Good bye first 5K!

Today was the big day. I began the preparation several months ago... sort of put it on the back burner, and then the weekend came. YIKES! My research indicated that the day before you should load up on carbs. Don't have to tell me twice! Olive Garden has their Never Ending Pasta Special! That was my day before prep. Tried really hard to get to be early, and get a good night sleep. It didn't help that at 1am, Nora woke up SCREAMING "DRIIIINK! DRIIIIINK!!!" Oh bother! The one night she decided to wake up in the middle of the night. Maybe she was having sympathy pains. Maybe she was telling me that I needed to drink more water before the race... either way, I threw a sippy of ice water at her, then went back to bed. So did she! Couldn't get back to sleep. Kept thinking about the race. What would it be like? What should I expect? Will the free t-shirt match my shoes? Should I wear my UofM hat? I don't know which of those questions put me to sleep. The alarm went off, and I was ready! Protein bar, and water for breakfast. The weather couldn't be more perfect. Slightly over cast, the little chill brought motivation to run. Lanae and I met up, and rode in together. Took a few pics.




Jean showed up at the starting line. The race began. I had a few goals going into this... 1)finish 2)in under an hour and 3) don't let the 80 year olds beat me. Let me say this... there are some fast 80 year olds! They can book it, and book it they did! yes I finished, and yes in under an hour.
It was a great experience, and I am so glad that I did it. I will for sure be doing it again next year, and I have my time to beat. I probably could have pushed myself a little more, and that will be my goal for next time. It is really a great feeling, and if anyone is thinking of the idea, DO IT! I don't say this very often, but this time is more then appropriate, if I can do it, ANYONE can do it! Really! I am going to try it again in April, and hopefully I can say I did it while I was pregnant! Jean and Lanae, you two are so awesome, and inspiring. Thank you for all of your AWESOME support, and friendship! I could have done it alone, but it would have been less fun, I would have been MUCH slower, and I wouldn't have had any pictures! You two ROCK!!! I LOVE YOU BOTH!

Daring Bakers Alternative Style!!!

This month daring bakers went on the history books! For the first time ever, they turned the reigns over to the Alternative group. They are the ones that have allergies, and special dietary needs. I am pretty sure I failed this challenge, as I really don't need to be aware of gluten context in foods. So, in the words of, Mad Dog, and many other people who know me, "I follow the beat of MY OWN drum!" I just hope I don't get cut! Could I get cut? Uh-OH! Let's worry about that later!

Our challenge, was to make vegan and gluten free crackers, and vegan and gluten free dip, spread, stuff to go on the crackers. So I got 75% of the directions right. Natalie from Gluten A Go Go, and co-host Shel, of Musings From the Fishbowl brought us this challenge. They gave us the flexibility to add any seasoning, and make whatever type of dip we want. This is usually where I get in trouble. I am best when I have direction to follow. When they say, "Be creative", that is where I SUCK! I followed the crackers recipe exactly (minus-the paper thin rolling of the dough-oops!) For the seasoning I used an EVERYTHING seasoning; equal parts: poppy seeds, dried onions, dried garlic, flax seed, kosher salt, sesame seeds... (Is that everything? HAH!!!) It was really yummy! For the dip... it was gluten free (as far as I can understand), but not quite vegan free. It is my favorite spread, and my sister-in-law must think about it all the time, because when I was pondering what I should do, she suggested it. Great suggestion Alie... you should be the daring baker!

So here it is friends...

Makes 1 sheet pan of crackers

* 1 1/2 cups (6.75 oz) unbleached bread flour or gluten free flour blend (If you use a blend without xanthan gum, add 1 tsp xanthan or guar gum to the recipe)
* 1/2 tsp (.13 oz) salt
* 1/2 tsp (.055 oz) instant yeast
* 1 Tb (.75 oz) agave syrup or sugar
* 1 Tb (.5 oz) vegetable oil
* 1/3 to 1/2 cup + 2 Tb (3 to 4 oz) water, at room temperature
* Poppy seeds, sesame seeds, paprika, cumin seeds, caraway seeds, or kosher salt for toppings

1. In a mixing bowl, stir together the flour, salt yeast, agave, oil, and just enough water to bring everything together into a ball. You may not need the full 1/2 cup + 2 Tb of water, but be prepared to use it all if needed.

2. For Non Gluten Free Cracker Dough: Sprinkle some flour on the counter and transfer the dough to the counter. Knead for about 10 minutes, or until the ingredients are evenly distributed. The dough should be firmer than French bread dough, but not quite as firm as bagel dough (what I call medium-firm dough), satiny to the touch, not tacky, and supple enough to stretch when pulled. Lightly oil a bowl and transfer the dough to the bowl, rolling it around to coat it with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap.

3. Ferment at room temperature for 90 minutes, or until the dough doubles in size. (You can also retard the dough overnight in the refrigerator immediately after kneading or mixing).

4. For Non Gluten Free Cracker Dough: Mist the counter lightly with spray oil and transfer the dough to the counter. Press the dough into a square with your hand and dust the top of the dough lightly with flour. Roll it out with a rolling pin into a paper thin sheet about 15 inches by 12 inches. You may have to stop from time to time so that the gluten can relax. At these times, lift the dough from the counter and wave it a little, and then lay it back down. Cover it with a towel or plastic wrap while it relaxes. When it is the desired thinness, let the dough relax for 5 minutes. Line a sheet pan with baking parchment. Carefully lift the sheet of dough and lay it on the parchment. If it overlaps the edge of the pan, snip off the excess with scissors.

5. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crackers begin to brown evenly across the top (the time will depend on how thinly and evenly you rolled the dough).

6. When the crackers are baked, remove the pan from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. You can then snap them apart or snap off shards and serve.

Then how about that dip:

1 can (14 ounces) artichoke hearts in water, drained and coarsely chopped
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
2 tablespoons finely snipped fresh parsley
1 lemon
1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 garlic clove, pressed
1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese, divided

Preheat oven to 350. If you have a food processor… throw everything (yes everything, all the ingredients) in that and let it do the work. If not then…. Coarsely chop artichokes, dice bell pepper, dice parsley and zest your lemon to 1/2 teaspoon.Pour into a big bowl. Add mayo, mozzarella and squished garlic into bowl. Put mixture into an oven safe quart-ish size dish. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. Bake for 8 minutes or until edges are golden brown or cheese is melted. Remove and serve HOT BABY!!!

FACEBOOK, MYSPACE, BLOGGING! BLOGGING!!!

I was at a fun friendly lunch with some close friends. All of them whom I love very dearly! I was called "grumpy" because of my attitude towards of FaceBook! I don't like to be called Grumpy... it causes me to blog!!! It was all in fun, and it was actually pretty simple... I just had to explain myself, as to why I don't like facebook! When Nora was born, I started a Myspace Account. It took me about a day to figure my way around it. I loved it! I was instantly addicted! I was able to get in contact with people I had not chatted with in YEARS! It was great. Some Myspace friends, recommended facebook. I tried it out... I was confused. It was complicated. I felt like I was LITERALLY in the World Wide Web! After I opened my account, I had people "throwing cake in my face", "kissing me", "poking me", and other things, that I just didn't feel comfortable with. I didn't know if I should be flattered, offended, or afraid! After all the mayhem! I took a break from Facebook. Just as of recently, I have had more friends requests (people again, who I haven't talked to in YEARS), and also church people. I think everyone in my ward is on Facebook. My bishop came up to me on Sunday, and said, "So, you don't like facebook, huh?" YIKES! My bishop is on facebook! He probably thinks I have a raunchy attitude now! What is one to do? So in my defense... blogging is my preference. Maybe because I get to say what I want to say, with out someone "hitting me with a pillow!" Please tell me your Myspace, Facebook, Blogging story. Convince me one way or the other! I am open! However, I will always be a blogger.

Do you believe in "SIGNS"?

I posted a while back about the 4 leaf clover I found in my yard... today I found numero deux! Finding 1 is good luck for life, what is finding 2?

Found 7/17/08

Found 9/25/08

Maybe these dates will turn out to have some significance. Or mabye I will have great luck on my 5K run in less then 38 and a half hours!!! AHHHHHH!!!

Baby Steps Part II

So, our challenge has been diagnosed. I asked Joel if I could blog about it, and he said I could, then I thought about what I would say, and there was not much I really felt comfortable posting for the WORLD to read about. So, out of respect for my family, and our future baby, I will spare details!

Joel and I are going to meet with a specialist on the 6th of Oct. and then we will schedule an appointment so some corrections can be made. October will be out of the question for conception, but November we will start up again! I would love to have another baby in October or November, but we will wait much longer then that if we have to. The good news is; 1)we know more now then we did two months ago, and 2) we are able to fix the problem. We are so blessed to have a CRAZY toddler to keep our minds occupied. Of course Joel is busy at work, and I am busy... well... you know what I do... I read something on a blog a few nights ago, and I don't even remember the exact text, but something like, "Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me the opportunity to wash the marker off the walls today, and for allowing me to reach my entire arm down the toilet to get my great grand mothers pearls..." I thought about all the stresses that come with children, and how the benefits far out weigh any frustration. Then, I remembered the 11 long and painful months it took to make Nora. That also, was well worth the pain. Our Savior knows that exact pain. I know that when I hurt, He can heal me. When I am stressed, He can relax me, when I am sad, and when I am afraid, He will comfort me. The moments when I feel closest to Him are the same moments, that I feel everything could fall apart around me. Of course, I know they won't. Through my obedience, and faith, life is better and I am blessed!

Easy, lovable, chicken pot pie

This was a recipe that I have been wanting to try for a while, just because the pictures looked so yummy. Today I am in a position, that I sort of know what I am doing with my camera, that I took the plunge! It was well worth the wait. I was A-mazed at how easy this was. It tasted as good at it looked. (Am I allowed to say that about my own cooking? I see cooks on food network all the time try their own stuff, "MMMM" all over it, and I always think, I could never do that about my own food. But this I have to "MMMM" over, just for a minute.) Since I am new to the food blogging thing, let me know how you want my posts to go. I can put the picture, and the recipe, or I can talk your ear off, and make your mouth water for a few minutes, and maybe entertain you while I am at it. Not making any promises, but I have drama follow me around, and it is always bound to wind up on here. Knock on wood, not much drama in the kitchen yet. Except for the time when Joel was holding Nora, and scolding me for something, and went to make that dramatic exit, and tripped over the opened dishwasher, and had to THROW Nora so that she wouldn't fall into the sharp objects that could have ruined her little body. Every time I close the dishwasher door, it makes this HORRIBLE cracking sound, and always reminds me... well, I can't remember what he was griping about, so I guess it reminds me to keep the dishwasher door closed at all times. ANYWAYS... onto yummieness! These are a great, and easy fall recipe. *Disclaimer: I used an average coffee mug, and I would suggest a small crock, or smaller mug next time.


Individual Chicken Pot Pies
1/3 cup chicken broth
8 ounces frozen mixed vegetables (corn, peas, carrots)
2 (10-ounce) cans chicken breast, drained
1/2 can cream of chicken soup
1 tablespoon garlic salt
1/4 cup butter, melted
5 sheets phyllo dough
Pepper
Special Equipment: 4 oven-safe cups, pastry brush

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
In a medium saucepan, heat the chicken broth. Add frozen vegetables and chicken breasts and simmer for 15 minutes on medium heat. Add soup and herb seasoning blend and cook for another 5 minutes. Set aside.

Arrange 4 cups on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Divide mixture evenly into 4s, and put mixture into the four cups.

Gently brush melted butter over each sheet of phyllo dough and cut to fit over top of cup. Repeat process. Bake chicken pot pies for 25 minutes or until phyllo turns golden brown and sheets puff up. Serve warm.

Too Cute not to blog!

On Friday my friend katie, and Moos friend Avery were getting ready for the BIG 2! birthday party. So we went over there to help with the Birthday cake! I think Katie thought that because I like to cook, I might be good at it! Oops, she was slightly mistaken! Cakes are not my thing! It took SEVERAL hours (5 to be exact) and it looked... I would give it a 6. (There Joel is coming out in me.) On Saturday we tasted it, and it did taste better then it looked. Taste, I would give it a... 8. But here is the cuteness of the whole thing.

Cookie Carnival! Part 1

I must be crazy! Crazy like a carnival. I decided that my world doesn't have enough to do, and that I am really bored! *Insert Sarcasm Here* I should really spend nap times doing productive things. Blog hopping, IS NOT PRODUCTIVE! When I blog hop, I find fun things that people do, and I want to do it too! So, last month I officially gave up the last 2 free hours of my month, and joined a Cookie club. Sort of like my Daring Bakers Club. I get an email once per month with a fun cookie recipe, and a due date. Then I get to work in the kitchen, and teach Nora the difference between sugar and salt, circles, stirring... etc. Fun for both mommy and baby! So here is it! If you are interested in learning more about these crazy cookie people, hop on over to... THE COOKIE CARNIVAL. However, if you enjoy your free time, stay right where you are, and quit blog hopping! And check out these cute little cookies!

The recipe comes from The LIVING expert, Martha Stewart. Mari made the suggestion, and the task was presented. The recipe is for Pink Grapefruit Sandwich Cookies. I have not eaten a grapefruit in several years, and didn't really know what I thought about the new club I joined. I took on the challenge. I knew it was something that my overly, critical, picky, husband would not even touch. His words come to me before he even had to say them, "Awe man... if you are going to spend time making cookies, why can't you just make classic chocolate chip, or my favorite peanut butter, why do you always have to fancy things up? And if you want to be challenged in the kitchen, make me some fudge. I can give you ideas for a challenge! Why would you spend time making something that we aren't even going to eat?!?" He was right about one thing, I had no intentions of eating these cookies. I know several families that are much more deserving of these then myself or my cranky man!

We made the cookies, plated them, packaged them, photographed them, and didn't eat them. Later that evening I noticed a few missing... "Hmmm?" I asked cranky pants,
ME: Did you try one of these cookies?
Cranky Pants: Yeah, what were those, they were so good!
ME: Really? Are you being serious, or do you have an ulterior motive?
CP: No, really! They were good. Like something you find in a fancy bakery! Or something they would serve with English Tea, don't you think?
ME: Well, I guess I wouldn't know. I didn't have one.
CP: Really, you have to try one. They are great. Here have one...
ME: Hm? They are... alright!
So, I know that if Cranky loves them, they are pretty decent. (Please read disclaimer following the recipe!)

Pink Grapefruit Sandwich Cookies
Ingredients for cookies
Makes 15 sandwich cookies.
*Grated zest of 1 Ruby Red grapefruit, plus 1/4 cup freshly squeezed juice
*1 cup sugar
*1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface
*3/4 cup cake flour (not self-rising)
*1 teaspoon baking powder
*1/2 teaspoon salt
*1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
*2 large egg yolks
*Pink Grapefruit Cream Filling
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. In a small bowl, combine zest with 1 tablespoon sugar; set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together both flours, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and remaining sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Add egg yolks, and beat until combined, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Beat in reserved zest-sugar mixture. Add flour mixture in two batches, alternating with the juice, and beat to combine.
3. Turn out dough onto a piece of plastic wrap, and shape into a 1-inch-thick disk. Wrap in plastic, and refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes. 4. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out disk to 1/8 inch thick using a lightly floured rolling pin. Using a lightly floured 2-inch round cookie cutter, cut out rounds and place about 1 inch apart on prepared sheet. Bake, rotating sheet halfway through, until edges are golden, 18 to 20 minutes. Transfer sheet to a wire rack to cool 5 minutes. Transfer parchment paper and cookies to rack to cool completely. 5. Using an offset spatula, spread 1 tablespoon filling onto flat sides of half the cookies. Sandwich with remaining cookies, keeping flat sides down. Once filled, cookies can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Ingredients for filling
Makes enough to fill 15 sandwich cookies.
* 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
* 2 cups confectioners' sugar
* 1 tablespoon honey
* 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed Ruby Red grapefruit juice
Directions
1. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Beat in honey. Add juice, 1 tablespoon at a time, until filling holds together and is smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl, cover, and set aside until ready to use.

*Disclaimer* The Cranky Pants, is really an amazing man. Between myself, my mom, and my Nana, he is rather spoiled when it comes to food. He criticizes my cooking because it makes me want to be better, and he always wants something a little better. Please don't take it the wrong way. He is a super duper cheer leader, and I LOVE HIM TO PIECES!!!

Knock knock.... who's there? Fall... fall who?

Now that I have made you bored to tears with our Disney stories, lets get to the, real stuff! I have been overwhelmed with the responsibilities of having a toddler. There is so much that I need to be involved in teaching her, I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO BEGIN! It seems like ever since I was pregnant, I have been worrying about my parenting. Thus far, it has not failed! *KNOCK ON WOOD!!!* She is really a happy kid, and with the occasional T/O there aren't any issues that I have. The biggest issue is, she is growing up! She is being influenced by people other then myself! And the other thing I am trying to figure out, if I am here to learn, do I learn by teaching? You may say, "well of course you learn by teaching.." But if I am teaching Nora to use the potty, how much am I really learning? I may learn a technique to teach her, but not more then that. So here I sit... for the first time in a long time, I really want to learn more about things... photography, cooking, sewing, etc. all things that I really can't take the time to learn, because I need to be the teacher of shapes, colors, ABC's, etc. I enjoy doing the fun mommy things with her. We have fun together. I see that I have the ability to shape her. She of course will be the woman she wants to be, but because of the environment that I create for her, she is limited to what I offer. Does this make any sense what-so-ever? I guess I could sit here all day, and worry about what I need to do, but what I really need to do is be pro-active. Take it one step at a time. It really is her fault! She is rushing me! Princess Belle took time to teach her that she was 2! She isn't even 2 for a few more weeks! But, if you ask her, how old are you, she says 2! Those dang princesses! Who the heck do they think they are?

Things are starting to get busier I guess. We start story time again this week. We have a weekly play group we go to. This week we went to the Apple Orchard! One of my favorite Michigan THINGS! Last year I was introduced to Honey Crisp Apples, and I have been in love with them ever since. They are alwys the most expensive ones in the store, so when we go to the orchard, and they are the same price as the Red Delicious, and Granny Smith, we stock up! This week the play group was small, three other moms, and 6 other kids. Nora and Mallory were the only girls. But it was super fun. Caleb has grown quite fond of Nora, and likes to be by her. He is pretty cute, and his mom is a doll, so I don't mind one bit! These are just a few picture that I thought were blog worthy!






I love Michigan in the fall. In my life I have lived in several different states, and BY FAR, Michigan is best in the fall, and Fall is BEST in Michigan. BRING IT ON FALL!

MK Today

Thursday was Magic Kingdom day. We went in the morning to check out the "Magic Hours". We still waited to get in, and it was still pretty busy when we got there, but it was nice to be able to accomplish a few things before the real crowds started coming. We met daisy right off the bat, which is great, because she doesn't make it out very often. She admired Nora's shoes, and made her do a few spins to show them off!
Later we met up with Lulu and Papa. If you can't tell, they are wrapped around her finger!
Then we met Rafiki and Timon. We were the last to see them, before they went to "snack on some bananas". I was really impressed with how well the characters convinced Nora to love them. It was something I worried about a little, but she clung right on to them.

During "Magic Hours" we rode the Dumbo, Tea Cups, and Winnie Pooh Adventure. Then the princesses and Mickey & Friends came out. That is when we started to wait in lines. YUCK! That evening we went to Mickey's Backyard BBQ. A few of the friends joined us for a Hoe Down. Nora really wanted to dance with Minnie. Unfortunately, Minnie couldn't see her, because she was right on Minnie! She bumped her over, but that didn't deter her from wanting to dance with her. She just had to get her attention! This video explains is all. It was very crowded on the dance floor, and I got bumped around a little myself while I was recording, but keep your eyes on the shrimp!

Joel had to get the "cheesiest" shirt he could find. What a freak!

THE JUNGLE!

Animal Kingdom was day three. It really felt like a jungle. It was so hot, and humid. Our camera fogged up several times. We eventually got rain, and left to go home. But since we were up and out so early, there were lots of things we got to do before hand. The best character day was there. The Mickey wanted to take Nora, and spend the whole day with her. Minnie loved the squeaky shoes! We met Pocahontas, and Jiminy Cricket! We also were part of the Year of a Million Dreams, and won fast passes all day! Typical, the day it rains! Here are some highlights!



While we were planning the day in the park, Nora fell asleep! OF COURSE!!!

I know I said that I would put any cheesy character, and kid pics, but I thought these few were so classic. This was really a happy day for us all!
Of course, waiting patiently to see her friends again! Even though they have signed her book several times, that is the routine.
Nora showing off her squeaky shoes!
Only at Disney would we give our kid Ice Cream at 10 in the morning.

She got a kiss from Pocahontas.
Joel also got to meet a childhood hero!
While waiting for lunch, Ky, Nora, and myself were asked to participate in an African Street dance. Ky really knows how to shake em! Not quite as good as this other little girl though!

World Epcot

I think this park was our favorite. Not only do they have the MOST photographed structure in all of Disney, but they have all the different countries, and an A-mazing firework show. I need some pointers on taking fire work pictures. Anyone with great tips, please, share!

We went on Mission Space three times. It was super fun. It is all about the past, and the future. Then when you get to the top, there is an outstanding planetarium. So cool! At the beginning of the ride, they snap your picture, then at the end, they ask you a few questions about your lifestyle, then they put your picture on the body, and tell you how your life could be in the future. My picture was put on the mans body... what does that mean? Joel was situating Nora while they snapped the picture, so they assumed I was the man maybe? Or maybe because my short new hair?
We were in Mexico for dinner. The first meal that wasn't a character meal. I was able to sit, relax, and not have to worry about the book, the camera, or getting in line to fill my plate. We had dinner right by the Mayan Pyramids. there was a boat ride right outside of the restaurant, that was a nice distraction while we waited for our food, and then waited 37 minutes for our bill. YIKES! This is the only picture Joel and I have together. And the only picture we have of all three of us, I have to pay $20 for! Go figure!!!
While we waited for this great firework extravaganza, Alie tried to find the tag of Nora's blankie. Not an easy job, since she has rubbed the tag into fine threads. But life is so much better when you find it. Thanks Aunt Alie... you're the best!



Just look at the fire that goes into this show. It is supposed to look like that. YIKES! We loved Epcot. We had our passport signed in Italy, Norway, China, Germany.. and a few others too. Such a fun day. This day we also met our first princess. We did come back on the 5th day, just to browse!

MGM... Hollywood... Same diff!

Our first day at Disney we spent in MGM Studios. Which is now called Hollywood Studios. So confusing. The tour guide book that I brought along was from last year, and there was nothing in there about Hollywood. So when I heard we were going to Hollywood, I looked in the book to read about it, and it was no where to be found! Oh well, we went anyway, and found lots of fun things to do. We went to the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, saw The Little Mermaid show, met the Wizard Mickey, saw the muppets in 3D, saw the High School Musical, and saw a SMASHIN block party bash! here are the highlights:
Nora was so darling. Everytime she went to meet a character, she needed to have her book, and her pen ready! It only took a minute, but we had to teach her about taking turns, and that other kids want to see Mickey too. Nora suffers from "only child syndrome", and so this is something we always are talking about!
Once she hit the stroller, and we gave her the bink, she was out! The bink became my best friend, now time to re-condidtion life without the bink!
This place was so magical. We sat down, and petals started falling from the sky, and they were the exact same color as my dress. Isn't that something? I thought so!
Nora met Jojo the clown. Because the photographer (a.k.a. Joel) didn't know how to operate the camera, we asked if we could play with Jojo again, to get some better pictures. Because she is a red head, and super amazing, she agreed! Nora loved her nose, and Jojo loved Noras nose! Jojo is Fab!
During the Block Party Bash, I couldn't help but capture the preciousness of my family! Who would have even known Joel would agree to allowing nora to wear tutus in public? I love him!

We saw a Muppet Show, which was so fun. I miss the Muppets. Nora loved the glasses, but didn't really care about the show. Later that night, we ditched the kid, and went back for "Magic Hours". We went on the "Tower of Terror". I thought that because I saw small kids getting in line, that meant it was not scary! WRONG, we were terrified... both of us! But is was fun, and we were glad to be together.