Happy birthday, Grady!

The power was out, but the kids didn't care.

I brought a light summery home-brewed beer: Watermelon Wheat. It was a hit, Grady approved (by touch not taste), and we have decided it will make a great annual tradition. 

Violet was swimming earlier, but only brought one swim diaper, so she settled for splashing her feet in the pool.

All in all, it was a success. The beer was consumed, the cake was awesome, and Grady turned one.

Cora even spent some time with me (and gave her parents a break), in the swing, moving at speeds too rapid for the iBuddy.

Worth it

Homemade hamburger buns. Took more planning and dirtied more dishes, but these were worth the extra efforts! And it saved me a trip to the store, which is a bigger deal than it sounds.

Full Groan

She is bigger and pink squeaky toy is almost destroyed.

Maybe this is a better plan?

Oh Sackets Harbor!

Just down the street from the Hops Spot is the Tin Pan Gallery. Amazing outside dining, biscuits and gravy on the menu, I was SOLD! Not just any gravy, it was sausage and poblano, so it had a nice kick without being hurtful.

The Hops Spot

This could be my retirement plan. Small bar/restaurant with seating for about 50, roughly 30 beers on draft, and a great vibe. Dogs were allowed at the outdoor tables.

The Golden Unicorn

Legend of this place had made it back to Vicksburg and it was a must see spot. I ordered a burger that had bacon and eggs, but Capt Kinney took the 10th Mountain Division Challenge and tackled pancakes the size of a pizza. He ate. A lot. We helped. It wasn't enough.

Ft Drum in Northern NY

This night we were after bats, little brown ones. We caught the young of the yet, we recaptured some previously tagged adults and tagged nine new ones.

Small town on a Finger Lake

I can't pronounce it, but it was beautiful. We had a great lunch which started with baked brie which was unlike any other I have had. Slices of Brie on baguette, apple slices, candied nuts and raspberry sauce over all of it. So very good.

Sweet Clare!

Having fun with an old friend and her new family. This is her adorable daughter, Clare.

Celebrating Independence

Martins at Midtown had a celebration on 3 July for independence from low alcohol beers and served up some nice brews. I only had a couple and had to head home to rest for the Watermelon Classic in Jackson. The picture shown here is of the proud parents taking pictures of their kids running. So sweet.

Father of Waters

Nathan and Heather invited me to join them for a night on the river, since the water levels are super low and his john boat can navigate the currents a little easier. It was beautiful out there! We got a bite after less than 5 minutes, so not so long to bait and wait. Surprisingly, we had a breeze the whole time and the bugs weren't as bad as I had expected. I hope they invite me back soon (esp since I was late, hate being that girl).