Over the 4th, we took a trip to the zoo with friends. If you can’t tell from this picture, Ellie loved the carousel.

These chocolate chip cookies from Gimme Some Oven are new my favorites. Make them soon.

We did the new labyrinth at the Nelson a few weekends ago. I’ll share more on it later, but if you’re in the area, it is a must see.

I bought the campfire stove and roasting sticks from the Poppytalk for Target collection, specifically to make s’mores. Mission accomplished.

The Nordstrom Sale is on now. Lots of really great pieces are on major sale. Check it out soon.

Every once in a while, Ellie is in the mood to paint. Some of it goes on her paper. A lot goes on her hands. Luckily, it’s washable.

We’re back to making our way through AFI’s Top 100 List. I made this dip from the Pioneer Woman. Creamy and full of artichokes, it was fantastic.

We went to the new Museum at Prairie Fire. They have an interactive room that’s geared for kids, ages 2-12. We had a blast exploring it. The skeleton above works like a puzzle. Kids can remove the magnetic bones and replace them.

This cookbook is something special. We’ve been making these banana muffins regularly.

Ellie and I had our maiden voyage to Deana Rose a few weeks ago. She had her first in-person encounter with a cow. At first, she was tentative and then, completely captivated.

I have a few tomato plants that are full of vegetables. Ellie can’t keep her hands off them. She is a fiend for cherry tomatoes.

We went to a friend’s wedding celebration in Connecticut. The location, Hammonasset State Park, was beautiful. This picture doesn’t quite do it justice.

After the wedding, we went into Boston with friends for a Royals game. Here we are, goofing off as usual.