cont'd

  we tried to make layered 4th of july cupcakes, they didn't turn out as great as i hoped but    it's ok, it was fun anyway.
 the layered cupcakes, they are more like pink and turquoise than red and blue but they anela thought they tasted really good.
we always have to go shopping when the girls come. we hit the macy's sale and had good luck. she got 2 capris, a shirt that matched them both, one plaid short, a pair of leggings, a pair of skinny jeans with the striped shirt which when she put the outfit on said she felt like amber, (her 14 yr. old sister) she is getting way too old.

last night i asked her if she wanted to sleep in ki's room and she said yes. so i got her all tucked in and started being sappy mom- or aunty, and telling her how when she used to come when matt was in Iraq she used to sleep in bed with me, then she slept on a futon on my floor and now she was sleeping all alone and that she was getting too big. i think i worried her and when i got to the door she said softly, aunty kelly, i want to come with you. so we put a futon on the floor in my room and she slept there. maybe she's my baby for just a little bit longer...

for nikki:  i miss you, love nellie