Captain Destruct-o

My super-dooper-handy hubby began the first phase of rebuilding our 

decrepit, one car, detached garage... so ancient and falling apart, in fact, that our home insurance company called to tell us that they would no longer insure the building nor its contents until it was fixed.  Captain Destruct-o arrived on the scene with a 20 yard dumpster, mini excavator, & big smiles (because he got to use 'big boy' toys to tear down the existing building).  Bitty even got a spin on Capt. Destruct-o's big boy toy, which she thoroughly enjoyed.  But, it made Capt. Destruct-o's wife a little nervous watching her precious bundle bounce around like a sack of 'taters up there and Itty Bitty had to get down and hang out with JoMama.

Bitty & the tub.

Adelaide adores bathtime.  The tub evokes some of her most spectacular vocal moments and facial expressions.  There are too many photos here because I really could not choose between these.  Holy cow, she makes me laugh!

Here's the expression while 'blowing bubbles' in the tub...

 

Her countenance directly after she has done so!

We just love those sparkly blue eyes.

Return of the bitter beer face -  she used to make this one a lot when she was about 3 months old, it disappeared since then, and it makes me giggle every time I see it.

??? "I've had too many beers face." ???

SPRING

 

Spring's arrival in Prosser is official and the following are images to prove it!

Eric 'tilling the garden.

After the first pass with the rototiller, I had to throw in all the steer manure.  I absolutely could not resist walking through all that fluffy dirt in my bare feet.  What a glorious sensation!  Apparently Atila needed to be in this shot, silly dog.

Tulips.

Easter Weekend in Coeur D'Alene

We spent Easter weekend in Coeur D'Alene at Eric's Aunt Mameka & Uncle Randy's place.  Mamie is a FABULOUS cook and so all the meals were spectacular (particularly the Tangerine and Sage basted Ham with Carmelized Carrots & Toasted Pecans), we got acquainted with Cousin Travis' new girlyfriend, Jessica, and Bitty met - and absolutely loved - her cousin Cambria.  

Eric, Travis, & Jessie

Bathtime!  

Cambria was shy at first, but Bitty kept squealing, giggling, & grunting at Cambria, relentlessly, until she warmed up and came over to play.  Honestly, I've never seen Adelaide so animated and excited around another kid, she REALLY wanted Cambria's full attention.

Uncle Randoon & Bitty 

Dana & Salome come for a visit.

Hello friend.

Yesterday, Dana and Miss Salome came to Prosser for a day trip.  Salome is 5 1/2 months and has the most beautiful brown, 'doe eyes' you've ever seen.  She makes lots of very sweet little squeaks and squawks.  Dana and I had a chance to catch up and the babies were surprisingly interested in one another.  It was 72 and sunny and we spent a good chunk of the afternoon lounging on a blankie in the front lawn.

Playing nicely.

Hey baby!

What an imp!  She looks as though she might bite if you got too close.  This may be directly after she poked our guest in the eye...  

Bread, mmmmmmm...

As you may know, I am an avid baker.   

In an effort to save money and add variation to our diet, we also eat meatless dinners 3-4 nights per week.  Last night was dubbed meatless or vegetarian (Eric, and I quote, "...vegetarian!!!  That's what real food eats." However, the man NEVER complains once the food is on the table, he will eat anything that is not tied down.).

We had Butternut Squash Ravioli with our homemade canned Marinara & Pana Gradano, Spinach salad with Eric's favorite Poppyseed dressing (if you like Poppyseed dressing I have a great recipe) and Garlic and Tomato Focaccia - tomatoes are not worth purchasing this time of year because they taste like wet cardboard, I dehydrated a bunch of mine from last year and reconstituted them in water & olive oil.     

Proofing the loaf - after you have formed the loaf/round it needs an additional rise before baking, lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours.

GARLICKY GOODNESS!!!  Anybody want a kiss?

Finished product.  It was really tasty.

BITTY

Here are a couple photos from after our diapering/dressing drama from the other day and I had to post them because she looks so very much like my mom & sister in them... does anyone else see the likeness?

This photo says Terri Ann Hunter & Staci Jean Faw are in my genes! (If you don't know my sister - she is Mom's spittin' image.)  Her face looks just like 'em.