The Olson Family

Friday, July 11, 2008

Garden fruits and veggies

Wednesday, July 09, 2008

A dress fit for a fairy princess

Auntie Amy made a dress similar to this one for Avery and she loves it. When we saw this fabric, we had to get it and I whipped up this dress in about 10 minutes. The material comes just like you see it on the bolt so all I had to do was sew up the back and add some straps. Super easy!

The Drive In

The other night we headed out to the Drive-in Theater to see Kung Fu Panda and Indiana Jones. Avery has been wanting to see the "panda movie" for a while now and we thought this would be a great budget friendly way to do it. Riley slept through the first flick and was up on and off throughout the second, but we had a great time!

When Avery saw this pic she said, "Dad, you ruined it!"

Saturday, July 05, 2008

The Little Chef

Avery has been asking for an apron since I received mine from the craft swap. Today I was able to make one for her. I have never made an apron so I searched for a few tips and made up a pattern. I think it came out well, but if I made more, I think I would change a few things. Overall, I would say it was a success. Avery was so excited and gave me the biggest hug followed by a big "Thank you, Mommy!!". She has not taken it off since, so she must really love it. Score one for Mom!

Friday, July 04, 2008

Friday Favorites

Pandora.com Amy introduced me to this website, which is basically an online radio station that you can customize. I can type in an artist and the website will play music from that artist and other artists with the same sound. I love listening while I sew.

Big Sur pizza from Pizza my Heart. 40 cloves of roasted garlic, organic tomato pizza sauce, pepperoni, sausage, artichoke, basil and herbs. So yummy, but watch out for the after effects! :)

Pediped Shoes. I really want a pair of these for Riley, but they are too expensive. I am hoping to find one of my many great bargains someday soon.

Camping at Icehouse

We just returned from our annual Hansen family camping trip to Icehouse. We had such a great time! This was our first camping trip with Riley and she did pretty well. Sleeping was a minor issue, but overall the girl was as happy as ever. We never could have managed without the help of the family though, so thanks to everyone who walked the girls, sang to them, played with them, etc...!!!
We headed out on Saturday morning with a stop in Lodi for a family birthday celebration and an overnight stay at the Flag City RV Park. On Sunday morning we drove the rest of the way to the campground. No showers, pit toilets, and lots of dirt make for a fun, but truly "roughing it" trip. Though most of us did have a trailer or RV so I guess we did have some bit of luxury! :) Scott and Janet and Kelci and Melissa are the true campers. They camped out "old school" in tents, even after the bear sightings.

Here are some of the highlights of our trip:
1. Beautiful weather - God is great!
2. Fishing - we (I should say, not I because I did not fish) caught 7 fish!! I believe they were caught by Scott, Janet, Jaron, Kelci, Grandpa, and my dad.
3. Songs around the campfire brought to us by Uncle Scott on the guitar.
4. Dutch oven cake for Aunt Janet's birthday! Yummy!!
5. A tri-tip stealing bear. Yes, Jaron had 2 tri tips on the BBQ and with 5 minutes to go, he left to take Avery fishing and gave me instructions to take them off and wrap them in foil. So, my mom took them off, wrapped them up, and set them on the picnic table. It was just past dark, probably 9:15 or so, and everyone was sitting around the campfire. All of a sudden, we heard dogs barking and loud thumping. Lucy (my parents' dog) had charged the bear, but was on her tie out so could only go so far. A few of us ran over and saw that the meat was missing. My uncle Scott found one tri tip not far away from the table and then he and my dad went looking down the hill with flashlights in search of the bear. Not too smart, I must say. They found the foil not too far away and my dad saw the juvenile bear!! Jaron and Avery pulled up just after the chaos. He was bummed about the tri tip, but more bummed he missed the action! And yes, we did partake of the dropped tri tip and it was super good!!!
Here are some pics of the fun...

Great Grandma and Avery singing "This Little Light of Mine"

Roger with his massive log. He has found one both years and barks at it nonstop.

Aunt Janet blowing out her candles on top of the yummy white cake with chocolate frosting.

Aunt Karen and Riley. She was able to rock Riley to sleep so I could go enjoy some time at the Lake. Yahoo for great Aunties!

Maddy out for a float.

Mom and Riley, all clean after an outdoor shower!

Lucy and Roger had such a good time chasing sticks and swimming. Roger has not moved much since we got home. I think that was his exercise for the year.

Jaron and Roger out for a boat ride.

My dad cleaning out his catch of the day.

Avery and Grandpa

Fish Choir

Fish Faces

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Craft Swap

A while back I joined a craft swap hosted by my friend Kelci and the other day I received my beautiful items! I got a gorgeous apron and two dish towels! I absolutely love them! Thanks, Marie!!

Seal Beach Outing

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Fun with Friends

While in So Cal we were able to visit with Mike and Zariq and had a great time, great food, and an awesome time playing guitar hero. Thanks guys!!!

A Mountain Dew taste test

Rock out!

More pool pics

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Friday Favorites on Saturday

1. Avon. My sis in law Amy is now selling Avon and I bought a few items and they are great! I love the waterproof mascara and face cleanser. I now have an on going wish list for more spectacular products. If you are in need of great inexpensive products check out her site here. And, you can get free shipping on any products until July 31st. Use this code at checkout: FSANY

2. Michael Buble - I love his music!!