This week

Our week began at the aquarium. We went with our friends the Snows. It is by no means a great oceanic site but the kids had fun, so that is good. Eli starting throwing up at 10:30 that night. He threw up every hour until 7am. He was a champ, wake up, go to the toilet, throw up, then back to bed. Poor kid.

Then by Wednesday he was up and ready to play (I don't think he was fully recovered, he just can't stand to be out of the play date field for long). We went up to the pool, he didn't like the rapid rate that his Spiderman popsicle was melting (or Caroline taking bites of it, not licks).

Thursday I was downstairs editing a pattern for my mom's new quilt that she designed. And then I had to photo edit - so out of my league. So obviously I was at the computer for a long time. We had one of great thunderstorms while I was down there, I came upstairs to see how things were going (my husband is extraordinarily capable, more so than me, when it comes to parenting). I walked into our front yard to find the two oldest kids in the gutter, sitting, soaked. Caroline saw me and came to me looking like she had just been dunked. She had grit all over her, on her face, in her hair, in her chattering teeth.... Eli considered this his bath.

Friday day I went to lunch with an old friend and got to see her in a new role, new for me to see. It was fun, the kids had a great time. It was great to be able to talk with her.

Friday night we went to my in-laws family's home in Deer Valley with some friends. It was fun, the kids squabbled and laughed. Our newborns ate, spit up, slept. It was fun had by all. Caroline had her most favorite breakfast yet - a popsicle, cookies and popcorn. Yes, Dave was in charge of breakfast.

Joey is becoming Mr. Entertainment. He loves to be talked to, tickled. The new spot is just barely tickling his cheeks with your fingernails. He loves it.

This is Dave relaxing, and looking quite handsome up at the condo. Yes, people say that my kids look like him, but I'm holding out - he is from my gene pool.

Eli took this picture of me, one for posterity.

All in all, a fun week, minus the throw up. Now I am off to make waffle batter for my friends get-together tomorrow. Then maybe sleep.

A day for blessings

We had such a day yesterday. We blessed Joey. Dave's parents and youngest sister Lauren came into town last week for the occasion. We have spent the week with them up in Deer Valley (thank you, it was good to spend so much time with you guys!) coming back on Saturday to spruce up the house a bit and get ready for the blessing and get together after. Dave's other sister, Missy, and her family were driving up from Houston, leaving Friday. It was iffy at best for them to make it to the blessing, or even Utah, before Monday. But Matt really wanted to participate in the blessing and they drove straight through. Thanks Matt.

We were surrounded by loved ones. Dave did a great job, very emotional for all of us. Joey, who normally isn't the most content of children, smiled through the whole thing.

We had a brunch after at our house, waffles, fruit, oj. It was great to be able to spend time with family and friends. Three people in particular, Ben, Linds and Josie. Ben and Linds were best friends with my little brother Joe, who our Joey was named after. The have continued to be close friends of mine. I don't know that they know how much this means to me. They are only in town for a little while before they move to Trenton, NJ so Ben can wear a uniform. He has always wanted one. Their daughter Josie has got to be one of the most adorable babies I have ever seen. She is always smiling. I don't know how she can be so beautiful and feminine and still look like her dad, who isn't feminine and beautiful but ever so handsome.

We loved having everyone spend the day with us. Having Dave's parents and sister up for the week was great for us and for our kids to spend time with them.
Of course, my family was there. Mom and Dad, Sam, Melissa and Gavin, thanks for all the support. My cousins, who are like my brothers and sisters, my aunt and uncle. It was good to spend time with all of them. Oh, I am getting sappy!

Speaking of sap:

Overnight Waffles

Make 4-6 servings

Time: 8 hours, or more, largely unattended

1/2 t instant yeast

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 T sugar

1/2 t salt

2 cups milk

8 T (1 stick) butter, MELTED AND COOLED

1/2 t vanilla extract (optional)

Canola or other neutral oil for brushing on waffle iron

2 eggs

1. Before going to bed, combine the dry ingredients and stir in the milk, then the butter and vanilla. The mixture will be loose. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside overnight at room temp.

2. Brush the waffle iron lightly with oil and preheat it. Separate the eggs and stirr the yolks into the batter. Beat the whites until they hold soft peaks. Stir them gently into the batter.

3. Spread a ladleful or so of batter onto the waffle iron adn bake until the waffle is done, usually 3 to 5 minutes, depending on your iron. Serve immediately or keep warm for a few minutes in a low oven.