Happy Friday -Gnawing on a Mango

Guess who got her first tooth?

Birthday Craft

Georgie, one of my dearest friends, had a birthday this past week and so I made her a towel for her kitchen. She and her husband have moved here all the way from New Zealand to go to seminary in Orlando. I am very excited to see what these next 3 years brings...I'm hoping a baby. Happy Birthday George!

I had a little helper.

Homemade Baby Food Take 2

This one is super easy. Cut apples.

 

Boil until soft.

Strain and puree.

The verdict is still out.

33 Looks Good

I usually celebrate my birthday in a causal fashion drawing it out a week or month if need be. This past week was so fun. Will was supposed to be away on a rotation but managed to come home on Tuesday night and we spent my birthday together. Here are a few highlights from the week.

I woke up to a birthday banner and...

homemade cinnamon rolls provided by Lindsay.

Got my favorite children's book.

And another book which Will and I will read together.

Some family time.

We finished The Hobbit. We like to read aloud.

Baby Vivi time.

Lots of cards. I don't think I have gotten this many before. It was very exciting.

Lindsay and I started a sewing project.

Will made peach jalapeno margaritas.

Later on in the week Will surprised me by inviting some people over and we had a quesadilla buffet. Everyone brought a topping they like and we all made different combos. And by we I mean they made quesadillas. I'm the birthday girl you better believe I milked that one.

Will made a sugar cookie cake which is my favorite.

Vivi put on a hip hop dance. So much talent in those bones.

We headed to uncle Chad's house for coffee and to seek his expertise

Ta Dah! Do you know what it is? A bookbinding jig. It is to help me with this.

Later on in the weekend we met the Williams side for a birthday lunch and I got to go shopping.

Happy Friday

People I found my tongue...and my daddy's too

Homemade Baby Food- Take 1

We currently have an abundance of butternut squash from our garden. We didn't even plant them they just appeared. It seems that the seeds were in the compost. We have been looking for ways to prepare it. My knowledge of butternut squash before this point was pretty limited. I found various recipes that have turned out to be very delicious. Butternut squash is a stage 1 baby food (who knew foods have stages) so I thought I would give it a try.

It was fairly easy to make. I cut it in half and scooped out the seeds. I placed the squash face down in an inch of water and roasted it for 40 minutes on 400 degrees. I pureed it in the food processor and let it freeze in ice trays. Once they were frozen I put them in a dated ziploc bag.

Trip Collage

Last year when we were in Zambia I started making collages as a creative outlet since my options were limited. We got to travel a lot and so after each trip I would make a collage so I could remember what we did. It has fun to be able to look back in my journals and revisit our adventures. Here is my latest trip collage.

How to get that perfect pose-by Vivi Williams

First, kitty sit with your paws in front.

Second, you want to sit up straight.

Third. Make sure to look at the camera.

Fourth, smile.

Weekend Wrap Up- Chicago Style

We got to go to Chicago this past weekend to celebrate some dear friends of ours as they said I do. It was our first time to leave Vivi overnight. I was a bit anxious at first, but it didn't take long for me to relax and enjoy some much needed time with Will. We were both excited about exploring a new city together while daydreaming about whether or not we could see ourselves in a big city.

Riding in on the L.

His and her segways.. ha we actually just walked around.

We walked through several parks and along the river.

We made it to Navy Pier.

Had a drink while we watched some football.

I tried the 312 which is a Chicago beer.

I love old fire escapes.

We enjoyed some more of Illinois' finest with our deep dish pizza.

It was delicious.

We had no problem clearing our plates.

We ate breakfast at the Bongo Room.

There was a line around the corner waiting for them to open. Yum is all I have to say.

We met some friends at a Cubs game.

Then that evening it was time to celebrate.

We danced.

We danced some more.

And then a little more.