Flower for Susi

Happy birthday, Sue!
(We're early)

German Pancakes

These days we can't go wrong with "German Pancakes". Julia just loves them! Thanks to Marcia for providing the recipe. It's easy, looks impressive coming out of the oven, made with healthy stuff, and quite tasty.

Here's the idea:

1. melt 3 tbsp of butter in a pan at 425°F
2. mix in a bowl:
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla
  
• 1/2 cup of flour
3. when the butter is melted, pour the mixture on top of it, and back in the oven for about 15 minutes, until it looks like this:

Eat with fruit, maple syrup, or (Julia's favourite) molasses.

The Day After

After a bath on the day after the birthday party. Notice the balloons decorating our living room...

2

Julia turned 2 today.

We had a little party. Having good friends come over is always nice, but when you also have balloons in the house, it's a party! So we got some balloons... which I inflated from 7:30 to about 10.

Julia, awaiting her guests.




The girls, eating (Ricardo made Julia's favorite food: "German Pancakes", using Marcia's famous recipe).
As you can see, the weather is absolutely perfect today.


Rosie swinging with her balloons.


The girls waiting their turn.


Jesse found a little frog, which became a big hit.




3 cousins sliding.


It's good to see good friends again...


Rosie can really party!


But she can also look cute when taking a little break.


Julia taking a little break.


Aiyana entertained us all with an improvised "performance art" routine. I don't know how to describe it, but there was singing, dancing, a story behind it, and it was lovely!




Thanks to all for coming over!!

We're planning to go pick peaches tomorrow, as a follow-up to Julia's birthday (when asked what she wanted for her birthday, she said "Peaches". That's it, no more, no less.)

A few hours at the farm

All at the UConn farm earlier today.

Bundle

Odds and Ends

Kind of a quiet weekend this time.

We were invited to a very cool outdoors party for kids of some friends, but it turned out to be a celebration of the Connecticut Mosquito. Lucky for everyone else, they were all attracted to me.

Julia enjoyed some watermelon.


Sena danced.


These are from a walk in West Hartford today, near the library.




There's a great playground there, but we hardly ever see other kids...


Sometimes Julia doesn't give us a lot of advance notice... Does potty training make us "violators"?

(no offense intended) :)

Hectic Weekend

We went North for yet another hectic weekend, to confirm the big news in person. It turns out that it's true: my uncle and aunt have finally made a trip to Canada after 28 years of waiting (and being waited for). Not knowing when they'll be back, they'll be visiting the US too, just in case.

Mariana and Dylan were there too. Dylan is here in his element. After having some awesome bbq ribs one day and grilled salmon the next, we hereby invite Dylan over to our house any time (we'll provide the grill and an endless supply of beer).


Benjamin:




Brothers. Had Luis come 28 years ago, he wouldn't have had such a distinguished look.


The next morning a little breakfast with the Mackay clan:


Aunt Sara getting a smile from Jack (and others around the table).


The weather was sunny and hot (before it poured), perfect for the pool.








Between meals, Dylan must concentrate on cooking, ignoring all distractions.


Cousin Jack is getting bigger...


Even André stopped by for a visit.


Mariana showing pictures of adventures in Labrador.


The cousins played more together than before.


Is there a cuter little guy anywhere? Not likely.


Getting a lot of help...


...and still smiling.


Party till you drop.