Pumpkin Patch

This Saturday, we went to Mother Nature's Farm. This was our second year visiting this pumpkin patch, and I think the kids really enjoyed it. It's a small farm, not far from our house, and it is perfect for their ages because there is just enough to do in a couple hours to hold their attention without overwhelming them. We saw the animals, which Gabe loved but Ari didn't care for. They each picked out a pumpkin to decorate with stickers. They jumped in the blow-up jumper, and then we went on a hayride.

Family Time & Grandma's Visit

This month has been busy, hectic, and fun. We were really fortunate to have one of my favorite people in the world, my Grandma, come to visit us for a while. Okay, so she may not be may real grandma, but she has adopted me... she's Jake's grandma. Grandma Frances happens to be one of the women in my life that I admire most. She has a ton of common sense and while not formally educated, she is extremely articulate and well-read. She claims to be "country," but in my opinion, she's very cultured and aware. She has very humble origins, but you would never know it by looking at her, talking with her, or tasting her food! She never budges or waffles on her standards for herself or for others, she makes her opinions known, but yet manages to still do it with great manners. She stayed with us for five days in the beginning of her trip, then she traveled up to Holbrook where we later joined to be present for our neice, Kendrick's, baby blessing and Grammy Twyla's birthday. Then Grandma and Grammy came back down for one last day. We really enjoyed spending time with not only our Grandma (my children's great grandma!) but with our other relatives that we rarely get to see. My kids loved being with their cousins, who make perfect age-matched play companions.

us with grandma"flying" (windows rolled down) in the backseat on thw way to Holbrook boys and the back of a truck; what could be better?Ari by the petroglyphs behind the 'Taylor Acres''Bella & Madisonthe baby girls: Isabella, Madison, Kendrickall of the girls on Kendrick's blessing day with Uncle Darren

Jam Session at Unle Ryan & Aunt Chantelle's House

recipe: Mama Chang's Stir-Fried Shrimp and Scallions

4 servings

1 1/2 lbs. shelled and deveined large shrimp
3 garlic cloves, sliced
One 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and minced
1 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper
1 large egg white
2 tsp. cornstarch (divided)
3/4 cup ketchup
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 Tbs. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper
1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 cup canola oil
3 scallions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup coarsely chopped cilantro

1. In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with the garlic, ginger, red pepper, egg white, and 1 tsp. of the cornstarch until well-coated.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk the ketchup with the broth, sugar, pepper, salt, and the remaining 1 tsp. of the cornstarch.
3. In a very large skillet, heat the oil until shimmering. Add the shrimp and stir-fry over high heat until they begin to turn pink. Add the ketchup mixture and simmer until the shrimp are cooked, about 2 minutes. Stir in the scallions and cilantro and serve.

Isabella's 1st Birthday Party

We had Isabella's 1st birthday party last Saturday at Chuparosa Park. We chose that park, because the weather is still nice enough to get wet, and they have a little splash pad that is always such a hit with the kids. The playground is close enough so that children can be supervised from the pavilion. Also, they have a swing for children with special needs that Ari adores. We didn't have quite as many guests show up to this party as we have to parties in the past, but everyone who did attend had plenty of great food and got to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather. We served pizza, orzo salad, pasta salad, fruit salad, chicken salad croisant sandwiches, chocolate covered strawberries, cookies, and cake! The theme of the party was ballarina pink in honor of Isabella's nickname, "Bellarina" which was given to her because of her agility, flexibility, and love of dance. Everything was light pink and dark pink, from the roses, down to the flatware and paper dishes. She even wore a pink tutu over her bathingsuit for the cake eating. All the kids had so much fun playing at the splash pad. I forgot to bring Gabe's swimsuit, but that didn't stop him (or any of the other kids) from diving right in. Ari loved crawling around in the puddles and getting sprayed by the water. Isabella had a ball too. When it came time for cake, Isabella put on a real show. She started off slow and cautious (for theatrical effect, no doubt); only poking her single index finger into the cake. After a while, she got more daring and began to put more of her hand into the frosting, eating it quicker. Gradually, she got up the courage to put the entire piece of cake into her fist and shove it into her mouth (and nose and eyes). Very dramatic -- and very Bella. Bella's Nana, Papa, Grammy, Aunt Marci, Aunt Leah, and even her great-grandmother Frances came to celebrate her special day. Among the present highlights were Nana's red Radioflyer wagon and Grammy's gigantic stuffed triceratops.