Happy Birthday, C

C of the PFours turned 5 over the weekend. He's a Spongebob Squarepants (which I'm sad to say that I kind of like!) nut so naturally that was his themed party. Krabby Patties, Krusty Krab Fries, Seaweed Noodles and all. The kids even had a drive-in movie-like experience without the cars---a movie in the backyard. How cool is that!

Happy 5, C!!!

Priceless

A Wash

Each year my work hosts a family event for the entire corporation. This year it was last Friday night at the Brookfield Zoo. I can't really say it was fun for me because it was cold and rainy, but M seemed to enjoy herself---unlimited push ups and popcorn could have aided in her enjoyment:-)) Because of the rain the lines at the food stations (which were covered) seemed to be particularly nuts this year. We hopped from station to station in search of a shorter line, to no avail. Finally we gave up, found a little food shack , bought some food to go and ate at home which was much more relaxing. And, the food shack even had organic turkey which was good! We also discovered that M doesn't like plain white bread. I'm actually kind of proud of that!

A Day at the Beach

The family

M and her new friend from London

A catching a nap

M splashing in the lake

A mud bath

My, what a big.....

zucchini you have (see the ElsmoFour). Yes, it was grown in our garden. It was under another zuc so we didn't see this bad boy for a while. Mel, that will be a large pot of soup. Enjoy!!

A Birthday Celebration!

Last night our friends, the ElsmoFour, threw a birthday bash for Julia Childs. All of the guests brought a dish from Julia's cookbook--Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Chris made a fresh herb cold soup. I'm generally not a fan of cold soups but this soup was outstanding. All of the food was fabulous. Other dishes were: Vichyssoise, Coq au Vin, Boeuf Bourguignon, cherry tart and chocolate cake. The kids were having a grand time playing in the water cooler (sort of like bobbing for apples but with canned drinks, yeah, don't ask me). M managed to drench herself with water so she borrowed a shirt from Big Emma (whom M adores so this was only too cute) and A ended the night sleeping on the grass surrounded by women, including the very protective Mel. Great time with some really great friends!! Bon Appetit!

Concert in the Park

While we were downtown on Wednesday we decided to take the girls to hear the Grant Park Orchestra (OK, Chris and I wanted to do an adult activity so the girls were forced to come along). It was really nice and the energy was just what I was craving. The orchestra played some Italian variations--Britten: Matinées musicales, Opus 24 (after Rossini); Berio: Ritirata notturna di Madrid (after Boccherini); Strauss: Aus Italien, Opus 16. M was exhausted from her busy day so needless to say she was a bit uncontrollable at this point. However, A seemed to really enjoy it (meaning, she didn't cry!).

Growing Spaghetti

Garden

Garden (cont)

Sample of Spaghetti Squash

Each year we grow basil along with parsley, thyme and other herbs that we are in the mood for that year. We also grow strawberries, tomatoes, spaghetti squash, regular squash, zucchini, and peppers (poblano and jalapeno). The squash and zucchini were a new addition to our garden this year. They are doubly good since we love to use the flowers in sauces, pizza, stuffing them with cheese and other goodness, etc.

Trays of Fresh Pesto

Also, each year Chris makes a huge batch of pesto using our basil (confession....this year we had to buy extra basil because of our wet spring/summer). This pesto will last us until next summer. Chris' secret to making it last so long.....he freezes the pesto in ice trays (just like he does when he makes baby food which he be doing soon :-)), then transfers the cubes to freezer bags, seals and voila. Easy and tasty all year long!

Bubble Burst

Today we took the girls downtown for their check ups. M had her 4 YEAR and A her 1 month. Both are perfect! A is now a whopping 10 lbs. M is 41 1/2 inches tall! M was very proud and protective of her little sister! M has always been crazy excited to see Dr. Wilson...I love that about her and Dr. Wilson. Well, you guessed it, her little bubble was burst today. M had to get 2 shots this time around. I know we all went through this and managed to make it through life just fine, but I'm still sad for M. A little bit of her innocence was lost. I don't imagine she will be quite as eager to go to Dr. Wilson next year. Hopefully she will remember the toy she got at the office after the shots and not the actual shots :-))