The vacation that wasn't

Daniel took vacation this week and we were supposed to celebrate Dane's 3rd birthday on Monday and head to San Antonio on Wednesday to have some fun.  Instead we've all been sick.  Worst vacation ever!

So here are some pics from the last month.
It finally warmed up and Dane got to run around in the sprinkler.

Dane picked out this helmet at a garage sale

 

Here are some pictures Dane took of Daniel and I

Pictures

Yeah, I've all but given up the blog; so, two posts in one day?! gasp!  Well, here's what we've been up to:

Daniel got through the thick of busy season, but has still been working long weeks here and there.  He's in charge of the PwC-sponsored break point for the BP MS 150 coming up in a few weeks.  We planted a garden.  Emily is training for the Blue Bell 10K in a couple of weeks.  She is also working on opening a new Bountiful Basket site in our area.  Dane has been potty-training over the last month, with much improvement, except for #2 (any tips on motivation in that department would be greatly appreciated!)

 Here are some pictures of Dane over the last few months.  I can't believe he will be three in just over a month! 

Playing in the dryer

Cooking with Grandma Lynne

Decorating St. Patrick's Day cookies with daddy

Playing at the Park

Easter basket

Fun with Sourdough

I love sourdough.  I've contemplated making my own starter before, but I was never serious until a trip to Sweet Tomatoes last month gave me the umph of motivation I needed to actually do it (they have amazing sourdough bread).

I basically followed this method here at King Arthur.  It worked out pretty well, though I did have my doubts then and again.  After several days it would bubble pretty vigorously between feedings, but it never increased in volume, not even a little bit (and it's supposed to double).  So I followed a tip I found and substituted a little rye flour in with several of the feedings and that seemed to do the trick.  Within 11 or 12 days of starting I had an active starter!  It now lives happily in the fridge and I take it out every week (or longer) to feed it.

I've made pizza dough, bread, and most recently, pita bread.   I definitely have a lot to learn, but it's been fun to play with so far.  If anyone (that lives near me) wants to give it a try, I'm sure I can coax a baby out of mine :)

Happy New Year!

Christmas Vacation 2012

We had a wonderful Christmas Vacation in Utah with Daniel's family.  We got to visit with friends and family, play games, go to the movies, go bowling, go skiing, play games, eat out lots and lots, go shopping, build a snowman,  play games.  And then at the very end we sneaked in some sickness that was fortunately relatively short lived.

Now we're back home and ready to get in to the swing of busy season, yeah!

Click the link above (under the photo) for some pictures of our vacation.  We didn't have the camera for bowling, so those pics are on Daniel's phone.  I'll have to figure out how to get them later.

2 1/2

Dane turned 2 1/2 on Tuesday and had his check-up on Thursday, so I figured it was time for an update.  We love Dane.  He is so funny and such a ham, but most people don't get to see that side of him (he likes to hide it).  He despises going to the doctor (I think he might have damaged the nurse's hearing).  His current favorite song is "I Hope They Call Me On A Mission"; his current book of choice at bedtime is "If You Give A Mouse A Cookie";  he loves watching Diego and Dora; he is very clever;  two short stories:

*The other day in the bathtub he was playing with two plastic sea horses.  He started clicking the tails together and said "Daddy, look, I'm 'needling'."  He meant knitting/crocheting.

*Recently I took him with me to Hobby Lobby and as we were pulling into the parking lot he said, "What's this place?" And before I could respond he said "It's mommy's favorite store!"

I'll leave you will a short audio clip of Dane singing his favorite song with Daddy - he likes to help with a big finish :)  (there is nothing really to see, just listen)


p.s.  he wasn't being very cooperative at the doctor's office, but they recorded his stats as follows:  weight:  23 lb 12 oz; height:  32 in.  Which basically means he's still super small - sorry kid.

Lately

Here are some pictures and videos of Dane lately.

ABC Bathtime

Another video of Dane singing - this time the ABC's.