Discovery Museum

We recently visited the Creative Discovery Museum in Chattanooga and it is quite the experience! I tagged along with my nieces and nephews, their moms, and my mother in law. It was a fun trip and if you have a children's museum close to you, you should definitely check it out. The kids had a blast running around and checking out everything. While I had fun watching them play, I think it is definitely one of those places that you appreciate much more when you have kids. It was pretty wild in there!

There was a giant bath tub filled with floating toys. They had cute little aprons you could wear, but this one was too busy for one of those. His mom was smart and brought extra clothes instead!

They had giant Tic Tac Toe...

and a boat - the hit of the trip.
We were full steam ahead, reversing, and taking razor sharp turns on a dime.




There was a craft section where you could make a spider with cut out circles and pipe cleaners,

creative art stations,

and my personal favorite, a kitchen with a play refrigerator that lights up when you open it. I'll take one!



I know this is pitiful, but I had to do it. We had some major issues about who was going to drive and this picture makes me smile. I know, I'm a terrible aunt for taking a picture of the crying baby, but this is a classic. I think he won!

For the record, this little guy was the happiest, most content baby there. He is a cutie!

If you are close to Chattanooga, check out the Museum. It makes for a great day trip and the aquarium is right around the corner. Along with a cupcake shop and a Mellow Mushroom that we may or may not have indulged in. Can you tell I like food?!?

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Yumminess in a Jar

While at my parent's house in Georgia, I was able to pick blueberries to bring home with me. One of my dad's friends has about fifteen blueberry bushes and they were LOADED.


I literally ran my hand down the branch and just put my bucket underneath. It might as well have been Christmas that day (minus the sweltering 100 degree heat index) I was so excited. One of my favorite things about summer produce is making jams and preserves.

Blair got in on the action too and I think she was equally excited about the fact that we were picking blueberries in the blazing sun. She was a good sport about it, but was so excited to get back in the air conditioned car.


She was even generous and gave away some of her loot.



My blueberries now look like this:

and are housed in my precious jars.

I have used this recipe for several years now and have had great success with it!

Wild Blueberry Preserves

4 cups fresh or frozen wild blueberries
4 cups sugar
1 pouch liquid fruit pectin
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon rind
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Pour half of the blueberries into large Dutch oven; gently mash to just break up. Stir in sugar and remaining blueberries. Heat over low heat, stirring often, until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to high and bring to full rolling boil and boil for 1 minute. Stir in fruit pectin, lemon rind and juice; return to boil.


Pour into hot sterilized jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Cover with prepared lids; screw on bands. Boil in boiling water bath canner for 10 minutes. Let cool on rack. Check seals. Refrigerate any jars with lids that have not sealed. Store in a cool, dark, dry place for up to 1 year. Makes 4 cups.

I have peach too!!

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The Right Moves

I recently was able to spend a few days in Dreamland, aka my sister's hometown. I affectionately dubbed her town Dreamland years ago because of the many things happy there. It really is a surreal little town and I love when I visit there.

1. They have the taco truck. This truck drives around the farms during the summer and these coolers contain the best Mexican rice and beans that will ever enter your mouth.


2. This is what you see driving down the road. And I'm not talking about one or two. This is the traffic in Dreamland.


3. The taco truck.


4. These two live there.


5. The taco truck.


6. They have convertible buses for watermelon picking.




7. Did I mention the taco truck??


In all seriousness, I love spending time with my sister. She always has something fun for us to do and it makes me realize how much I miss them when I return to Alabama. I wish I got to see them more often!

For the grand finale, and for your viewing pleasure, I proudly unveil the new Beyonce video featuring Blair. Enjoy!
**I have no hair because I have been trying for days and can't get this video to rotate. Until I find a solution to my video skills, please turn your head or computer screen. Sorry :) ***



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The theme is Baby Shower!

I have been super busy baking and traveling lately! I am LOVING having the summer off and of course, it has flown by. I made more cookies - this time the theme is baby shower!! So far, I have been able to design them how I want them to look and I have fun creating my little artwork.

Carriages,


cute little onesies,


rattles,


and bibs.


I also made some mini cookies. These are too easy to pop in your mouth in one bite!


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Welcome Home!


I made these for a housewarming party and I thought they turned out cute. I would love to have these waiting for me in my new house!


Stay tuned! More cookies to come!

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