Rayna's Place

Last week we headed to Home Depot to pick up some ceiling fans and paint. I've also been wanting to make some marshmallow guns for the kids. So we found a site on how to make them, made our shopping list and began the fun! I found this site (I also like this site for many other ideas) but Mateo liked this site.
As soon as we got home they went to work making them. They're real easy to make. Here's Tina waiting for hers to be made and looking cute (as always).

Here's the boys with their finished guns.

They couldn't wait till the morning so they had a little war in my living room. FUN!
Here they are in the backyard the next day.


I gave them a whole bag of mini marshmallows. Funny thing was, they didn't realize they had to be picked up!

Well we've been pretty busy and I've either been working or too exhausted to sit at the computer. So I'm going to attempt to catch up. I'll just work my way back.
Yesterday Hubby ended up having the day off. So I thought we would take advantage and go somewhere. I thought of two places in Sacramento, the Zoo or the State Fair. We chose the State Fair because we've never been after all these years. I printed some tickets off line and we headed off.
We got there right after they opened and were able to head straight to the dinosaur exhibit. Good thing too because the line was ridiculous after.

It was obvious that these were fake but Tina was still scared. They had a little dig site, that was fun for kids. It was fun for Tina to see how big they really were too.
We then headed off to see some vendors and then off to the livestock.
There were a lot of pregnant animals and little babies. Yes, this is the same place that you might of heard about the pregnant cow being shot when she got loose. How sad! On a better note, check out these cute piglets!

Then we had some lunch and went into the kid park. They had a bunch of rides from Michael Jackson's Ranch. They looked like any other ride but I guess it was kinda cool to think they were once used by him. Here's Tina and her Dad on one of those rides.

I wish I had taken a pic of Kenny and Mateo on here also. I just wasn't sure how these pics were going to turn out. We forgot the camera in the car so these are from my phone.
By now it was getting hot so we stopped for some icees and cones. Then we headed into the reptile center. We saw lizards, snakes and turtles. Somehow they had tropical birds in here too.
Here's a pic of a chameleon. It's a little blurry but you can still see the size of it. Tina was a little disappointed that it didn't turn colors.

We then saw some turtles mating but I wasn't fast enough to get the pic! Kinda funny the kids had to learn about the birds and TURTLES at the State Fair!
At this point we were all tired of walking and being hot so we decided to head home. I have to say that we enjoyed our time together but decided we don't have to go back next year. We're just glad to say we've been and next time we'll head to the zoo. Tina really wanted to see lions, tigers and monkeys!

Monday the boys left for Scout camp. This will be Mateo's first time being gone for a week. I can't wait to hear how it went! I will tell ya, I've been a little worried about how the weather is. They're camping in the Sierras and we still have snow up there. I just hope they're not freezing! Last year Kenny wasn't too happy with the tent situation, so he decided to take his own tent. Here is Hubby teaching them how to set-up and take down the tent by themselves.


Tina was having a lot of fun playing inside.


Tina misses her brothers! Every day she tells me, "I miss Kenny and Mateo"! Today I was able to tell her, "2 more days"! I was hoping to get some projects done this week but I have been spending a lot of time doing puzzles, coloring and going to the park. Man, when you only have one, it's a lot of work! I can say though, she has pitched in and helped me tak out the trash, empty the dishes and help me get dinner ready. All of which I count on the boys for.
I have to tell you the house has been extra quiet! I can't wait till they come home. Then I'll be happy for them to leave again because you'll know they will be arguing!!

So Kenny's last game we were prepared to play two games back to back. Usually we just pick up some food or eat from the snack bar. Well I wanted something a little more filling. I saw this recipe on Rachael Ray's the other day and figured this was the best time to try it and it included a hot dog.
Frank n Stuffers


They were so yummy and perfect for a game. Next time I'm going to make them with pizza ingredients. I also chose to make my dough and bake 'em in the oven. We also added chili beans, oh Yeah! The kids had a blast helping me, especially Tina.
Ingredients
1 pound fresh pizza dough, cut into 8 pieces
8 hot dogs, your favorite brand
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup yellow mustard
1/2 cup relish
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons EVOO - Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt and pepper

Lightly dust a work surface with a little flour and roll out 1 piece of dough to about 4 inches wide and an inch longer than the hot dog on both ends. Spread a little of each condiment over the dough, leaving a small border around the edge to seal it up, and sprinkle a little cheese.
Lay the hot dog down the middle of the dough. Fold the two short ends over and then roll up the long ends to enclose the dog in the dough -- make sure none of your fillings ooze out! Pinch the dough together to seal it well. Set aside the Frank-n-Stuffer and repeat the process for the rest of the dogs.
When you’re ready to cook them up, drizzle a baking sheet or large dinner plate with about 2 tablespoons EVOO and some salt and pepper. Roll each Frank-n-Stuffer in the oil and seasonings to cover the outside. Place them on the grill and cook for about 10 minutes, turning every couple of minutes, until the outside dough is charred and cooked. If the Frank-n-Stuffers get too dark before the 10 minutes are up, move them to the upper level of the grill to finish cooking. Serve warm.

Every good thing comes to an end! Tonight was Kenny's final All-Star game. They played a total of four games; 2 wins, 2 loses. Kenny's team played amazing; Kenny was amazing. I wish I could give you a play by play. Let's just say he never struck out and got on base just about every time! The team took 2nd place in our local division. Maybe next year we'll take first!
I have to say a BIG thank you to all the family and friends that came out and supported Kenny. We really enjoyed your company as always!

Kenny thought this player was abnormally tall! So funny!

I remember building a terrarium with my Mom and brothers so I thought it might be a fun summer activity. Christina had a blast helping me, the boys were more interested in goofy off. I've always seen en-closed terrariums but then found I could do an open one. I had the perfect vases for it. My Mom had also began a succulent collection, so I was set. I found a great site for information on how to build one. I'm hoping I can keep these growing. I don't have a green thumb so wish me luck!

Well the night finally came...Eclipse is released @ midnight! I figured since it's summer, why not. I got a bunch of girls together and we bought our tickets three weeks in advance. We all met up around 6:30pm. although Anita and a group got there early, Thank you. They got there right before the line began to grow. Here is the whole group at about 9:30pm. All anxious to get in.

So far I have been able to see every movie with my best-ie, Faith. We read the books at the same time and have really enjoyed the series together.

This is what every group looked like; sittin' back, relaxing, chatting and playing some cards to pass the time.

Here I am teaching a 10 year old how to play war!

Yep, 10! We actually had three 10yr olds with us. They were so cute!

Now here we are at about 9:45pm wondering when they are going to let us in.

Here's Tiffany and Shannon just showing up with some advil (thank you very much).

And finally we are let in at about 10:45pm. We literally ran to our theatre and got three rows.

All I can say is that the movie was definitely worth it! I loved every bit of it; sitting on the floor for four hours, hanging with friends and making it a night to remember! Thanks, ladies!