Peppercam

Halloween Parade

2008-10-26T10:10:00.002-05:00

We had a big day on Saturday. It was the open house for my friend Jennifer's wedding, and I must say, I'm a big fan of the open house concept. Very kid-friendly. Then we suited up the little monkey for the Anoka Halloween Parade.

This is a parade in a class of it's own. It is 2.5 hours long and every float, one after the other, is elaborately, ridiculously, over-the-top decorated for Halloween. All those princess floats from summer parades? They're now the Jackson 5, garden gnomes, pirates, and hockey players. There are dogs in costumes, mayors in costumes, bands in costume, shriners in costumes. Not to mention every kid on the sidelines is decked out.

Bella enjoyed waving ("Hold my cookie. I need to wave!") and pointing out jack-o-lanterns. Which were the most mundane of the things that went by--a full Price Is Right float with Bob Barker and lovely ladies, and Bella's going, "Look look! A jack-o-lantern!!"

After the parade, we dropped Bella off for the Halloween Party at daycare. There was a haunted house and everything! That's great, whatever, see you later kid. SCREECH VROOM!! Date Night! We decided to do something fancy and went to Lindey's Steak House. Then saw a movie. It was very romantic.

Ahhhhh! We can relax and have a nice glass of... DAMMIT!

The menu: Steak Steak Steak and Shrimp.

Brent

I was kind of dreading Saturday since I don't like having too much scheduled stuff, and here was THREE events to attend, with maniac inbetween driving and costume changes. I prefer to sit on the couch. But it is over and we had fun and today we can just sit on the couch. Oh damn, today is clean up the house day. Well isn't that just a kick in the pants.

First Haircut

2008-10-07T21:45:00.000-05:00

Look who got her first haircut!

She was getting very grumpy about all the tangles after bath each night, so I said, let's chop it off. I made an appointment at Kids Hair in Roseville, which was great. Bella watched Dora, colored, got a sucker and a sticker, and ended up having to have a time-out because, 15 minutes after her haircut, she still wouldn't leave. To be honest, I was right there with her, since there was free Caribou Coffee. But it just seemed weird to loiter.

She couldn't wait to tell daddy about her trip to the "Beauty Parlor."

The finished look, they even gave her a little braid:

We got an envelope, with chunks of her hair for the scrapbook, which explains why they ask on the phone if it is her first cut. Very cute. Now if only they could set this up so I could get my haircut at the same time--now that would be perfect! Juut/Kids Hair... am I the only one who thinks this stuff up??

Jennifer: My kind of bride

2008-10-05T21:16:00.001-05:00

Jennifer, one of the long-time Stitch'n'Bitchers, is getting married. She awesomely chose to have her bachelorette party be a camping trip. Which I would totally do too if I had it to do over again. (Not surprising to anyone who was at my bachelorette.)

We met down at lovely campsite #55 in Frontenac State Park. It was a gorgeous, GORGEOUS day out. Crisp and clear, the leaves changing, Lake Pepin sparkling.

Our campsite was canopied but cleared. Just perfect.

We declared happy hour almost immediately.

A new experience for me, camping with a dog. Oscar, the pathetically friendly dog.

We went on a glorious, bluff-y, easy-going hike, but I forgot to bring my camera. We got back just as the sun was setting and Kelly built us a cozy, roaring fire. We toasted up some pizzas, nachos, and s'mores--believe me, a winner of a menu. I stayed as long as I could (about 11) and then I headed back home, having decided I could not lose a night of sleep right before a big day of toddler fun on Sunday with Laurie Berkner.

I can't wait to visit this park again, it is definitely a keeper. And Brent is very excited about the idea of "going camping" and then being allowed to return home at 11 pm and sleep in his own bed. Hmmmm... I'll have to think about that. If it lures him out camping more often, it might be worth it. A camping-free camping compromise?

Oh, and Happy Anniversary, cutie pie!

Apple Doughnuts

2008-09-28T09:36:00.003-05:00

A couple weeks ago we went to the Apple Orchard and Bella was so excited about apple doughnuts. She talked about them (all day!), she ran to put them into the basket, then she gobbled an entire one in the car on the way home. I can't say I blame her, they are delicious!

So, I thought we'd try to make our own. We browsed around and printed out a recipe. Then found the old doughnut cutter. We mixed up the dough, patted it out, and Bella used the cutter.

We fried them up. Then coated them in cinnamon sugar.

Didn't they turn out pretty?

And a little tasty too.

They weren't as good as the apple orchard's. I thought they had an oily aftertaste. Maybe the orchard uses lard? Or maybe my oil was a little old? (entirely possible). They weren't as much work as I thought they would be, so maybe I will try again using shortening instead of peanut oil. But until then, we are heading back to the apple orchard for our fix!

A Play Smock for Claire

2008-09-28T09:08:00.000-05:00

I had long been wanting to make this very cute little smocket for someone (pattern by Mayfly). And when my little niece Claire turned 2, I thought of it right away. She is adorable and sweet enough to wear things her auntie makes her.

In the pocket, you can see I made little button barrettes (and slipped in a sucker). I hope those little buttons stay glued to the barrette. I wasn't sure how that is done and there is precious little how-to-make-button-barrettes info on the internet. The fabric is Kokka Menagerie's tiny smiling elephant print, from Crafty Planet (of course!). It's reversible, with a pocket on one side and a twill tape bow on the other. I wasn't too thrilled with the fit when I first tried it on Bella for size. The 'ties' at the shoulder were impossible to tie and the armholes were cutting into her pits. She quickly became very irritated with me, and I eventually had to bribe her with candy corn to let me try it on her again. I switched the ties to snaps, which turned out ok, but I'd draft it up differently next time to account for snap usage. (Also, I would have bought snaps my first trip to the fabric store instead of needing to go a second time and dropping Brent and Bella at the library, going to the fabric store next door, getting a phone call after 5 minutes, "She peed," super fast snap buying, and running back to the library. sheesh.)

My current project is finishing the dang Wildflower sweater from Lucinda Guy. What a drag of a project that is turning out to be and I can't imagine how much candy corn I will have to feed Bella to get her to wear it. She already told me she "No like it" and I should "Give it to baby Claire." Well!

Renaissance Princess

2008-09-21T22:34:00.002-05:00

If that isn't just the cutest little Faire goer you ever did see!

And of course we match.

I made my costume from an old Simplicity pattern and Bella's is from the Costume Connection Renaissance Common Woman and Girl pattern. The Costume Connection pattern was so much more logical, I am almost done with Simplicity for good. I honestly don't know how the major pattern companies can still get away with their crap instructions when there are such clearly, cleverly written alternatives out there now. I sewed Bella's in a size 5, which is a bit of a stretch since she is a 2T right now. But I can let out the hem and she can wear it for several Faires to come!

We mostly pulled Bella around in the wagon. I greatly enjoyed assuming every overhearing of the word "cute" was in reference to her. She ate some fish'n'chips and then she was so excited to get her face painted. She waited patiently in line and then (unprompted) told the face painting lady that she wanted a rainbow.

We watched the daily parade, which was very exciting with music and animals. Then we went to my FAVORITE part, the Hobbit Hole!

Bella waiting to go through the Hobbit Hole:

After you walk through the Hobbit Hole/House, you go on the Enchanted Forest hike. I adore the little fairy houses tucked in the woods, each with their poem story. And the waterfall at the end with the little windows peeking out beside it. sigh. Is it too much to ask for my backyard to look like that? Here's Bella and Brent on the hike:

Then we looked around the shops a little more. I didn't buy anything this year, but I decided that must be because I have bought everything I wanted in the past, and most shops bring the same stuff year after year. Also, I think the best potter there has either changed hands or changed styles. (Or maybe I'm just spoiled by Evla now.) He is now the "Pottery Dude" and there were no signs of the sweet animal themes that I loved. I bought the cutest bunny bowl there once!

Anyway, we all needed a rest, so we headed back to The Children's Realm for the Queen's story hour. The Queen told great stories, just off the top of her head, with animal noises and voices and everything. Then we got a caramel apple in a dish, some soup in a bread bowl, made-our-own magical wand, and called it a day. We were there a total of about 4 hours, which seemed pretty quick, but we were exhausted. I think we had tapped out most of the kid-friendly entertainment and been sufficiently baked up by the sun. Without kids, you can spend most of your time there sitting in the shade, watching shows, and doing a little shopping. But it was worth it to go watch Bella be a little maiden, running around in her little dress. So cute!

Fall!

2008-09-16T09:36:00.001-05:00

Everyone is eeking out the last bits of summer, milking this beautiful weather for all the fun it is worth. I can see their point. The days are numbered.

But it doesn't stop me from staying inside and decorating for Halloween...

And working on my Halloween Quilt...

And going to the Apple Orchard...

So while some may eek out the last days of summer, I am eeking out the first days of Fall!

Ouch. Again.

2008-09-15T21:47:00.001-05:00

Tonight we had a little scare, although I knew just what to do from last time! Bella somehow took a header down the stairs in our house. We are thinking it was just a few stairs, but she says it was just ONE. (We didn't see it). She appears to have (freakishly) landed on the metal part of her pony tail holder, the part that pinches the elastic in the middle and is crimped closed. So we jumped in the van (putting her little pillow behind her head) and went to good ol' urgent care. We saw the same doctor and nurse as last time Bella fell! They cleaned her up and put a staple in, she hardly cried at all. As usual, the most exciting part was picking out stickers!

Then we came home and watched Sesame Street, even though it was way past bedtime:

We were supposed to wake her up around 11 PM to make sure she was "coherent, rational, and knew basic facts." We decided she is none of those things normally when she is woken up, so we would have no way of distinguishing a head injury. We just let her sleep.

Hopefully, as Alison suggested, Bella is apparently getting all her head injuries out of the way nice and early on!

Although it was a freak thing, I feel weird about using those pony tail holders anymore. I switched back to the baby ones that are soft all the way around. Maybe this means I can start buying these, with bunnies and hedgehogs? For safety's sake?

State Fair: Day 10

2008-09-03T21:54:00.000-05:00

Today was a glorious fair day. Beautiful weather and TWO trips to the Fair!

Bella and I went in the morning and met up with Uncle Dave and Nick. We were basically just in time to hop on the frenzy-train and ride the Space Tower with Nick. I discovered that, yes, it is still high and nauseating. Good to know. Nick was so enthused it was unbelievable. At the bottom he wanted to know the history of my relationship with the Space Tower: Had I ridden it before? When? When did I first ride it? Was it blue THEN? Did it go as high as it does now? Did it spin?!

It was decided the best way to stop the stream was to fill the hole with pancakes. I'm pretty sure they were some kind of cult pancakes, since it was the booth of the something-something Eastern Star. But hey, it was pancakes.

Then, after some spin-a-painting and Giant Slide fun, Bella and I called it a day. She was crabby and had quite possibly had enough of the Fair.

But never fear, I hadn't!! We got a babysitter for the evening and I convinced Brent to have a date night at the Fair. Oh, what fun. We romantically split an order of the deep-fried loaded tater tots on a stick and meandered through buildings. We bought Bella a bear marionette (shhhh! surprise) and split some of the Hawaiian noodles from the bazaar. The ones that have the menu: "Noodles-$6." And that's all that's on it. They were good, lots of vegetables like broccoli and carrots and squash, so we patted ourselves on the back for our healthy fair eating. After that I was starving for a glass of milk. Quite difficult to find after 9 pm, but don't worry, I'm not a Fair expert for nothing. I got my milk.

Then we met up with a whole crowd of friends, and proceeded to laugh at their amusement with the manure pit signage behind the cattle barns. Pictures of boys squatting by the "No Dumping" and "Use Manure Pit for Dumping" signs are so hilarious when you're 5, er, 35 years old. GROAN!

The fireworks were kind of late, which made us late for the sitter. But she was cool and didn't seem to mind. I said my good-byes to the Fair, since this will be my last visit. Until next year, Fair, thanks for all that you give us.

State Fair: Day 9

2008-08-29T23:28:00.004-05:00

Today Bella and I tried something different. Instead of going to the Fair immediately upon waking, we went to the Fair at lunchtime! We arrived and went straight for a strawberries and cream Crepe (still, I dare suggest, the best food at the fair). Bella oinked so much of it that next year I will have to consider us each getting our own.

Then I asked Bella what she wanted to do. She wanted to "see the animals." OK! Now we're talking! Pigs, cows, horses? No, she wanted to see the giraffe. Luckily, I am very smart (!) and remembered the giraffe topiary at the base of the Space Tower.

Then we rode the giant slide:

After that, we headed over to create our master piece at the Spin-a-Paint booth. We were right next to a guy who spin-a-painted a frisbee and mentioned a couple times that he "does oils." I thought Bella's painting looked just as good.

We watched the parade and listened to some music and called it a day. It was so absurdly crowded, I couldn't believe it wasn't an attendance record.

Someone recently asked me what my favorite free part of the fair is. I wrote them this haiku in explanation.

Salsa Chopper Guy

Chunky red and hot
Whirring, spinning, chop chop chop
Served with a chip.

State Fair: Day 8

2008-08-29T09:15:00.002-05:00

I was pretty pooped tonight after a long day at work and then painting the bedroom when I got home. But I knew I always regret it if I don't go when I have a chance, so I headed over solo. I got to shop the whole grandstand and see a couple other things that are fun to do without a stroller. Then I met up with some others and we snacked and played around.

The fireworks were the best ever. Great company and mini donuts made the moment even sweeter.

State Fair: Day 7

2008-08-28T21:09:00.002-05:00

Today was just lunch at the fair. But I managed to squeeze in some socializing and a quick tour of the Eco Experience building. I had the footlong pizza on a stick from Green Mill and it is delicious! I also got the inside scoop on the new "Norwegian Cheese Curds." According to the lady in the booth, they use a sweeter, lighter batter, white cheddar, and serve them with a lingonberry dipping sauce. I was able to try a co-worker's and they were great. Or as a true Norwegian would say, they were "not too bad."

It turned out to be a little drizzly in the evening, which I usually love at the fair. But mommy duty calls and I had to spend the evening away. I hope you had fun, all you lucky rainy fair goers!

State Fair: Day 6

2008-08-26T22:36:00.000-05:00

Today I was a little worried that Bella would groan when I said we were going to the fair. But instead she cheered! She definitely enjoys the fair as much as I do. Today we went straight to Buni's Buns to get a big caramel roll, which Bella was almost too excited too eat (almost). Then we headed to the swine barn to get our pig ears and see some piggies.

Me: "Do you think these pigs eat pancakes?"

Bella: "NO!! Pancakes are for toddlers."

Then we stopped in the cow barn and got to see a cow getting a haircut. Complete with blow dryer! Then we got a cow tattoo and headed up to the Miracle of Birth barn for some concentrated baby animal action. Or as I like to call it, the Miracle of Chaotic Claustrophobia. Good luck in there. We got to see some lambs and chicks and that was about it. The loss of Bunny Town, smashing all the animals together, and removing all exits has made this barn a nightmare. But anyway, on to something I enjoy, Creative Activities! Yay!

Bella went bonkers at the little dollhouse stuff (that bodes well!) and she got to pick out a loaf of bread to buy from St. Agnes bakery. She picked Raspberry Brown Sugar.

Then we picked up a pickle hat, which quickly usurped the pig ears. We got our picture made in the Education building and then it was time for a good old cup of joe on the Farmers Union patio. What's this, another hat? What luck!

Then Dave and Libby and the cousins met up with us after their own eventful morning at the fair. We had lunch and then caught the parade. Then, after a little nap, it was time for Cafe Accordion. They were playing from a new album and it seemed very South American and not so very Frenchy. But at least Bear liked it and wanted to see.

Then we called it a wonderful day and headed home.

State Fair: Day 5

2008-08-26T01:00:00.004-05:00

What a perfect fair evening. Met up with Alison and Jed after work, did a little shopping, a little eating, a little cruising, a little browsing of crafties.

And some coffee.

Played in the arcade. Watched the fireworks. Then happened upon the nightly restock of the mini donut stand, where we had many of our behind-the-scenes questions answered.

My food recommendation from tonight is the deep-fried loaded tator-tots on a stick (Axels). YUM.

And lastly, here is my effort to capture the fair through a tribute video. I love to make these so that I, for one, can watch them during the long winter doldrums of fairlessness and remember the hot afternoons and cool nights and bustle of silliness that is the Fair. And if you don't admit that the fair is silly, then I dare you to press play and watch the dancing french fry.

State Fair: Day 3

2008-08-24T21:18:00.002-05:00

Today Brent even joined us at the Fair! It was a gorgeous day. The prettiest fair day in recent history. I was still going strong after 11 hours, unlike yesterday, proving that sweltering heat does indeed wear you out.

We started off in Carousel Park with a good old fashioned carousel ride (Not me, I get seasick. Bella says, "Mommy will wave!"), which Bella had been looking forward to since the day before.

One ride I do love is the Giant Slide. Brent is usually assigned to be picture-taker. He managed to get one of Bella and I not smiling, which is weird because I swear we smiled the whole time. Huh.

It was absurdly busy, but I kind of like that. I like coming up over a crest and seeing the insane sea of people milling in front of you, and always getting the hottest possible food because booths are going through it like crazy, and avoiding the pile-up at the bottom of the Giant Slide, and getting to overhear lots of good conversations. Oh, speaking of food, we had quite an adventurous eating day...

Buni's Buns: possibly the greatest caramel roll I've ever had. It's going to be hard not getting one of these every morning. Brent and I split one, except that I ended up eating all but 2 bites. Oops.
Roasted Corn: I predicted Bella would love this, since she can eat 2 ears of corn at a go, but she was all, "eh."
Honey Lemonade: I plan on never drinking anything else at the fair.
Pizza on a Stick: This was from Green Mill and was AWESOME.
Bacon on a stick: Not that great. It is so thick (1/3 lb) that it tastes almost more like jerky or something. I like bacon that melts in your mouth!
Strawberry Crepe: Totally fantastic. I am back on crepes after my first day leather-crepe let down.
Peanut Butter Hot Dog: Of our group, I was the only one who liked this. But I like like LIKED it! Disclaimer: I like peanut butter, honey, and hot dogs more than your average person.
Chocolate covered bacon: Um. Yuck?
Jamaican Jerk Pork Chop on a stick: Fabulouso. Now here's some pork that melts in your mouth. (in the Bazaar)

Here is Bella eating the chocolate covered bacon:

I think that about covers it. Oh, and some ice cream for Bella. Which we impulsively got in milk shake format, not realizing that would blow her mind. "I'm eating ice cream with A STRAW!!"

I should clarify that we met up with several people during the day, and so didn't order all of this food ourselves. Except for the Buni Bun. That was pretty much all me.

Bella was still a little tired from our previous day at the Fair, apparently, since she took a 3.5 hour nap in the stroller. While she napped we strollered her all over the fair, snacking, listening to bands, playing skee-ball, people-watching, drinking beer.

Bella and I did a little shopping for Fairwear. We got cute shirts, both on sale, which is shocking in the Fairwear store. We will be sporting them on Tuesday during our second Mommy/Daughter day.

We popped in to check out the butterheads and I was so impressed with the new butterhead gazebo! It seems smaller, but is bumped out from the corner, so you can go almost 360 around it. What a huge improvement!

As some of you may remember, last year I made Bella an Alphabet at the Fair scrapbook. When we walked up to the butterheads, Bella asks, "Where's the B?" Because B is for Butterheads!

Bella, just chillin' in Baldwin Park, where she was unfortunately not entertained by the juggler (so we moved on to cows):

I stopped by J. O'Donogue Books in Heritage Square and was able to flip through the much hyped State Fair photo book, new this year. Not too impressive. I certainly have many better pictures of the fair in my collection, and I know A & J certainly could top those too. There are a few great pictures, but certainly there are some way cooler ones just hanging out on Flickr.

What a great fair day, weatherwise, companywise, foodwise, and otherwise.

State Fair: Day 2

2008-08-22T21:33:00.002-05:00

What a sweltering day at the fair! I was sweating buckets. Whenever I'd see someone in long pants, I would think, "Seriously? SERIOUSLY??" So. Hot. But then right when I thought I might keel over from the smell of my own armpits, the sky very accommodatingly clouded up and even misted a little rain. Ahhhhhhhh. That's better.

But anyway, the heat didn't stop Bella and I, and about a gazillion other people, from enjoying a day at the fair. It was Fire Prevention day, so there were lots and LOTS of firetrucks hanging about. We went straight for the Super Jump to avoid lines. We still had to wait behind 5 kids, which turned out to be about 20 minutes. Bella waited patiently, clutching her ticket. She didn't get patient waiting from me, since I was busy harumphing and fidgeting and sighing loudly. But it was worth the wait.

She loved it. Later, while we were relaxing in front of a band, she said, "Remember yesterday, when I had fun on the jumper?" (Still a little foggy on the whole idea of time).

Time for a snow cone! I hate buying things I don't like to eat the remainder of. Also I hate buying things that turn stroller and occupant blue.

Little Farm Hands is as cute as ever.

Driving the tractor:

Planting a potato (with her "holer"):

Ready to go to the Farmer's Market and earn her dollar!

She used her dollar to buy an apple. Which was sour and thick-skinned if you ask me, but she enjoyed gnawing on it.

After that, we did what every farm girl does after coming in from the fields. We got our nails painted! Bella loved it so much, the woman did all ten nails, and I bought the little pens too. Because, as I learned from the guide inside the box, "Just like the clothes you wear and the way you style your hair, the designs you create on your nails will show others your true individual character."

Can you even see the nail polish on this grimy little hands?

We napped by the greenhouse/Bailey house, which turns out to actually be almost a better nap spot than my previous favorite behind the old bazaar, except that at 2 o'clock the parade goes by and that's the end of that. But we loved the parade. Smokey the Bear was a big hit with Bella.

Bella then played in the topiaries (see yesterday's pictures), talking to them, naming them, wanting her photo with them. It was so cute, maybe I should buy her one. Wait, how much are they? $4000 for a buffalo?

We got a banana instead. (As in a piece of fruit, not a banana topiary.)

Although this little guy is already winning me over. He'll wear me down during the fair. With his perky little ears. "I could live in your garden! I'll be good, I promise."

We visited the real bunnies too, and saw the most excitement I've ever seen in the bunny barn. ESCAPED BUNNIES!! A 4-H clad adult gave Bella a little shove, and as I turned to do a mommy throwdown, I saw that she was frantically trying to move in the direction of three bunnies hopping confusedly around on the floor. Pepper would have bolted out of the barn and into the Turkey-to-Go booth and chewed through their power cords before anyone could have reacted. But these little guys just milled around in a little herd, sniffing and hopping. So cute. Bella enjoyed asking every bunny, "Do you want a treat? Aw, you do? Ok." (this is normal dialog with our bunnies), which made me feel so bad for the buns. I was giving them apologetic looks behind Bella's back.

What a great day at the fair. I am looking forward to some cooler weekend weather.

State Fair: Day 1

2008-08-22T08:51:00.002-05:00

Entering the fair this morning, it did feel (as Alison pointed out) that I had never left. All the time since last year was gone in the blink of an eye, and here it was, fairtime again. Just a quick photo recap:

First, a quick cup of coffee. Only $1!

First day briefing at the Cookie booth:

Giant Slide workers go for the first ride:

Mixing up a first batch of candy bar coating batter:

A quick stop up to see the new Bazaar:

This fruit booth outside the bazaar looks great:

These topiaries are one of the coolest things there:

This looks really good, although I'm waiting for Brent:

And then it was just a big bunny extravaganza, along with a misty rain and some very late fireworks.

Bella and I are off for Day 2!

A Prelude to the Fair

2008-08-20T20:56:00.002-05:00

After cicadas finish buzzing in the hot afternoon
Cooling dusk tiptoes up
And gently pushes you inside.

Fresh sweet corn stands
Lure you to the side of the road
To buy dinner to take home and shuck.

In the garden mums and sedum
Can hardly contain themselves
But yet tantalize with their buds closed.

The fairgrounds are set and dressed
Bountiful beautiful welcoming
A holiday table for all to come home to.

See you at the Fair.

One thing good about the Olympics

2008-08-11T22:23:00.000-05:00

... is you get a lot of knitting done. Latest project: Harvey Kimono, from Natural Knits for Babies and Moms by Louisa Harding.

I used the suggested yarn, Rowan Purelife 100% organic cotton. It is very soft and came in a lot of nice muted colors. I chose "Lipstick Tree."

The only problem I saw with this yarn is that when I pinned and sprayed the sweater to block it, all the orange color ran to the back. Hmmm, pretty big problem? I thought so. I flipped it over and squirted the back too, to try to reach some kind of dye equilibrium. It worked ok. But I won't be surprised if the first time I wash this sweater it comes out white.

I originally started this sweater for a tiny new addition to Brent's sister's family. However, I did so many projects inbetween, and was just so overall lazy about it, that she is now a quite jumbo and only moderately-new addition. So I figure I'll make her something bigger and more wintry. This sweater will wait for someone small again.

Happy Birthday Bun

2008-07-25T10:51:00.001-05:00

Hi Pepper. Remember when this blog was all about you? Ahh, the good old days. Right?

Look how wise and relaxed you look. You understand.

Pepper recently had to go to the vet. I warned them that she can be grumpy about inspections of her personal self. So they went and put on their armpit-length leather gauntlets, just to be safe. In the meantime, Pepper is snuggling a beach towel and sniffing cautiously. Obviously ferocious. They pick her up with the leather gauntlets, she snuggles into their chest. She goes to sleep. Hmmm, I said, apparently she is only grumpy about MY inspections of her personal self. They decide she needs a bath. Um, I say nervously, maybe you should wear some eye protection? But five minutes later, there's Pepper in a bath,practically cooing and smiling while they doted on her. Well!

Pepper, seven years, and do I really know you at all? You still surprise me.

Happy Campers

2008-07-21T18:37:00.003-05:00

We had quite a weekend, camping our hearts out at Interstate State Park (Wisconsin side). We arrived at dinner time on Friday, set up camp, and began making my Mexican feast for dinner: dutch-oven chicken enchiladas and tin foil nachos. Ole! But what is this? A real Mexican is camping with us? Oops. Well, the (Mexican) friend of a friend joining us got a good laugh out of my fiesta. Thank goodness I left the zombrero at home (due to space constraints).

We had a bit of a rough night, partly due to Bella being an overtired lunatic and partly due to the people in the next campsite. Let me give you a hint: You might be a redneck if.... you bring more than 2 dogs camping, you have so many kids that you need to bring 3 tents, and you like to shout at both dogs/kids while chopping firewood that you're going to "cut their noses off." But, as I lay listening to all the shouting and barking and chopping and tent-stake-pounding-in at 11:30 PM, I thought smugly to myself, "What goes around comes around, assholes. I will unleash my no-volume-control toddler on you at the break of dawn!" But I ended up getting no satisfaction, since they were up at the break of dawn chopping firewood on my head (I'm fairly sure it was on my head. Otherwise, how could it have been so loud?).

The next morning Bella was so excited to open a special camping treat:

She loves it so much that even at home she wants to sleep with the little dolls.

Then it was off on our first geo-cache hike! Which was pretty much a normal hike, except in the middle, five of the adults disappear and root around in the woods. Brent finally found the cache, which was disguised as a big rock!

Then it was weenie roasting time and then a quick run to the St. Croix Falls espresso bar, then swimming on a nice sandy beach, then pouring POURING buckets of gushing rain. The ranger drove around saying there was a possibility of evacuation. So we did what every good camper does when it rains... we all got in our minivans and went to see Space Chimps!!

After the movie it had cleared up and it just happened to be time for the St. Croix Falls parade.

We had a much nicer night the second night--I flashed my flashlight at the site next door in annoyance, and after that they all jumped in their trucks and left for a while. Huh. We stayed up late around the campfire, then woke up and had pancakes and sausages and packed up camp before heading on a beautiful bluff hike.

That picture looks crowded but is actually only 9 out of the 15 of us! Oh and I almost forgot to mention the craziest part... we all have the same minivan!! So if you have a Toyota Sienna and want to join the camping club, let me know!

Up North

2008-07-09T22:16:00.002-05:00

I would like all you anti-global warming people to take a look at this. A nice fourth of July picnic.

Is that little girl wearing a parka? A down parka? Why yes! Yes she is! Because it's FREEZING out. A perfect day for a Minnesota picnic? Apparently. Dad found a hiking trail near this picnic site (which we took the boat to) and Bella enjoyed hiking for about 12 feet before needing to be piggy-backed. That warmed me right up, hiking with a 25 lb piggy on my back! Bella fell asleep sitting up in the boat on the ride home.

We had a jolly old time up north taking boat rides, playing at the beach, eating ice cream, and having our (Bella's, of course) every desire be granted by Nana and G'pa. Here we are for Brent's "Half Birthday" Dinner (my parents celebrate in July because it is more convenient):

The cake was red velvet and was delicious. I plan on finding a recipe to try it out soon.

And a perfect of illustration of doting grandparents: Bella wanted to play with bubbles, but Nana forgot to pack the bubbles, so Gpa made bubble solution and a wire bubble wand.

And one of my favorite parts about the lake, boating to get ice cream! Bella didn't like to get splashed, so she was usually telling Gpa to go slower. Here's a video of us on a boatride to get ice cream:

Bella didn't manage to stay up for the fireworks, which were shot off over the bay on Saturday. My parents and I got driven away by the mosquitoes anyway.

On Monday I left Bella napping in a wagon under a pine tree and headed out with a friend to the local quilt shop. I fell in love with the Very Hungry Caterpillar quilt they had on display (similar to this one). However, with New Years Resolution 2008 ringing in my ears, I resisted purchasing a new project! Except for a pattern and some fabric to make toddler pants. I guess that counts. Shoot.

The 4-hour drive home on Tuesday was a doozy. Bella was restless and grumpy and Brent had already driven home, so no one to entertain her. We stopped at a park in Cloquet to get some wiggles out and have a snack. Bella must have noticed that I was longing for Brent to be with us, because she cheerfully pointed out that a daddy right next to us had on "cute pants and a cute shirt."

Another fourth of July up north, full of fun and memories and ice cream, the stuff childhood is made of.

The Berry Patch

2008-06-29T07:07:00.003-05:00

Time for a wholesome family activity: strawberry picking! We got an early start and headed up to Pine Tree Apple (Strawberry) Orchard in White Bear Lake, where I discovered that yes, the minivan will off-road in a cornfield. Good to know.

The perhaps best part about this particular berry patch is that you ride a tractor to get out to the berries. It's really not that far, maybe 1/3 mile, but I suspect they prefer you don't walk through their pumpkin patches that lie inbetween. Either way, everybody patiently waits for the tractor rather than hiking out.

Then we are assigned a row, bursting with strawberries. The rows are well mulched with soft, clean straw, so it is a pleasure to kneel and get busy filling our boxes.

Bella was a very conscientious berry picker, UNTIL she saw the boys in the next row munching on some strawberries. Then something dawned on her. And all she did the rest of the time was slowly stuff berries into her mouth.

I wasn't much better myself, I must admit. And the sky was so perfect for photos, and the berries were posing so prettily, that I was more than a little distracted with taking pictures. But we managed to take home 12 lbs of strawberries.

They were quickly transformed into loaves of Strawberry Bread, strawberry jam, and vacuum sealed frozen berries for later use. Brent read me Twilight while I hulled and jammed. (Although I have since finished the book on my own, since once it was apparent it was a romance novel, he wouldn't read another page.) And I attribute this year's being the Best Jam Ever to Brent's excellent berry-mashing skills. I usually use the food processor, but a potato masher and a strong man seem to be the way to go. Oh! I almost forgot Bella's favorite part of our berry picking adventure! The strawberry donut at the end.

A Great Evening

2008-06-23T12:07:00.002-05:00

So the Mr. and I went on a date (a real date!) this weekend. With dinner and a movie and everything. We thoroughly enjoyed sitting on the lovely patio of the newly opened Grand Avenue Salut, where we laughed at other couples trying to control their toddlers and sampled the "city's best french fries," (not bad at all). Brent got a steak, which was really delicious, I got a salad, which was quite delicious, and we shared some soup, which was not delicious at all. But that was quickly and politely taken off of our bill, so overall it was very pleasant. I had my heart set on eating outside, which is a dangerous expectation on a beautiful June evening. We were there very early so hardly had to wait at all. But when we left around 6:45, the place was jammed. A family was wedged into the waiting area, balancing drinks and pizza on their laps, and I heard the dad say, with false brightness, "It's like we're having a picnic!" Which for some reason I found hilarious and embarrassed myself by laughing out loud.

We went to my wonderful old neighborhood to see Get Smart at the Grandview Theater.

It is strange and sweet to drive around near my old apartment, the apartment I still dream about, the one I would rent if I had a million dollars, just so I could walk into it and smell it every now and then. It is not that close to our neighborhood now, so it was an impractical frivolity to have our date on Grand. But Brent said so many times, "No YOU pick what we do." That I got flustered and blurted out what I wanted to do. New French restaurant, old cozy theater. So there. See what you think of that date idea. That'll teach you to pressure me into making decisions. Everyone knows I prefer to let others make decisions and then complain about it later.

But, it turned out to be a great evening (much better than last time I picked, when we ended up at Lowe's looking at faucets).

Bella, by the way, was busy at daycare having a Mexican Fiesta and dying herself blue with Dairy Queen Rocket Pops.

Hoarding

2008-06-19T21:15:00.000-05:00

I avidly read Yarn Harlot, and her recent Stash Toss this spring (apparently "toss" in Canadian means a good going-through. What I would call a "yarn fondle." But anyway.) was highly amusing. I don't have much of a stash because I am very careful (cheap) and only buy yarn for specific projects. I have always been secretly proud of myself for this organization and frugality. Why hoard? It's just silly. I mean, why would you stockpile?

It just doesn't make sense. I'm so glad I'm much more practical than that.

What is the urge to hoard? So primitive! I am much more highly evolved than that.

Whoops, is that 13 lbs of coffee in the house? And is one of those pounds in the bedroom?

Um. Yeah.