Mommy Still Has To Learn A Thing Or Two

It's moments like these that make you realize that it takes simple things to win a child's heart.
I was racking my brain the whole week on which new toy to buy for the kids.
I wanted something that was not very expensive (since they outgrow their toys faster than they outgrow clothes) but that would still keep them engaged (preferably for hours).
Something that was fun but didn't require my supervision.
I wanted something they could play together and not necessarily have to take turns while playing.

And then I saw them happily playing like this -

Used Paper Napkins. Have you bought your kid one yet?

Now that's Mommy's kind of recycling.

Challenge Me This, Challenge Me That

I have been busy with life lately and haven't been able to read or comment on the blogs I love.
I decided to do an edit and enter into a few of my favorite blog hops.

Here is the SOOC (meaning, Straight Out Of The Camera) shot - 

Edit# 1

I used good ol Picassa for this, nothing fancy-shmancy. Increased the brightness, tuned the highlights and the shadows. Increased saturation, splashed the URL and done!

Edit# 2

Exported the first edit into Gimp and applied selective coloring.

Edit# 3

Used the first edit and layered it with antique layer.

All of the above are a part of Karli's

Show off your creative editing and learn how others do theirs!

Edit# 2 is a part of Amy'sLove selective coloring? Enter yours and check out the other entries.

Edit# 2 is also a part of This week's theme is selective coloring with B&W or sepia.

Which one do you like the best?

Whew!

What a week!
Holidays were always fun before we had kids. We would relax, read a book or two and also find time to travel or even get pending work done.
Life was moving in slow motion before our twin boys came along some 19 months ago. It seemed as if we  had all the time in the world (actually we did have all the time in the world!)

With kids, we live life is in a time lapse. We try and do all that we did before and more.
Life moves fast, even faster when you have kids.
That is why we don't miss any opportunity to have fun!
I'm sure none of you missed that oppurtunity did this past 4th of July.
What did you do? I would love to hear how you spent your three(or even more!) fabulous days.

We made our way to DC to see the fireworks against the patriotic backdrop of the Capitol Hill and the White House.
We were super lucky to find a good parking spot. Parking on a normal day in DC is a pain and more so on the day when the so many tourists flock the city.

We reached the lawns of the Monument around 8:30 

We hung around. Smiled a little, played a little.

Soon found a good spot. Settled down and waited on the sunset and for the show to begin.

Ryad and Nael loved all the bright colors in the sky. Ryad even  raised a toast with his milk bottle.

More sights from DC

Two More Awards !!

OK, I can really get used to this! I love it when somebody thinks of me while passing on a blog award. Initially I thought nothing of it but slowly I realized how simple and sweet the emotions behind it really are.
It's no big competition that you've won but just a sweet message from a fellow blogger that you really appreciate what they post.
So Thank You so much to

Mama Hen from Mama's Little Chick for passing me on this award. She loves being a mom to the cutest little girl. Do check out her cute blog.

& Becky from Our peaceful home for passing me on this. This one was a pleasant surprise!

Now comes the part I love. This is where I get to tell a few bloggers that I truly love what they do with their blog-

I would like to pass the  Cherry On Top Award to

Melissa from 4 Ladies and a Patient Man - I love, love love her photography. She is an inspiration!
Sara from Unofficial Mom - From discussions on adoption to stories and pictures of her cute baby. Love visiting her blog.
Chelsey from Paper Mama- There is always something happening over at her blog. Check out her blog for cool photo challenges. 
Heather from Our Life In a Click - A blog I've recently started following. I love that she offers variety on her blog. Every time I visit there is something to new to read.


& the Versatile Blogger Award to-

Jeremi from Ella and Zoe - Her twin girls are too adorable for words and her blog revolves around her life with them.
Natalie from Mommy of a Monster and Infant Twins- Amazing writer, I truly enjoy reading her posts. If you decide to make a visit you will not be disappointed.

Secret MomThoughts - A blog that I've started following recently. A SAHM who has a beautiful family. Check out her project 365!
Congratulations everyone. You guys are super, keep blogging!!

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