Cheesy Potato and Corn Chowder

Another week, another soup. 

But first, may I introduce you to my newest love...

The Bread

*I could not bring myself to use two sticks of butter, slathering only one on the two halves.

This weekend, I urge you to pick up your favorite loaf of bread from the bakery and follow these simple steps to heaven on earth.  I kid you not, the doc and I just consumed an entire loaf of Rustic Italian Pave from On the Rise bakery with leftover chowder, and life just got a little sweeter (and fuller).  You read that right, an entire loaf between the two of us.  Excuse me while I go change into sweats.  Oy.  
I almost regret stumbling upon this recipe, which will inevitably prevent me from shedding the extra lbs I packed on since walking through the doors of On the Rise.  Bread is to me what chocolate is to so many.  I continue to be seduced by its fresh baked aroma, crusty exterior, soft interior and the harmonious pairing of warm bread and melted butter.  A trip to South Beach might be in order, if you know what I mean. 

From allrecipes.com with slight modifications by yours truly

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons butter or margarine

1 cup chopped celery

1 cup chopped onion

2 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth or stock

3 cups peeled and cubed potatoes (I prefer Yukon Gold)

1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn

1 (15 ounce) can creamed corn

1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies

1 (2.5 ounce) package country style gravy mix (I have yet to find "country style" any basic gravy mix will do.)

1 cup milk

1 cup half and half

1 cup shredded Colby jack cheese blend

salt and pepper to taste

In large pot, melt butter over medium high heat.  Add chopped celery and onion; cook and stir until tender, about 5 minutes.  Add chicken broth; bring to a boil.  Add potatoes; cook over low heat for 25-30 minutes or until potatoes are soft, stirring occasionally.

Stir in corn and chilies; return to boiling.  Dissolve gravy mix in milk, and stir both milk and half and half into boiling mixture.  Add cheese; cook and stir over low heat until cheese is melted.

Garnish with extra cheese and dollop of sour cream (if desired). 

 And, don't forget "The Bread!"

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - construction zone



"Smokin' Tomato Soup" - affectionately named by the husband

My obsession with soup continues; I expect a variation of it will make its way to our weekly meal plan each week until spring.  When asked if he was consuming too much soup the doctor replied, "Not at all; I like soup." (Yet, another reason we are a well suited as man and wife.)  While, I thought this recipe to be good (not out of this world), the doctor seemed to have a different take "Mmming" after the first bite, and complimenting me on my efforts after the second.  (Always nice to hear.)  It's hard to complain when you are dipping a gooey grilled cheese sandwich into a piping hot bowl of smokin' soup. 

Ingredients:

2 pounds fresh tomatoes

7 cloves garlic

1/2 cup olive oil

2 teaspoons Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper (I hit it with additional salt prior to serving.)

1 cup white onion, diced

1 cup carrots, diced

1 teaspoon Cayenne (*this gave the soup quite a kick; cut in half if you prefer subtle heat)

2 Bay leaves

1 Quart chicken stock, or as needed

1/2 cup fresh herbs, chopped  (optional)

3/4 cup heavy cream (optional...when is heavy cream ever optional?  a must add.)

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.  Wash, core and cut tomatoes into halves.  Spread the tomatoes and garlic cloves onto a baking tray lined with foil.  Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.  Roast for 20-30 minutes, or until caramelized.

While tomatoes are garlic are roasting, in a large pot melt the butter at medium high heat.  Once it is bubbling, add the diced onion, carrots and Cayenne.  Saute until onions are translucent.  Add 3/4 chicken stock, bay leaves, and roasted garlic and tomatoes.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes until liquid has reduced by a third. 

Using an immersion blender, food processor or blender puree the soup until smooth.  Return to low heat, and add cream and/or remaining chicken stock (if needed).  Season and garnish with fresh herbs.

Recipe from Tasty Kitchen

*Incidentally, the soup got its name as a result of the excessive amount of smoke that clouded our tiny apartment kitchen as the tomatoes roasted at such a high heat.   

Dusk



A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - A boy and his truck



These days

These two...

- wait in anticipation for the other to wake up each morning and after naps; they continue to surprise me with who wakes first

- can be found arguing over a toy more often then not; the little man plays the role of instigator and the little lady the antagonizer

- would rather be together disputing than alone in peace

- begin their early mornings on the couch with soft blankies, bed heads, and squinted eyes

 - differ on the significance of milk in their young lives; she favoring it above all other liquids and he accepting it only with meals

- would consume multiple packs of fruit snacks in a day if permitted

- are thrilled to still be sharing bath time; squeals of delight, shouts of enthusiasm and thunderous splashing can be heard while they soak in the tub (thank the good Lord, the doctor continues to supervise this activity, as I don't prefer the sudsy chaos)

- support one anothers interests, she encouraging his love of all things transportation, and he joyfully viewing episodes of Olivia, playing dress up, and dancing

- race to the window to view screaming sirens as they whiz by on our busy street

He...

- cozies up to my side throughout the day for a spontaneous squeeze

- can be found thumbing through vehicle books in quiet and contented solace

- shouts out "snack" all day long as though he's never satisfied

- requests "wabe" (water) when he really wants juice, and is frustrated when I repeatedly offer him a water cup

- stirs early at 5am letting out muted moans until I lay him back down (often repeating the cycle over the course of an hour)

- cannot stand the thought of leaving his sister behind at school, when he would really enjoy staying and playing with all of the stimulating toys

- no longer enjoys clothing, requesting to be stripped of shirts and pants as soon as he wakes (and I thought being shirtless was a problem...)

- finds Thomas the Train to be his preferred choice of entertainment

- enjoys cuddling in the crook of my arm while being read to (truck books, of course)

-  excitedly shouts out "truck" "bus" "choo choo" and "car" during each car trip

She...

- has adjusted to the rhythm of school days, arriving home less tired and more pleasant

- loves attending her Sunday school class and organizing her green Bible binder each day

- requests to hear Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" so that she can sing along, belting out the chorus and often striking random objects to the beat

- continues to mention her imaginary friends, but less frequently now that she has real school friends

- finds great pleasure in playing with her daddy alone in her room each night before I tuck her into bed, creating games such as "Target," "pool," and "store"

- has finally overcome her fear of the toilet and now confidently goes both #1 and #2 by herself without fuss

- absolutely loves sharing the news of her bathroom success to anyone with two ears

- continues to play in a very organized and creative way

- finds great satisfaction in spelling out words, identifying the first letter in words by their sounds, and asks how words are spelled

- responds with a sweet and courteous "of course" when asked to help around the house (about 80% of the time)

- continues to be very empathetic and considerate of those around her, especially when others feelings are hurt



A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - Exhausted



Prompt

Beep.  Ding.  Chime.  Tick.  Dong.  Buzz.

 Sounds that prompt, alert, signal and remind.
This week as I left my van in a hurry, a familiar ding alerted me to the fact that I had left my lights on.   As I reached back for the switch, I had a simple thought.  How often in my hurried life, do I need a gentle prompt as a reminder to slow down, attend to the situation at hand, keeping my mind in the moment and not on  things yet to come? 

In that moment, I was reminded of the Holy Spirit.  Do I move about too quickly to receive His gentle nudging, awakening my senses to the beauty of the moment?  Am I aware of His direction, willingly changing my course if prompted? Do I sense His urging, seeking out those who are in need of encouragement, support, or refreshment? Do I quiet myself long enough to hear?  See?  Feel? Respond? 
May I move about less, so that He might move more.


Still Small Voice

Written by Brian Doerksen


When I hear your still small voice

Your kindness stirs me within
Lord I need to hear your voice


To lead me and break me once again
Speak my Lord, I want to hear


Your voice is all that I need
Speak my Lord, I will obey
Your voice is life to me

Wise Words

"You can’t get to joy by making everything perfect. You can only get there by seeing in every imperfection all that’s joy.

The joy is in having the Beloved, not in loving what we have."

- Ann Voskamp



A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - sassy and sweet



A change in perspective

Don't Miss It

Simple, Hearty, Chicken and Rice Soup

I'M MIXING THINGS UP IN THE KITCHEN, PUTTING INA ON THE SHELF AND PUTTING THE PIONEER WOMAN TO WORK.  

A simple recipe for a simple, but satisfying soup.

Ingredients:

1 cup (before cooking) White or Brown rice

2 whole chicken breasts

8 - 10 chicken bouillon cubes

2 Quarts (plus 2 cups) water

1/4 cups onion

1/4 cups green bell pepper

1/4 cups pimiento (drained)

1/4 cups celery

6 Tablespoons butter

4 Tablespoons flour

Yellow food coloring (I know...crazy!  The pioneer woman's grandmother added it to her soup, thus the tradition has been carried on.  I added it for kicks; however, the soup is already plenty yellow in color.)

Cook the rice.  Wash two whole chicken breasts (skin, bones and all) and place them in a pot; cover with 2 quarts of water.  Add 8-10 bouillon cubes.  Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to medium and cook until chicken is done, about twenty minutes.  Remove the chicken from the pot and let cool for a few minutes.  Cut all the meat from the bone and chop into bite-sized pieces.

Drain pimientos. Finely dice the vegetables.  In a skillet, melt 4 tbls of butter.  When it is all melted, make a roux by adding 4 tbls of flour.  Stir until thickened and then add it to the pot of chicken broth.  Stir well.   In a skillet, melt another few tbls of butter and throw in all of the diced vegetables.  Stir, then add the chicken.  Sprinkle with a dash or two of salt.  Cook for a couple of minutes and then add the chicken mixture to the broth.  Add the cooked rice, and food coloring (if interested). 

*If you have never checked out The Pioneer Woman's website, I highly recommend it.  She takes you through each recipe step by step with colorful commentary and striking images.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - Construction Zone



Brownies

Inspired by my naked sous chef...

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/05/knock-you-naked-brownies/

*I added a touch of sea salt to the Carmel mixture as I'm can't seem to get enough of the salted Carmel craze. 
 They just came out of the oven. 
My kitchen smells divine.

HIGH low

High/low a family friendly game that can be played around the dinner table as you share the highs and lows of your day.  During this season of life when dinners are staggered, table manners are being learned, and vocabularies are limited but growing, alone I will play.  Not at the dinner table, but at the computer.  I'm sure if prodded the other three would confirm the following.

HIGH - his little mouth is producing new words each day, making communication with him easier, faster, and more fun.  We love when he surprises us with a new word, and we celebrate his progress.

low - his little mouth continues to produce to the most deafening of screams; screeching in both joy and angst, leaving all in close proximity to cover their ears, contort their face, and long for the (occasional) mute button. I'm not sure the volume of his voice is suitable for apartment living.

HIGH - we are one step closer to the extinction of pacifiers, allowing his beloved papi only when sleeping.

low - we are one step closer to the extinction of pacifiers.

HIGH - his ability to play independently is growing each day, as he learns to tinker with toys, stack blocks, and line up and drive toy trucks, cars, and trains.

low - if by chance a block falls from its carefully crafted tower, or a car finds its way out of line, the little fella falls back in hysterics, kicking feet in air, producing his signature screech.

HIGH - dental care is high on the little man's list of priorities, taking great joy in brushing his pearly whites.

low - any time the hallway bathroom door is left ajar, we find him at the sink, shirt drenched, water pooling at his feet.

HIGH - he is softening to the idea of nursery workers, babysitters, and care takers other than his mama, allowing others to care for his basic needs in my absence.

low(ish) - our little man is growing up


HIGH - preschool has begun, leaving the little lady excited for each new school day, eager to return to her classroom.
low - preschool has begun, leaving the little lady mentally and physically fatigued, on the verge of crying, and without manners or patience once she arrives home.
HIGH - her little mind is sharp remembering details big and small, enhancing her already lengthy tales
low - the details of life and lengthy tales are prolonging her bedtime routine when weary parents are inclined to want alone time. on the couch.  with limited talking.  favorite TV show playing.
HIGH - the little lady is growing in her ability to declothe (seriously pants come off upon entering our apartment) and dress herself.
low - if by chance a shirtsleeve becomes stuck, two legs cram into one pant leg, or she cannot find the second strap of her backpack she refuses help, choosing instead to huff and puff and blow her gasket until the clothing situation is remedied.
HIGH - she is a true songbird. humming and singing all day long, typically songs of worship or original songs with lyrics such as "Charlotte is an angel, angel, angel.  Charlotte is precious, precious, precious."
low - i am unable to video tape each and every song burst, lyric, and melody for they are precious, precious, precious.

My kinda meal

BREAK OUT THE IMMERSION BLENDERS (don't have one? may I suggest you remedy that.), PULL OUT THE POTS, GRAB THAT 4 POUND BAG OF RED POTATOES, AND CRACK OPEN THE BAREFOOT CONTESSA COOKBOOK  (page 77 to be exact, or if you want to make it like I do see modified).  IT'S (ALMOST) FALL, A CHILL IS IN THE AIR, AND IT'S TIME FOR SOUP.

BAREFOOT CONTESSA + SMITTEN KITCHEN = ONE HAPPY MAMA

Blue Cheese or Cheddar Scallion Drop Biscuits

from Smitten Kitchen

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons sugar

3/4 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

6 Tablespoons (3/4 stick or 3 ounces) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1 1/2 cups crumbled blue cheese or coarsely grated Cheddar

4 scallions, finely chopped

1 cup well-shake buttermilk (or you can make your own by adding 1 Tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Allow to sit for 10 minutes or until it begins to curdle.)

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.  Whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.  Then blend in butter with your fingertips until mixture resembles course meal.  Stir in blue or Cheddar cheese and scallions.  Add buttermilk and stir until just combined.

Drop dough in 12 equal mounds about 2 inches apart onto a large buttered baking sheet, or one lined with parchment (I recommend parchment, as cheese oozed out in the most delightful way).  Bake in middle of oven until golden, 16-20 minutes.


Perfection. 
The kids and I test tasted one (and a half) biscuits as they cooled.  It was hard to limit ourselves to just one (and a half).

Day Two



A season for everything

THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL PROVED TO BE A MIXED BAG OF EMOTIONS FOR OUR FAMILY.  DISBELIEF AND ANTICIPATION FILLED THE HEARTS OF JEFF AND I; THE LITTLE LADY BURSTING WITH ENTHUSIASM AND EXCITEMENT.

I BELIEVE THE LITTLE MAN TOOK IT THE HARDEST AS HE REALIZED THAT SISSY GOING TO SCHOOL MEANT SISSY'S ABSENCE FROM OUR HOME. 

"TAKE ME BACK TO THAT CLASSROOM!"

WITHOUT THE LITTLE LADY FILLING OUR MORNING WITH PLAY IDEAS AND CONTINUOUS CHATTER, THE LITTLE MAN AND I WOULD HAVE TO FIND OUR OWN RHYTHM. 

IN AN EFFORT TO MEND HIS BROKEN HEART, WE SET OFF FOR THE GROCERY STORE FOR A FEW ESSENTIALS AND A VANILLA GLAZED DONUT, FOLLOWED BY A WALK THROUGH A NATURE PATH I HAVE BEEN EYEING SINCE OUR ARRIVAL IN SHAKER.  (I'm hoping to return to the land of physical activity, and hoping the little man will oblige.)

THE LITTLE MAN CLEARLY NOT PAST HIS RESENTMENT OF THE MORNING'S ACTIVITIES.

WITH A WOODED PATH BEFORE US, I EMBRACED THE POSSIBILITY OF NEW ROUTINES, TIME ALONE WITH MY LITTLE MAN, AND THIS NEW SEASON OF LIFE THAT IS UNFOLDING BEFORE ME.

AS I MOVED FORWARD I BECAME CAPTIVATED BY THE BEAUTIFUL AND SPRAWLING LANDSCAPE BEFORE ME,  SLOWING OFTEN TO CAPTURE AN IMAGE, A REMINDER THAT CHANGE IS ALL AROUND.  AND AS THE SUN BROKE THROUGH THE TREETOPS HIGHLIGHTING BRANCHES, BLADES OF GRASS, AND PETALS HEAVY WITH DEW MY EYES AND HEART OPENED TO RECEIVE ALL THAT IS GOOD.  WITH WORDS OF GRATITUDE I SURGED FORWARD (STOPPING ONLY WHEN THE LITTLE MAN'S SQUAWKS BECAME TOO LOUD TO IGNORE.)



A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - Celebratory cone



So it begins...

I FOUND MYSELF LYING AWAKE AT 4am THIS MORNING.  TODAY OUR LITTLE LADY WOULD BEGIN PRESCHOOL.  IN TRUE FORMER-PRESCHOOL-TEACHER-TURNED-STAY-AT-HOME-MOMMY FASHION, I BEGAN OBSESSING OVER THE LITTLE DETAILS OF HER DAY.  WOULD THE OUTFIT SHE PICKED OUT TO WEAR (DENIM SKIRT, T-SHIRT AND KNEE HIGH STOCKINGS) BE SUITABLE FOR THE DAY'S ACTIVITIES?  WOULD SHE BE ABLE TO PULL HER SKIRT DOWN (OR UP) IN ORDER TO USE THE RESTROOM WITHOUT BECOMING FRUSTRATED?  WOULD HER DENIM SKIRT PREVENT HER FROM USING THE PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT?  ALL SILLY LITTLE SCENARIOS THAT I HAD EXPERIENCED WHEN IT WAS I WHO WAS THE TEACHER, RESPONSIBLE FOR A DOZEN ACTIVE AND EAGER PRESCHOOLERS.  IT JUST GOES TO SHOW YOU, YOU CAN TAKE THE TEACHER OUT OF THE CLASSROOM, BUT FOREVER THE CLASSROOM WILL REMAIN IN HER HEART.

OUR SLEEPING BEAUTY WAS THE LAST TO WAKE THIS MORNING, STIRRING AT 7:45, UNUSUALLY LATE.  WAKING IN FINE SPIRITS, SHE QUICKLY ANNOUNCED, "I'M GOING TO SCHOOL TODAY" AS I PLUCKED HER FROM HER ROOM.  SHE MADE HER WAY TO THE COUCH, ARMS FULL OF WELL-LOVED BLANKIES AND "SCRATCHY BEAR" TO RECEIVE HER MORNING CUP OF MILK, A RITUAL SHE MAY ATTEMPT TO KEEP UNTIL AGE 18.

ONCE SHE FINISHED HER MILK AND PROGRAM OF CHOICE, SHE RECEIVE HER FIRST OF TWO VERY IMPORTANT PHONE CALLS.

"I'M GOING TO SCHOOL TODAY, DADDY!"

BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS - PANCAKES WITH SPRINKLES

A COUPLE OF BITES INTO HER MEAL, SHE RECEIVED HER SECOND CALL.

"I'M GOING TO SCHOOL TODAY, NANY!"

SAD TO MISS OUT ON THE MORNING'S EVENTS, DADDY LEFT A SWEET NOTE OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR HER TO DISCOVER.

SHARING IN HER EXCITEMENT, I WAS EAGER TO CAPTURE WHAT I'M SURE WILL BECOME A FAVORITE PICTURE OF MINE FOR YEARS TO COME. 

HELLO CAROL NURSERY SCHOOL!

OUTSIDE HER CLASSROOM, WE PAUSED FOR ONE MORE PICTURE.  AND, AS SHE FLASHED HER PEARLY WHITES, MY EYES FILLED WITH TEARS.  HOW DO WE ARRIVE AT THIS PRECIOUS MOMENTS IN LIFE SO QUICKLY? 

THE LITTLE LADY ENTERED HER ROOM, HUNG UP HER BACKPACK AND NEVER LOOKED BACK. I SOUGHT HER OUT FOR ONE LAST KISS, AND ESCORTED HER ANGRY BROTHER OUT THE DOOR. HE WAS NOT PLEASED TO BE LEAVING HIS SISTER BEHIND.

AT 11:45 ON THE DOT, HER CLASSROOM DOOR OPENED.  ONE BY ONE, PROUD THREE-YEAR-OLDS EMERGED, EYES SEARCHING FOR THEIR MOMMIES WHO WAITED WITH ENCOURAGING SMILES, OPEN ARMS, AND ANTICIPATION.  OUR LITTLE LADY FEEL INTO MY ARMS SMILING AND TIRED.  SHE RECEIVED A WONDERFUL REPORT,  HANDLING HER FIRST DAY "LIKE A PRO."  WE FOLLOWED HER AS SHE CONFIDENTLY LED US THROUGH THE HALLWAYS AND OUT TO THE VAN.  IT WAS THERE THAT OUR WEARY LITTLE PRESCHOOLER LOST IT, REMINDING ME JUST HOW BIG OF A CHANGE THIS WILL PROVE TO BE (FOR US ALL).  AS SHE CRIED HER WAY HOME WITH SIGHS AND YAWNS OF EXHAUSTION, I COULD NOT HELP BUT SMILE KNOWING SHE HAD HELD IT TOGETHER FOR 2 1/2 HOURS, SO AS TO PLEASE HER TEACHERS AND PROVE HER INDEPENDENCE. 

I FOUND IT FITTING THAT OUTSIDE HER CLASSROOM, THE NAMES OF HER CLASSMATES WERE WRITTEN ON NUTS.

AS FOR OUR LITTLE PEANUT, I KNOW THIS YEAR WILL BRING GROWTH, MATURATION, NEW RESPONSIBILITIES, NEW FRIENDSHIPS, EXCITING ADVENTURES, AND PROVIDE US WITH COUNTLESS MEMORIES TO CHERISH.



A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - Reunited {and it feels so good}



Tomorrow, my little lady, you begin school.

Your first year of many.

I am struck by how quickly time has passed.

Remembering your tiny frame cradled in your favorite swing.

Basking in the sunlight.

Eyes shut tight,

Lips full and parted.

My little peanut.

I knew this day would come.

I knew also how ready you would be to embark upon this new season of life.

Backpack hung on closet door, filled with treasures.

Ready to walk the large and lengthy halls of school.

Crisp, new clothes laid out.

As we count down to the day, you remind me how you will

brave this new adventure alone.

Your independence makes me stand back in awe.

I wonder if this is how your Nany felt so many years ago.

My confident learner.

My brave girl.

My little thinker.

My little lady,

and peanut.



A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - Comforts



Non-photographed highlights {vacation part IV}

- Upon arriving, we enjoyed a lovely brunch prepared by my mother, replenishing our tanks after a busy morning of travel.
- Dawn and Bob treated us to dinner at Harbor House on Lake Michigan, a night filled with delicious food, meaningful conversation, beautiful views, and laughter.
- I enjoyed a spontaneous trip to Target with my mom and aunts. Trips to Target are enhanced when shopping with those you love. Target continues to be one of the great loves of my life (kidding...slightly.)
- Jeff had two successful interviews with Froedtert Health for a promising position in the community.
- My dear brother, Adam, babysat our children so that I could enjoy a girl's night out with my girl, Becki, while our husbands rocked out to Pearl Jam's greatest hits.  We talked and laughed the night away over a pitcher of La Fuente's finest margaritas and food.
- We were able to enjoy a quiet brunch with Matt and Becki on Labor Day, where I was privileged to eat one of the most satisfying breakfast sandwiches I have eaten in a long time. Three words - beer cheese sauce.
- Jeff and I were able to enjoy sleeping in Monday and Tuesday morning as my folks kept our sweet ones over night, a treat for any parent on vacation.
- We were able to spend quality time with my Aunt Diane, cousin Dina, Aunt Kathy and mother Tuesday morning before we left Milwaukee.  We savored the extra time with family, each hug, smile, and kiss before we parted ways.
- The kids were introduced to the wonderful world of trampolines, and bounced their little hearts out.  The little lady is confident she will be getting a trampoline when "she is an adult." 

Burgers and more {vacation part tres}

WE RETURNED FROM THE NORTH WOODS SUNDAY AFTERNOON (SLIGHTLY EXHAUSTED). 

AGAIN, NO REST FOR THE WEARY.  JEFF SOON SET OFF FOR ALPINE VALLEY WITH TWO BUDDIES, AND THE CHILDREN AND I MADE OUR WAY TO MY AUNT DIANE'S FOR A LARGE FAMILY GATHERING. IT WAS AN AFTERNOON FILLED WITH REUNIONS, LAUGHTER, LAWN GAMES, EATING, CHASING AFTER LITTLE ONES, AND MORE EATING.

THE "BURGERS" sadly minus 1 very important Larson

THE LITTLE MAN THRILLED TO BE IN THE ARMS OF SUCH A BEAUTY, HIS COUSIN ALYSSA.

SECOND COUSINS UNITE.

THE LITTLE MAN AND JABEZ

A RARE PICTURE FOR WE ARE SELDOM TOGETHER,

MY BRO ADAM, SISTER DAWN AND BROTHER RICH.

(THIS ONE'S A KEEPER.)

A LITTLE EXHAUSTION SETS IN.

"BEING A PART OF A BIG FAMILY IS A LOT OF WORK."

LABOR DAY WAS A TAD MORE RELAXED, AS WE SETTLED OURSELVES IN PAPA AND NANY'S BACKYARD FOR SOME QUALITY  (AND LONG OVERDUE) TIME AS A FAMILY.

QUALITY TIME THAT INCLUDED THE REMOVAL OF NESTS FROM TREES, 

(CAPTIVATING)

CATCHING UP ON LIFE THROUGH MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS,

AND, ENJOYING THE BEAUTIFUL FALL-LIKE WEATHER AS WE PLAYED FOOTBALL, BOCCE BALL, AND BAGGO IN PAPA'S BEAUTIFULLY GROOMED BACKYARD.

IT WAS THE PERFECT SETTING FOR SPENDING TIME WITH LOVED ONES. THERE ARE FEW THINGS SWEETER THAN BEING IN THE PRESENCE OF FAMILY.  THE LITTLE LADY SAVORED EVERY MINUTE OF BEING WITH HER COUSINS, AND THE LITTLE MAN WAS DELIGHTED TO HAVE SO MANY ARMS TO RUN TO.  JEFF AND I DELIGHTED IN ONCE AGAIN REUNITING OUR SWEET ONES WITH THEIR LOVING AND DOTING GRANDPARENTS.  IT FELT GOOD TO BE HOME, IN A STATE WE LOVE, SURROUNDED BY THOSE WE LOVE.



Labor Day 2011 {vacation part deux}

WE LANDED IN MILWAUKEE WEDNESDAY, AND THURSDAY AFTERNOON WE PACKED OUR SWEET ONES IN MIMI'S MDX AND HEADED FOR LAKE ENTERPRISE. SPENDING LABOR DAY TOGETHER AT THE LAKE  HAS BECOME A LARSON FAMILY TRADITION.  THANKFULLY, PEARL JAM SCHEDULED TWO CONCERTS AT ALPINE VALLEY OVER LABOR DAY WEEKEND TO ENTICE MY HUSBAND BACK TO THE STATE. APPARENTLY, BAND TIES RUN JUST AS DEEP AS BLOOD.

AFTER A LONG AND RESTLESS DRIVE, WE ARRIVED AT CAMP DAVID. WITHIN MINUTES "SUMMER SUITS" WERE FOUND AND LIFE JACKETS WERE CLIPPED. 

NO REST FOR THE WEARY WITH THESE LITTLE ONES...

SUNSET COCKTAIL CRUISE - A FAVORITE ACTIVITY

SHIRTLESS IN ELCHO

THE LITTLE LADY FOUND THE NORTH WOODS TO BE QUITE FREEING.

SHIRTLESS...

NOTHING NEW HERE.

VACATION SUITS HIM.

WE WERE THRILLED TO LAY EYES ON AUNTIE DAWNIE AND UNCLE BOBBY AS WE HAD NOT SEEN THEM SINCE MID-JUNE.

THE LAKE BRINGS OUT THE LITTLE MAN'S QUIET SIDE.

FRIDAY TURNED OUT TO BE OUR BEST DAY OF WEATHER, SO WE FILLED OUR AFTERNOON WITH WATER FUN.

DISCOVERING A NEW SPOT TO PERCH ON BOB'S BOAT.

VACATION SUITS US AS WELL.

THE LITTLE ONES KEPT THEIR UNCLE BOBBY BUSY. I THINK THEY KNOW HE WILL OFFER THEM HIS UNDIVIDED ATTENTION; BLESS HIS NORTH WOODS HEART.

ONE OF OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITIES AT THE LAKE - EATING.

THIS LABOR DAY THE "KIDS" PLANNED THE DEEP-FRIED TURKEY FEAST, WHICH INCLUDED BAREFOOT CONTESSA CREAMY CHEDDAR GRITS recipe, PIONEER WOMAN BAKED BEANS recipe, FOOD NETWORK BACON WRAPPED ASPARAGUS BUNDLES recipe, AND PIONEER WOMAN YOGURT CREAM AND BERRIES recipe.  DAWN AND I HAD A FIELD DAY PLANNING THE MENU.  IT WAS DIVINE IF I DON'T SAY SO MYSELF! JEFF APPLAUDED US FOR INCORPORATING BACON INTO TWO DISHES.  INITIALLY, WE WERE WORRIED ABOUT THIS; HOWEVER, IT PROVED TO BE JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF BACON FOR THE HEARTY MEAL.

OUR WEEKEND WAS FILLED WITH (MUCH NEEDED) R & R,

A LITTLE WORK,

LOTS OF PLAY,

AND, PRECIOUS TIME AS A FAMILY.

CAMP DAVID HAS BECOME A HAVEN FOR OUR FAMILY, AND WE ALREADY ANTICIPATE RETURNING NEXT SUMMER.

*DOC AND MINI WERE PRESENT AND VERY MUCH A PART OF THE WEEKEND'S ACTIVITIES CONTRARY TO PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE.