Quacky Birthday Marin {The Dress}

When I tried to imagine something cool, comfortable and simple for Marin's party dress, a pillowcase dress immediately came to mind. I've been looking for an excuse to make one anyway. I found these instructions most helpful and easy to follow. I did make my own modifications as I wanted the dress to be lined in yellow bandana. I was happy with the final product and Marin enjoys wearing it. Win and win!

Quacky Birthday Marin {The Food}

Below are the chicken salad and pimento cheese recipes we concocted for Marin's party. Not bad for first timers.

Chicken Salad With Apples and Walnuts

Ingredients

Juice from one ½ fresh lemon
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup Miracle Whip
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
3 ½ cups chunk cooked chicken (about one medium chicken)
1 cup finely diced celery
1 to 1 ½ cups Apple (Granny Smith or Galla apples) cut into small cubes
½ cup chopped Walnuts
12 medium croissants

Directions
Season chicken with Tony Chachere's to taste. Boil or bake chicken. Cool. Remove chicken from bone and cut in to small chunks.

In a bowl, combine the chicken, celery and apples. Add lemon juice and mix. Add salt, pepper, mayonnaise, miracle whip and walnuts. Mix gently. Serve on croissants.

Belvia’s Pimento Cheese

On 8oz pkg of Shredded cheddar cheese
One 4oz jar of pimentos (juice and all)
Add Real Mayonnaise to taste. About ½ cup.
Mix all three ingredients and chill before serving.

Thank you Beliva, for sharing your recipe and for the phone consultation.

Quacky Birthday Marin {The Cake}

Inspired by my Granny's book of Cut-Up Cakes, I fashioned my own duck cut up cake to mimic the duck on Marin's birthday party invitations. The eye and wing were made from Fondant. The icing is my mom's recipe. Cream cheese, powdered sugar, a splash of vanilla extract and whipped topping. Yum! This cake was made from a 10" and 12" circle baking pans. I wanted the cake board to match the invitation too, so I covered it in the fabric I used for Marin's party dress and then covered the fabric in clear contact paper. The package didn't say anything about not using it with food, but just in case, I cut pieces of wax paper to go between the cake and the board. I was happy with the end result. Mom added the duck feet sugar cookies to the base of the cake just before the party began. It made me giggle.

Quacky Birthday Marin {The Party}

Marin's 2nd birthday party was a smashing success. The weather was beautiful and everyone had a good time. Below are a few of my favorite shots from the evening.

Christy volunteered to make duck feet sugar cookies for the party. They were adorable and yummy too. Thank you Christy! The duck family on each table were made from yellow felt. I finalized the pattern if you want to make your own.

The party favors contained, duck beak whistles and flipping ducks, rubber ducks, and duck shaped bath fizzes. Oh, and a handful of lollipops (Marin's favorite candy).

Mom and Granny Parma put together this beautiful little arrangement with flowers from mom's garden. The duck container was given to mom when I was born. It was a special little piece of the past put to use once again in celebration. Thank you mom and Granny.

Marin didn't quite get the "blow out your candle" concept. So, Jack volunteered to help.

The Six Pac. It was wonderful having all of my siblings with me on Marin's big day.

Yes, we had baby ducks for the party and the kids LOVED them. I'm really glad we had them for the party, but I've decided I'm NOT a animal lover. These ducks have gotta go! Oh, but they are sooooooooo cute!

The party went late into the evening. The kids played with sparklers, we had fresh cold watermelons and the duck beak whistles were enjoyed by all.

Road Trip {Arkansas or Bust}

Just got back from a long weekend away. We stay at the Ouachita River Haven Resort just outside of Mt. Ida, Arkansas. We did a little kayaking and had a blast with friends. Below is a shot of our cabin and the Expedition’s first road trip. We put it to good use by bringing our kayak along for the drive. You can't tell from the picture, but the cabins all sit high on hillsides overlooking the river. Beautiful views.

Here is Tasha leading the way shortly after launching the kayaks on Saturday. We launched at 11 a.m. gearing up for the five hour float.

Um, yeah, ignore the hilarious glasses Steven is wearing...you'll wear just about anything to keep from squinting in the heat of the day! Below Nathan shows of his mad "paddle passing" skills. Note the beverage can on the end of his paddle? Impressive, eh?

Steven M. and Nathan resting in the shade. Breaks were necessary and refreshing.

Journey the adventure dog! Steven and Tasha brought their 12 week old puppy, Journey, with them. She LOVED the trip and kept Marin entertained.

Proof I was there...that's the back of my head. Marin really enjoys running her fingers through the water...it's kinda hypnotizing for her. However, it makes ME really nervous (grin).

Baby water shoes...so sweet. Does my baby have to grown up?

The only family picture from this weekend.

At the Dairyette waiting for ice cream.

Sunday evening views of the river below our cabin.

My favorite memory from the weekend was our Sunday evening walk. We strolled through the campground under beautiful hard wood trees admiring the soft green grass when small blinking lights slowly appeared. Within minutes we were surrounded by thousands of fireflies. It was right at dusk and there were little twinkles of light in every direction! Truly magical….I’ve never seen so many in all my life.

Marin and "Turtle" the floaty she insists on sleeping with. It was FULL weekend of FUN.

Arkansas Here We Come!

We are hitting the road, on our way to Arkansas for a long weekend. Meeting our friends Tasha and Steven from Memphis and Nathan and Shania (from Texas…grin) for a weekend of kayaking the Ouachita river. Steven and Marin are wrapping up the last few items and I’m headed out now.

Below are pictures of Marin and I in the car from last week. She loves playing peek-a-boo in this mirror. Although, she doesn’t look to happy in these…Ah well, it’s good for a laugh. Back on Monday evening. Cheers!

It's Summertime {and the Weather is HOT}

We've had an exciting week. The plumbers have been here working. Steven and I have been gearing up to fork over the moola $$$$. Excited about the progress, and trying not to stress over the money.

Did I mention that the A/C window unit in the breakfast room went out? Yeah, my car said the outside temperature was 111 degrees yesterday!!!! It's HOT, HOT, HOT outside and it's not much better inside. Good news is the unit was still under warranty so the repairs will be covered, we just have to wait. Ah...gotta love this old house livin'.

This is how we survive! Pigtails and sonic. Two great ways to stay cool. Can you believe Marin has pig tails?! It's only taken us two years for her to have enough hair for pigtails. She was so cute in these pics I just had to share them.

She is so good for my soul. It's hard to worry or stress when I see her smiling face.