Downton Abbey Withdrawls

I can't believe Downton Abbey won't return to television in the US till January 2013! UGH It seems so far away. If you need to get your rich English people fix might I recommend the book The American Heiress By Daisy Goodwin. This is Daisy Goodwin's first novel. The book was published the same year Downton Abbey first aired on TV. I've just started it and I am really enjoying it. It starts off in Newport, Rhode Island in 1893. The main character is 18 year old Cora Cash who's family is nouveau riche. They have loads of money and she is the closest thing in American society to royalty however her Mother wants her to have a real title. They are in England hunting for a husband. So far this book is delicious. The author really did her research so it's great historical fiction.

Birthday Cupcakes

So pretty I didn't want to frost them

 Marble Cupcakes

 Our family September's Birthdays

I can't believe he is turning 12.

This past weekend was HOT. The News kept saying it was going to be a scorcher but I didn't think it would really get to 100 degrees. My side of the family had already planned a little birthday get together. I was planning on baking a cake for it. However since it was SO hot I decided to spend less time in the kitchen by making a box cake. First the Birthday Boy wanted a strawberry cake then he changed his mind to marble cupcakes. They turned out lovely.

California Adventure:Carsland

 Carsland

 Mater's Junkyard Jamboree

 The new big thing at California Adventure is Carsland. I was really impressed. It looks just like the movie. We were unable to go on the new ride Radiator Springs Racers. We waited in line for 20 minutes then we heard the announcement that the ride had broken down. That was the longest line of the day. A Disney Cast Member told us the line over the weekend was 3 hours.

Love this tile

 No line at The Little Mermaid- Ariel's Undersea Adventure. I love all the details at Disneyland and California Adventure.

The Official Unbirthday Tea

Disneyland Halloweentime

 Surprise we're going to Disneyland!

Grumpy

Yesterday both boys had a half day at school. The boys have had a great school year so far...I know they have only been in school for a week and a half. F.W. has been working extra hard to build better school work habits. I wanted to show D just because he is going to full time school now doesn't mean we can't have fun. It was a great family outing. D is the perfect height now that he can go on almost every ride. It was very hot however the park wasn't crowded and most lines were 10 minutes long! It was an awesome day.

Inspiration at Starbucks

Emilie by Julep

When D had his Dinosaur themed birthday party I got this nail polish. I was trying to keep with the theme & thought it was a Velociraptor color. I really loved this color green. Then it dawned on me of course I love this color it is Starbucks Green! It really compliments my trenta Starbucks green iced tea.

Every time we go to Starbucks the boys want a pastry. D loves the Madeleines. F.W. loves the Petite Vanilla Scones. I like the Maple Oat Scone. Today I stopped by Starbucks enjoying my independence after dropping off the boys at school. I was tempted to buy some prepackaged pastries when I was inspired to make some Madeleine cookies at home. Now I just need the boys to get home before I am tempted to eat them all.

School Days

7th Grade

 1st day of kindergarten 

Waiting in line for the playground.

D's Aunt and cousins surprised him by getting him after school.

It was a GREAT first day of school. No tears only high hopes. I am bummed poor F.W. has P.E. for his second to last period of the day. It is going to be SO hot for him. Other than that I think it is going to be a great school year! Time to clean the cobwebs off my sewing machine.