I noticed these little critter prints in our back yard today. Kind of looks like these, doesn't it?
That's a raccoon. My friend and I were having wine on our porch a couple years ago and it was like "The Aattack of the Giant Raccoon Families." Seriously, we saw a little raccoon couple dart across the street. About 20 minutes later, an entire family was spotted scampering along the sidewalk. So yeah. I kind of think that's a raccoon who's been visiting our back yard. Gross.
I've been searching for a world map for our guest room for awhile. This modern version by "These are Things" might just be the perfect one. (via Design*Sponge).
I don't know what it is, but I've been craving this dessert like crazy. I made it twice in a week, and it's taken all the restraint I have to hold myself back from making it again and again. It's that good. I used the Arroz Con Leche recipe from Cannelle et Vanille. The first time, I followed the recipe exactly, and found it was a bit runny for my taste. The next time, I doubled the quantity of rice, and it was too thick. I think I've got it figured out now -- but I really do need to test it to make sure. We've had it with graham crackers on crumbled on top, as well as ginger snaps and vanilla wafers. I bet it would be great simmered with fresh vanilla beans. And it's good warm or cold. It does take some tender loving care (lots of stirring), but I'm a big fan of a simple delicious dessert like this.
We went to Wisconsin this weekend to take the boys skiing at Cascade. They were so excited. They spent the morning in ski school. We went a couple times last year, and figured they could use a refresher. H did really great. According to C's "report card" from class, he did good too. But each time we spied on him, he was doing something more like this:
He'd seriously wait like this until an instructor walked by and picked him up.
By having the boys in ski school, Brian and I had some time to ourselves to test out our new skis (our Christmas present to each other). They were awesome!
After ski school, we took the boys on some of the other runs (besides only the magic carpet area and bunny hill).
H wanted me to take some pictures to show his teacher.
This one's just for her. He specifically asked for me to take this one to show her what the hills look like.
H was confident going down by himself. In fact, Brian took him alone on the last run, and was a bit nervous because he was going so fast. H said he was in control. But he did have a big crash on the bottom. C still needed a bit of support.
Overall, both did really well. We put in a full day, and can't wait to go again in a few weeks.
Here's an oldie but goodie that just made it's way to our home. A skeleton made by C. I adore the noodles popping out of the eyes for pupils. And the mouth. And the jumbled alphabet noodles. And of course, the bow on top of it's head. Clearly, it's a girl skeleton. That C sure digs the ladies.
On our way up to Milwaukee this weekend. C snuggling his blanket and sucking his thumb. I wonder how long it will last. He says until he's ten. We'll see.
Since we were going to be out and about in Milwaukee until the wee hours of the night on Saturday, and had the baby shower on Sunday morning, Brian and I decided to stay The Iron Horse Hotel. What a treat. It's in an old warehouse building close to downtown (and near the Harley-Davidson Museum). Rooms were spacious and quiet. The interior was comfortable and interesting. The staff was really friendly. The restaurants and bar looked great. We didn't get to try them out, but it seemed to be a happening spot. That's a picture of the lobby above. And the library below. (The books were pretty good too).
And the work out room. We just peeked in. To say we were there.
Here's a view from the second level.
And now, on to the room. 
Not too shabby, right? And that bed! Let me just tell you, C-O-M-F-O-R-T-A-B-L-E. I don't think I've ever slept better. Of course, it could be the fact that we didn't have at least one of the boys coming in during the night.
Finally, the bathroom (which you can partially see thanks to the see-through-ish shower), and the entry way.
Oh, and pooches are welcome at The Iron Horse too. Storm was in the kennel. I'm sure he had more fun, of course. But there was the cutest Bracco Italiano hanging out in the lobby when we left. Visiting Milwaukee? Here's a great place to stay.
(I had to stitch the photo above together -- Scott really doesn't have three legs).
Scott looks amazed and scared all at once, doesn't he? I have to admit, I did submit some pretty funny ones that didn't make the cut. After all, Brian has known him since grade school. Which means they experienced the awkward middle school years together. And high school in the 80s. I'm right there with them, so really can't talk. But trust me, there are some good ones.
Gosh, Brian looks like C in this. Just look at that chin! Anyhow, I think they were in grade school. So cute. I especially like Brian's wrist bands and Bill's knee pads. And Brian and Scott's bowl cuts. 
Brian and I spent the weekend in Milwaukee. It was the Pablove Benefit Concert at Turner Hall. The line-up included: Willy Porter, Truth in Fiction, Pet Engine, Old Man Malcolm, Mike Benign, Maritime, The Lackloves, Fever Marlene, and The Gufs. Brian even played a song with The Gufs (he's the good-looking djembe player). What a fun night. We saw so many people -- most we haven't seen in years! Jeff was in town too, and it was so great to see him. I realized I have known him for twenty (2-0) years. Unbelievable. I can't imagine losing a child to cancer, like he and his wife did. What they are doing to "fight childhood cancer with love" is absolutely amazing. All proceeds benefited The Pablove Foundation.
