Happy First Birthday, Gabriel!

Little man.

Moose Munch.

Bear.

Choncho.

Basically,

no matter what your nickname,

you are everything and more to us!

Happy First Birthday, Gabriel!

We had a great time celebrating with cousins, Taylor & Lola.

And of course,

with all the grandmas!

 We feasted on classic kid-fare:

Hot dogs & Potato chips

And for the grown-ups:

Spicy Polish Dogs

with mustard,

fresh sliced-tomatoes,

and crisp Kosher Dills!

The birthday boy had other ideas about what tasted good...

...and was delighted by the whole present-opening experience!

The cake was another story...

...but in the end that won him over too!





One is king!

Happy Birthday, son!

The Night Before One

Where did the time go?

On the eve of Gabriel's first birthday
I took him into the front yard to look at the stars.

This little guy is so special to our family,

and I needed that quiet moment to savor his baby-i-ness.



He indulged me for approximately 3 seconds!

Thank you, son!

For letting me hold you,

love you,

and of course,

the awesome priveledge
of being your mom!

I am so very grateful.

Love,

Me

A "Squeeze Inn" Father's Day

The Squeeze Inn certainly has a reputation,

and as you can see,

now you probably know why!

They opened a new location in Roseville,

making the perfect location for our Father's Day get-together.

I think it's pretty unanimous:

This is a once-in-a-lifetime meal.

Definately NOT something you eat everyday,

much less every week,

month,

or even year!



Frozen yogurt is another story entirely!

And a twirl around The Fountains

with our frozen treats was the perfect way

to end the heavy meal.

Grandpa told stories about his childhood,

including one about a moose!

And Grandma shared her own with Owen too!

Some opted to get wet...



...but most chose to just watch!



Gabriel was exhausted from all the "Father's Day" excitement,
and I was only too happy to scoop him up for some hugs!

Happy Father's Day!

Homemade Popcornopolis

This recipe is so simple, so easy, and soooo delicious!

Pass on the super-expensive stuff at the store and make this at home!

Homemade Popcornopolis

 Serves 4 (generously)

Ingredients

1 bag of 97 % fat free microwave popcorn, popped

1/2 c semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted

1 1/2 c mini-marshmallows

Directions

In a large shallow pan, spread out the popcorn and allow to cool completely (5-7 minutes).

Sprinkle with marshmallows and drizzle evenly with the melted chocolate.

Refrigerate until the chocolate is set (10 minutes) and...

Enjoy!

Homemade Popcornopolis

Popcorn + Marshmallows + Chocolate =

Happy Kids!

Nothing Better...

...then spending time in the kitchen with my kids!

These are magical moments:

{Teaching}

{Tasting}

{Togetherness}

(Is that a word?  It is now!)

Tart!

Thanks to the Culp family,

we had bowls and bowls of fresh-picked blackberries!

Owen's a fan.

Or is he?

Thanks again!



Who Doesn't Live for Moment's Like This?

Sometimes,
the happiest sounds in the home...

...have no sound at all!



Cake Skills

What with all of  Owen's birthday festivities

there was ample opportunity for Gabriel to practice his upcoming

first birthday cake skills.

This was a good thing.

For as you can see...

He was clearly unnerved!

No matter though! 

That's what cousins are for!

To help you along!

And of course, to share the burden!

Thanks Miss V! 

I've got it now. 

And I promise to lend you a hand when you need one too!

Love,

Gabriel

Let the Bounty Begin!

Our first squash of the season!

Yay!