job. The library sent us a few printed bookmarks to keep and pass out to family and friends. Today we visited the Franklin Public Library and found her bookmarks proudly displayed in the children's section for eager readers to take and use. How exciting. Her artwork is famous!!!!