Sunday Project

I wonder what Daddy is doing...

Robb decided to tackle the issue of our shed today. It has been a bit disorganized, so he is putting in shelves. Ezekiel spent the day exploring drill bits, crawling around in the debris and staring out the window longing to be back in the debris.

When the project is done, I'm going to organize everything in bins. I'm so eager to get to the organizing part. Is anyone else this nerdy about establishing order?

Tough Guy

Black flip-flops kind of family.

What, THIS lens cap?

I love this little black "muscle" shirt on Ezekiel. His arms are so cute and squishy!

Dad's Car Wash

I see the truck isn't the only one that needs washing.

Doesn't it look like he's cooking up some mischief?

Zeke helpfully points out every bird and plane.

Robb took Ezekiel out to wash the truck this afternoon. The bed of the truck makes a perfect playpen so it was the best of both worlds for all concerned. I got the house cleaned. Robb got the truck washed. Ezekiel got to splash and play in water.

It's Pepper Time

Getting cuddly.

Right after this I had to put the camera down,
cause Ezekiel was going to try to crawl over her head...

Getting a bit of fresh air makes everything better.

We've been super blessed to be swapping babysitting services with Johannes and Chelane. I hadn't realized how big Ezekiel has become until we got to hang out with Pepper. She is tiny and wonderful and still has that sweet baby smell.

Ezekiel isn't quite as taken with her, I think his jealousy is kicking in. I've tried to catch him being sweet with her, because it is a little bit rare. He clearly needs lots more practice!

The Blue Palm

I LOVE frozen yogurt!

Kennedi helps Ezekiel to some more.

I can have some?

We tried out the Blue Palm this evening. Kennedi and Ezekiel were being adorable as usual. They just keep figuring out new ways to be cute.

Of course we added too many yogurt flavors and too many toppings, but it was delicious. If we go again I'm getting the coconut yogurt and only putting fruit on top. What's your favorite combination?

Summer Swimming

Testing the water.

What is daddy up to?

We're trying to make good use of our alumni cards at the pool this summer. I don't know that Zeke is learning anything, but he seems to be having fun most of the time.

Since I'm a bit of a hydrophobe, Robb is anxious to get Zeke in the water as much as possible. Does he take after me? He does seem to have an inordinate fascination with splashing around the edges of the pool... I think he'll be fine though. He tries a few kicks sometimes and likes to watch his fingers shoot through the water when daddy spins him around. He even tries to blow a few bubbles (but usually not underwater).

Three Consecutive Trips

The First Go-Round

I think these little guys were catching me.

The Second Go

In Montana this time.

But Jeremy tricked all the fish!

The Third Round

Corry in a sweet little spot near the Tucannon River.

David with a FISH ON!

FINALLY!...

Sweet success!

Best Buds (or Something Like It)

Trying on some of Kennedi's shades.

Awesome double-seater carts at Ranch & Home/Costco.

Done for the day and trying to sleep.

A little jaunt over to the Tri-Cities this afternoon was a perfect excuse to get the kiddos together. Both Kennedi and Ezekiel have been teething (Zeke has two new teeth!), so they weren't quite as cheerful as usual. But they did get through an entire afternoon of car seats, strollers, shopping carts and high-chairs with very little sleep.

By evening they were strapped back in their car seats, passing toys back and forth and holding hands. What sweet little travelers.

Ezekiel Photo of the Day

Zeke finally discovers that it is more fun to put ear buds in your ears than your mouth.

Summer Corn Cakes

Rachel and Jesse made these delicious corn cakes last week and they were so good that Ezekiel and I devoured several. They are perfect for a summer brunch and I was eager to make them for Robb. Since he likes them just about as much as I do, I have to pass on this recipe. What is your favorite go-to summer food?

Corn Cakes
3 ears corn, shucked
1 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. cornmeal (If you can only find cornmeal mix, skip the baking powder.)
1/4 c. diced red onion
1/4 c. thinly sliced fresh basil
1 t. baking powder
1/2 t. baking soda
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 t. well-shaken buttermilk
2 t. unsalted butter, melted
Oil for frying

Cut the corn from the cobs into a large bowl, place 2 cups of the corn kernels into a food processor, and pulse several times, until the corn is slightly pureed but still chunky. Scrape into the bowl with the remaining corn kernels. Add flour, cornmeal, onion, basil, baking powder, baking soda, salt and pepper to the corn. Stir to mix. Add the eggs, buttermilk and butter, and stir just to combine. Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add just enough oil to barely cover the bottom, and heat until sizzling hot. One heaping tablespoon at a time, scoop the batter into the skillet. Cooking in batches of 4 to 5 to avoid overcrowding, fry the cakes 1 to 2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Serve warm topped with a heap of Chopped Tomato and Avocado Salsa. (Makes about 12 large cakes; serves 6 to 8)

Chopped Tomato and Avocado Salsa
2 large tomatoes, cored and chopped
2 scallions, trimmed and minced
1/2 jalapeno pepper, cored, seeded and diced
2 T. chopped fresh basil
2 T. chopped fresh cilantro
1 garlic clove, minced
Juice of 1 lime
1 1/2 t. extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 t. white wine vinegar
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
2 avocados, peeled, pitted and diced

Place all of the ingredients (except the avocado) in a bowl, and stir to mix. Refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to serve, for up to 2 days. Just before serving, add the avocado, and mix gently. (Makes about 2 cups)