Christmas is almost here

We went to a local restaurant last weekend to have brunch with Santa.

Elias was not sure how he felt about meeting Santa.

Sabela is four months old today. It's been a very interesting year, but we're glad she's here with us, making life more exciting than ever.

Blogging again?

I'm thinking about it. Life is so hectic these days.

Here is Elías's room. It was covered in flowered wallpaper with a dark green carpet, but I prefer the hardwood floors that were under the rug and the bright yellow walls. I made the shades- it is a very easy project that can be done in an afternoon. I have some other things I'd like to do in here, but it is a nice size for a little guy and his toys and books.

Active Baby

Summer provides lots of opportunities for keeping busy. There is:

all the yard work
summer concerts (though the food and beverages are sometimes more interesting than the entertainment)finding new ways to use familiar objectsand exploring your town on wheels or by foot

Seafood Linguine

I made seafood linguine recently. I consulted a couple of recipe books and then did a little of my own thing. It was really easy and FAST and amazingly delicious.

After putting the water for the pasta to boil, I started sautéing some onion and some garlic in olive oil. When the onions were translucent, I added in some parsley, salt, pepper, white wine, chicken broth, and saffron. I let that cook for a minute or so and then added in a couple of chopped tomatoes. After cooking them for a few minutes, I added in scallops, shrimp, and clams.I cooked it all until the clams opened and the shrimp were pink. I then added in some more parsley.Tossing the whole thing with the linguine and adding some Parmesan cheese, we were ready to indulge.Elías really liked it :)

Birthday

Elías celebrated his first birthday on June 4th. Instead of a cake we had whoopie pies.He got a piece of one, and ate it so fast that this is all I got to document it.I made him a shirt with a one on it, and I also made a fabric banner that I hope will decorate many more birthdays for years to come. My idea for the shirt is that I will do one each year until he is twelve, and then make them into a quilt. It's hard to believe that a whole year (and then some!) has gone by already. He has brought such joy and happiness into our lives, he really is a blessing. I am looking forward to the coming year as he masters walking, running, and climbing, and continues to learn how to communicate with us. It will be a year of discovery, I am sure.

Walking

Father's Day

Father's Day was a lovely day. We went out to brunch, took the bikes down to Steamboat Days, and then Juan played soccer as usual in the afternoon.
I had hoped to get Elías on the carousel, but I never have any cash on me, and Juan thought he did but when he went to open his wallet, he realized that E had emptied his wallet out earlier that morning (a new favorite activity). So, no ride for us. We had to bike back home so Juan could get to soccer. His present, by the way, came early this year in the form of a new bike, which he has taken all the way to WI on several trips already.Elías still enjoyed all the sights, sounds, and smells of the fair, and the weather couldn't have been more perfect.