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 :-))

OK, I'm obsessed

CORRECTION: The dessert from the pastry shop that Chris and I went to on Friday was actually called a Cassatina. Yes, I am still dreaming about this delicious treat and just had to call the shop to make sure I was posting the correct name.....just in case you are in the area and want to try it out. The food is expensive but worth every cent!!!! A must try!!

Foodie Day

You know that you are in for a treat when the restaurant you are dining at has this assortment of condiments at each table.


Today, Chris and I had lunch at Tank Noodle on Argyle street in the City. We've eaten at this Vietnamese gem a few times before and Chris has had a taste for pho for months. It was a grey rainy day perfect pho weather. We had a couple of types of spring rolls, beef pho, vermicelli noodle dish, smoothie with tapioca balls. Delicious!



o

After lunch we walked around Andersonville. We specifically went to Andersonville to stop by Taste of Heaven (one of our fav dessert shops in the area). While we were there we spotted a new pastry place across the street (at least new to us)--Pasticceria Natalia. OMG......this place is awesome. It's a Sicilian pastry shop. We had theMazariso which is a spongy cake with pistachios, orange zest and vanilla. My simple description does not do this little treat justice as it is seriously one the best pastries I've ever eaten (and I've enjoyed my share of sweets!).

We ended the day with some seafood we picked up at a fish shop in the city.

A perfect foodie day!

8 Hours

So this is what is feels like to have 8 consecutive hours of sleep at night!!! Miss A was kind enough to grant me those precious few hours last night and I feel like a new woman. It's only been three weeks but, man, how soon we forget. After the first 2 months, M was a good sleeper (and still is except that she inherited her mommy and daddy genes and is totally an early riser ....no matter what hour she gets to bed). I'm hoping that Miss A is going to be a good sleeper as well. Thus far, she has treated us well! Let the sleep continue :-))

Summer fun at Millenium Park

M loves taking the El downtown to see the big buildings so we surprised her yesterday with a trip to the city for a picnic in the park and a little summer wet fun. It was a blast! M was a tad bit disappointed that there were not any singers in the subway station but Chris made up for it by singing "Sherry Baby" for her (on our walk to the station we passed the theater where Jersey Boys is playing). He earned a quarter!!!! If I were only quicker on the draw with my camera I could have gotten some really special footage of this event. Let's hope he keeps his day job!

My Angels

A silly Dorothy...

A's first bath (and, I had no part in M's hairdo)...

A day at the races with Daddy. The cyclist didn't know this but M was their biggest (and most vocal) fan.