Homemade Bread ... Yum

Over the years, Brian's tested out several bread recipes. All have been good, but he's determined to master the perfect bread -- kind of like my new quest for homemade pasta. After a conversation and demo from our French friends (and incredible bread makers) who live down the street over the weekend, he produced several amazing loaves late last night. I'm actually not a huge bread eater, but nothing beats bread from scratch, and I can't stop eating it. So good.

Summary Of Our Weekend

A self-portrait by C ... H and Storm crashed on the sofa. It sure was fun. Exhausting, but fun.

Memorial Day Parade

Constructor Craft Fair

Today's the 2nd Annual Constructor Craft Fair. We headed over bright and early this morning, and did our share to help support some local businesses.

• Queen's Caramel Tea from herb + ginger
• Leaf Head Band from CutieCooties
• Feather Earrings from Dollybird
• Onesie from Sheriff Peanut (it's a gift)
• Poster of Berwyn Carspindle by Leslie Hamer
• Strawberry Chocolate Cupcakes by Vegan Bomb (as seen above, and quickly eaten)
  

It's open until 6 pm, so stop on over if you can!

Ice Cream Break

Our neighbors to the south had their block party and yard sale today. We spent the entire day riding bikes and playing in the street. Such fun.

Cooking with Melissa

Each year, H's school has a Fun Fair. And our friend Melissa donates a cooking class for eight for the auction. This year, we hosted it at our house -- and it was a blast. It was great meeting some new people, spending time with others I've met only once or twice before -- and it goes without saying, Melissa's cooking is always amazing. She made (with everyone's help) Lime Scented Scallops; Mango and Mint Sushi Rolls; Poached Chicken with Watermelon and Feta; Salmon, Asparagus and Israeli Couscous; Shrimp Corn Dogs (omg); and Sugar and Cinnamon Donuts with Coffee Sauce. It was a great evening.

Frolicking in the Sun

Nice Day

Today was such a nice day. 80 degrees and sunny. During lunch, I just had to get out, so took a walk to view the new Modern Wing at the Art Institute of Chicago from the Lurie Garden. It looks pretty amazing, and I can't wait to actually go inside. (By the way, it's free this week -- don't think I'll make it back to go inside, but if you can, you should.)

Above: $3.99 flowers from Trader Joe's -- they make me happy.

The Ice Cream Truck Drove By ...

so the boys did a little dance.

Planting

On the way home from school, C pulled two seeds out of his pocket. It seems he saved them from his orange at lunch today, and he wanted to plant them in the back yard. He ran right into the garden, dug a hole, planted, then watered the seeds for his orange tree. We are also "growing" a plum tree thanks to C.

Me in a Tree

Mom in a Tree, by C

This picture got a little greased up somehow en route from school to home, but I think it's too funny. It's me (I'm the turquoise one with hair), in a tree. And those three little things floating around it? Those are butterflies. Gosh, I love this stuff.

Hole in the Wall

Tonight we enjoyed a nice little walk, and the first visit of the season to our local ice-cream shop. H couldn't finish his, so even Storm got a lick. Here's a close-up for your viewing pleasure.

Galena Triathlon

We just enjoyed a whirlwind trip to Galena, Illinois. We had never been there before, and I have to say, it was a really neat little town. And the scenery was amazing. It was rolling hills for miles, filled with farms (which I love) and fields. Beautiful. We went with our friends The Frigs to watch Brian and Chris compete in the Galena Triathlon. I have to admit, as beautiful as those rolling hills were to look at, I thought the guys were nuts to ride bikes and run up and down them. And yes, there was a swim! In freezing cold water. Turns out, the water was warmer than the air, so it wasn't too bad. We waited by transition 2 and the finish line to cheer them on. Brian and Chris both looked strong and did really well. Brian finished in 1:57:16. We had a great time. And, I can't wait to get back to Galena some day.

(P.S. We ate dinner at Fried Green Tomatoes, lunch after the race at One Eleven Main and stayed at the Ramada, which was perfect for a night with the kids because they have a huge indoor pool -- however, there are a ton of B&Bs which I'm sure are more charming.)

Art by H: Circles

Color Circles by H