Hadassah turns 3!

She's a singer and loves to dance;

a people-person and an artist.

She has a vivid imagination and loves to help.

Chore charts are the coolest things, since you can get a sticker for doing jobs!

She's also become one of Mommy's favorite shopping buddies!

And yes, that could become a problem :)

She just turned three, and believes that she is all grown-up!

Apparently, she hasn't quite made it there yet since Strawberry Shortcake is one of her favorite shows.

Since she loves it so much, that became the theme of her birthday party!

I decided to just buy the plates, along with a birthday tiara, which she proudly wore!

I asked her if she wanted to help mix up the cake,

and she said, "It would be my pleasure!" 

She makes me smile.

I had found a recipe for strawberry milkshake poke cake, so that's what we made.

It used a box cake mix, so it took a minimum amount of effort to whip up,

and it got rave reviews!

I even had an excuse to make some bunting as a topper :)

She loved her cake, and that made my Mama heart happy!

Isn't this the most adorable umbrella ever?!

With the most adorable little girl ever?!

Yes, I'm biased.

Her gift from us was a bicycle!

She was thrilled.

All evening long, she rode around and around the house.

How is she this big already?!

She's a ray of sunshine and brings so much joy to our lives.

Happy birthday, Hadassah Jo!

What a Church Campout Is

A church campout is...

Hours of fun playing in the creek

 Finding all sorts of interesting creatures to catch,

as well as friends to show your discoveries to!

A church campout isn't complete without a minnow in a plastic cup!

It's a variety of colorful tents, snug cabins and cozy RV's {the latter, for those of us who don't prefer roughing it!}

A church camp out is a time to get away in the beauty of nature,

and enjoy a slower pace.

It's a delicious breakfast smorgasboard 

cooked by the guys!

It is fun on the sliding board

and learning to share our favorite toys!

It's the delight of finding a muddy puddle to stomp in

while the mothers grimace about yet another change of clothes!

A church camp is an opportunity to make new friends...

and many long conversations with old friends.

It's the sharing of exciting experiences like loose teeth,

and painful ones...like a bite from a crawfish!

Church camp outs are bike rides in the rain,

sharing an umbrella..

and huddling around a fire under a tent to stay warm!

It is tired babies and strollers to push them in {or for them to push!}

vibrant wildflowers and adorable little girls.

Church camp outs are competitive soccer games

that children of all ages can play!

It's a long drink at a water spigot

and happy smiles from a baby!

A church camp out is lots of good food,

roasting hot dogs on a stick,

and steak, chicken and shrimp at midnight around a campfire!

It's a place for daddies to teach their sons all about shuffleboard,

and photographers have a hay-day!

A church camp out is a chance to enjoy each other

and make memories that will last a lifetime!