Baby blessing day

C blessed her new baby while we were all in town.  sweet new baby M.  

we had a lovely family lunch afterwards.

Mom's delicious vegan wraps
Basil pesto or hummus or refried beans base layer.

Brown rice cooked

Purple onions

Cooked sweet potato slices

Red pepper and yellow.

Sprouts, broccoli not alfalfa

No liquid tomatoes, make soggy. 

Put out salsa for topping.

 found boys of all ages in an upstairs room surrounded by legos.

 the C family is very musical and we even had Uncle J improvise on the clarinet. loved this program.

 had a visit with Great Grandmother and Aunt L. both are still charming.  they made sure we passed on the msg that they were missing our husband/dad.  he is wonderful and they love him and they don't have many years left, so please come visit soon.

 here begins my attempts to remember the beautiful mountains that I grew up with.

 cousin D left some papers, so we got in a trip to Temple Square to meet her and return her papers.

 state capitol building from the conference center rooftop garden.

Baptism Day

 We went over early to set up the room.

 wonderful to have D&M come for this family celebration.

 Mom just pulled together this lovely welcoming table that morning. thank goodness for her.

 different photographer (Dad and I)

 everyone brought food to the potluck lunch.  Cousin P brought 4 cans of olives. Even sister C, a new mom of 6 now as of barely 1 week ago, contributed.  thank you so much to each of them for supporting us.

 while everyone was eating, I found E rolling around in the grass with puppy H.

We absolutely loved going to Hale Center Theater to see Newsies with lots of cousins.  it was awesome for E and me both.  He was on the edge of his seat, bobbing with music. Asking is it over at the end of each set, not wanting it to be true.

 Grandpa is a wonderful painter.  E was inspired to see his portfolio of recent work. 
This trip was special in that we got to celebrate his birthday with him in person.  He loves his children and grandchildren, and we love him.  Happy Birthday Grandpa!

summer begins

end of the school year play date with L, S, and Y.
wonderful to have the B family visit us on their way to Whistler.  i love how they prioritize family activity and adventure. 

violin parade around the neighborhood followed by pizza party.

 E brought home all his 2nd grade artwork.

 a sharp haircut!

DESTRESS colleagues at our nearly-the-end-of-the-study celebration.

 friend and office mate shared homemade kombucha after my lose to win class discussed the importance of fermented foods for gut health.

At the going away luncheon for colleague T to grad school, one woman shared this chocolate ribboned banana bread. yum.

welcome summer

 E and C's first night at scouts.
Our last dinner at Donna's.  G&D from Camano. A&C from U district and N.

 she's patient, and always wanting to help E be happy. playing games with him.

 E performed Suzuki's Andantino at the June recital.

 this last week of school is pretty relaxed.  this was a fun sumo wrestler game at the Razzle Dazzle carnival.

 I asked him to get something small, but he chose a full face lion face painting.

 we've been helping Donna move :(  sad to see her go. she's been a open, loving, and welcoming cousin.

this recipe from my lose to win group: baked potato topped with sauerkraut, salsa, and veganaise. pretty decent.