Lollipop Lollipop Oh Lolli Lollipop

That was the theme of this year's birthday party for Gabby.   I found a ton of ideas on Pinterest and ran with it.  Everything was easy and so much fun to put together.

I made two DumDum Topiaries and used them as a centerpiece for each table.  They were also given to the winners of a game.  I used a 4" pot, placed a styrofoam ball inside and hot glued it to the inside of the pot to give it stability.  Then began sticking the lollipops around the edge of the pot and worked my way to the top.  I used about 100 or a little more to complete it.  The kids loved it.

I did my best decorating with what I had to work with.  You can only do so much to a garage to make it look festive.

This was my own creation.  I used styrofoam, pom poms, lollipops, and bendable mesh for filler.  The lollipops were also given as prizes.

This is one of my masterpieces.  ; )

Next came the games.  We had sack races and played I Am A Chubby Bunny with marshmallows.

And they're off...

GO...GO...GO...

Our cheering section

The Judges

The kids loved playing this game.  We started with two marshmallows.  The object of the game was to put the marshmellows in your mouth and say "I am a chubby bunny" without laughing.  If you laugh, you're out but, if you don't laugh, in the next round, you put two more marshmellows in your mouth and try to say again, "I am a chubby bunny".  Most of them didn't last one round.

However...she was determined...

 and succeeded!  She was a proud winner of a DumDum Topiary.

Oh no.  Tears?  Holly gave it her best shot.

All 16 kids and three helpers.

Street Photography - 1st Attempt

I was a little apprehensive going into the tiny little farmer's market with our camera club and pointing my camera at strangers. Right away, I was shunned by two Amish ladies.  For a minute, I was concerned this might be more difficult then I thought but, as our club dispersed throughout the market, I noticed people noticing us.  People were curious as to what we were doing and who we were.  After the shunning, I thought the best way to do this is approach the person(s) and tell them briefly what I was doing.  And before long, workers and regular patrons of the market were "hamming" it up so that we would snap a picture of them.  

Favorite colorful picture

This couple wins the "cuttest couple on the planet" award

This man was oblivious to me as I followed him around the market snapping pictures of him picking out fruits and vegetables.

These two sweet girls were glad to have their pictures taken and they made us the best smoothies.

This group of "regulars" were a lot of fun.  One claimed he was in the witness protection program and the other wanted me to make sure to get his "melons" in the shot.  After we had a few laughs, they agreed to let me take their picture...if I was desperate for a shot.  This is my favorite one. 

Making Wishes

I remember as a kid looking for the perfect wish maker.  One that was fluffy and full of tiny little wishes.  We found a field full of them so there was plenty to choose from.

When Gabby blew, the wind changed direction and the tiny wishes came back in her face.  You can see them floating in the air beside her

Holly had a better angle so when she blew, her wishes floated away from her

 Couldn't think of a better way to spend my afternoon. 

Marvelous Maples

SPRINGTIME brings out the best in everything.

 We have some Magnificent Maples in our yard showing off their gorgeous colors and Grape Hyacinths adding a touch of delicateness with vibrant purples shades.

Trying my hand at macro photography.  After a subtle rain fall, I was able to capture the left over rain droplets atop a group of Grape Hyacinths.

Springtime in Central Park

We had a chance to stroll through Central Park during our day trip over the weekend.  It was a picturesque day with temperatures close to 70 degrees.  The park was buzzing with families, joggers, wedding parties, and dogs all shapes and sizes.

Throughout the park, flowers were bursting with colors giving me some exciting photo opportunities.  I couldn't get enough pictures especially of the tulips.  They're one of my favorite flowers.

I wanted the bride and groom in focus, not the flowers but I was hurrying and trying to be discreet so I wouldn't distract them from their special day.  I still like the picture either way.

Fish-tastic Friday

I was born with these fish lips...and I love them! 

 Have a Fish-tastic Friday!

Serenity and Peace

Here are a few pictures from the more serene and quiet side of Daytona.

After our delicious breakfast at Pat's on the WaterFront, we strolled around the grounds and soaked in the warmth of the sunshine.

Karen and Bob.  Our wonderful Host and Hostess

Back in Georgia, on St. Simon's Island, the warm temperatures and gentle ocean breeze, made it a great day to bar-b-que, fly kites, stroll on the beach, take pictures with the Easter Bunny, and play at the playground.