Fun with Joseph and Laura

I've had several visits from family this summer and enjoyed every one of them.  This time I'm trying to post a few photos before life moves on.  Joseph and Laura were here to visit family and friends.  We visited Grandpa Wilde at his home and at the Alaska Veteran's and Pioneer Home.

We also found time to have fun.  This was a "short" game to fill the time before leaving for the airport and the trip back home.

And, they endured the noise and inconvenience of pile driving and the beginning of some construction. 

We're hoping to have a great addition to the house by the end of the week.

Mother Nature's April Joke

Last night I felt prompted to do my usual Saturday errands even though it was Friday evening, when I usually like to relax. Snow was expected Saturday afternoon and evening and I didn't want to be on the road in what could be slick spring conditions with crazy drivers.  So three hours later I had potting soil for dahlias purchased, the car fueled, and groceries in the house.  Surprise!  When I looked outside at 8 am today snow was falling.  It had already covered the cars and the driveway, that just yesterday was nearly half clear of snow and ice due to the pleasant week of breakup.

Every time I  looked outside for the rest of the day it was snowing-maybe lightly, maybe heavily-without letting up.  Hour after hour I was happy to be inside.  Watching Conference, cooking, relaxing,and knowing I had no need to leave home.

 Finally after 8 p.m. the snow let up.  We even had a interesting sunset to watch until about 9 p.m.  I'm grateful I did not procrastinate errands until today and curious what tomorrow will bring.  Will it be the additional snow included with the weather advisory that goes through the afternoon? When will it clear for the digging out to start again? If I'm lucky it will be the last time this spring. Fingers are crossed!

An Edible Car!

Finally, a fun car to race!  After years of watching sons and grandsons make cars and race them in the Pinewood Derby, I actually made a car.  Hours and hours of planning, changing ideas, and debating changes consumed all available time.  Well, at least the past three nights.  (I may have burned up my mixer motor last night trying to whip up that royal icing!  This morning I added more confectioner's sugar to thicken it.)  The bunny and eggs were added during my lunch hour today to give the icing time to dry and set. 

Tonight was the big race!  With the help of an able pit crew after track mishaps, the car raced in several heats and won second place in the Edible Car Division.  For those of you who haven't tried it, making an edible car is a lot of fun, but getting it down the track may be the trickiest part.  It was so much fun, I just may try it again sometime.  Any suggestions for next year?

PS  The wheels are not edible, but the Ghiradelli chocolate car, bunny, eggs, and grass are!