Gavin's 4th Birthday Party

Isn't it what everyone says "I can't believe he's turning....".  I get it now, it's true.  We typically have our family photos scroll across the screen while playing music.  I seem to pay specific attention on birthday party day.  As I'm watching Gavin guide his friends through the house, play, laugh, converse, and just be a big boy - in the background are the pictures of him at the hospital when he was born.  Precious!  Everyone also says "Oh, they grow up so fast!".  Yes they do, but we have heard that saying so many times that we have learned to treasure each moment of every day, as well as appreciate that they do grow up and that it's part of life.

We had a wonderful time with friends (our KC family) celebrating the big boys special day.  He was so excited from the time he went to be Friday night until the clock said 4:02 pm (party was at 4:00) and he said "Dad, why isn't anyone here yet?".  The excitement continued through a couple hours of partying, until he happily laid his head on his pillow cuddled with a few new toys and happy that he had such a fun day.  We asked if he was tired and his response "Yeah, a little...I had such a great birthday party!"  What a sweet boy.

Opening presents, possible his favorite part (next to the cake of course)

 Barb & Liam, a rare photo

Mr. Manners thanking Liz for his present. 

 Making a wish

 Yet another attempt at a family photo, Gavin hamming it up!

 Gavin & Ironman...excuse me Gavin IS Ironman (or so he says)

 Little brother relaxing after a very busy party with a lot of people.

 Time for bath and then bed, can you see how tired he is? :)

 Jason & Liam

A birthday isn't complete without the official birthday suit!!!

Thanks to all of our friends who came to the party.  We had a great time visiting with you all and you made it that much more special for Gavin!!

Scrumptious Sundays

Homemade Bread

6 cups flour

3 Tbsp Yeast

1 Tbsp Salt

3 cups water

Is it really that simple?  Pretty much.  We've started making a fresh loaf of bread every Sunday.  Haven't bought bread for months now.  Homemade anything is so much better anyway!  The process really doesn't take as long as you would think, and you don't need a bread machine.  We cook ours in a dutch oven cast iron pot by Staub.  These pots are ridiculously priced, but I finally broke down and bought one, and every Sunday am reminded how much I love it!

From ingredients to dough to a masterpiece....

The Stats

18 months old

Height 32"

Weight 25 lbs

 

Height 34.5"

Weight 27 lbs

Our boys

Just playing around on the back porch and grabbed the camera.

Tucson Trip

We were able to get away for a few days and go to one of our favorite destinations JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort.  We got a 2 room suite and had Grandma Patti and Grandma Blanche with us too.  It was a fun long weekend for everyone!

Trying to get a picture with both boys facing the camera is never easy!

 

 

4th of July Fun!! 

 

 

 

 

Visit to U of A

 

 Pool time, lots and lots of it!!

Scrumptious Sundays

Wild Mushroom Risotto
from QCOM
1 Tbsp EVOO
2 Tbsp Truffle Olive Oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 cup arborio rice
2 cups sliced mushrooms your choice
1 cup dry white wine
20 oz hot chicken broth
1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
1 tsp sea salt or to taste
freshly ground pepper

Heat olive oil and truffle oil in a 4 qt sauce pan on medium high heat.  Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.  Mix in 1 c rice and cook 1 minute.  Add mushrooms and wine and stir until wine is absorbed into rice.  Add chicken broth one ladelful at a time, stirring between additions until the broth is absorbed. Rice should be al dente.  Melt in mascarpone cheese.  Salt & pepper to taste.  Serve finished with truffle oil.