the smell of pancakes and coffee

I enticed my nephew, Malcolm, to spend the night with the prospect of pancakes in the morning. He was so into the idea of a sleepover until the reality set in that his mama and sister were not going to be here.

So pancakes it was. And coffee for me. The smell reminds me of being a kid and the taste leads me to think about being an adult and parent. I remember eating pancake after pancake, and always ordering the big pancake breakfast (whenever we where in the States). Meanwhile my parents were always drinking coffee.

Now, I'm not as interested in pancakes, but coffee... that's a different story. I thought it was the caffeine, but I don't usually have it (because of nursing and because I don't want to get hooked). It's the smell I rely on. The smell does something to me. It triggers the day, it helps me take on my "responsible" self with grace (usually).

The children are running through the sprinkler and racing into the pool, while I sit with Nigel. Soon, I'll be sitting alone, while he joins them in play. And I'll have my coffee. It's my "grown-up" way.

Fountain Square Dinner

Yummy! Let the Fountain Square Sunday Night dinners continue!
We hosted Sunday Night dinner again. I think it was the fifth time this calendar year. It's been Ecuadorian food all five times with Locro (potato & cheese soup) being first, then Arroz con Pollo y Humitas (chicken & rice with sweet corn tamales), Beans & Rice (burrito style), Menestra y Empanadas de Queso (lentils and mini cheese pies) and tonight, Seco de Gallina. It was accompanied by chifles (fried plaintain slices), chickpea and red pepper salad, potato and lettuce salad, and coconut rice pudding for dessert. The best things though were the Sangria (fruity and bubbly wine) and the Cafe con Leche (milk with instant coffee).
These meals are something we look forward to every week. We're also glad that we don't have to cook every week and that we can enjoy some new food in the midst of familiar faces (and new faces too). It's the best! Thanks for the idea, Beelers!
Tonight, I missed Aalsmas, Sinsabaughs, Kyle & Cindy, and Rachel. We were glad to have Mike's parents, Sam, Sarah & Fiona, Kris, Taylor & Malcolm, Dave & Amy join in our meal. We were also honored to have Laura and Tyler, Elisabeth N., Kipp and Paul join us.
I really missed you Matt! It was better than last time.

Kris, Taylor and Malcolm

I am enjoying a visit from Mike's older sister, Kris and her kids, Taylor and Malcolm. It is great to have almost the whole family together (we are missing Kale, Kris's husband). Tonight we hosted game night and were so happy to not have to get the kids home to bed but be able to be with everyone, even with the kids already in bed.
Marshall was crying tonight, mostly because he was tired but also because Malcolm decided the time wasn't right for him to sleep over (something Marshall was really looking forward to). They are only about 9 months apart in age, and just are the best little buddies. They played in the pool for the longest time before dinner.
Taylor is now 12 years old and just such an interesting and plesant girl. She and I plan on getting coffee or tea one of these afternoons.

art show

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I was so proud to share my art with so many people tonight. I felt so loved and supported by my friends and family. I was also thankful to have some adult time, talking to people about my work and not having to chase kids around (THANKS MIKE).

shopping with boys

I wanted a new top for the art show tonight. So, it being America and all, I went out to get what I want. (It wasn't selfish at all!)
Marshall had gone to visit Grandma and Grandpa Laitinen in Kokomo with Mike's mom, sisters and the cousins. So, after Stewart and Nigel woke from their naps, I took them to Circle Center Mall.
I didn't have the Bjorn carrier, so I opted to carry Nigel while Stewart rode in the stroller. A good choice, I think, because I don't imagine I could chase Stewart around the mall. We went directly to H&M and asked for help right away. A nice kid helped us. When we had finally decided on several options, he set us up in a handicapped dressing room. To keep Stewart entertained, I told him that we were in our own little magic room and we had to stay in there until we tried on the magic clothes. He chose several scarves to try on as belts and then he wanted to try on the other size of the shirt I was trying on. We did and I couldn't help capturing a picture of it. Meanwhile, Nigel is precariously laying on the bench, being very patient. I kept myself to the one side of the bench to prevent him from rolling off, while trying on clothes at top speed.
We finally decided on a teal top that I could wear to the show. Here's the shot!

zoo

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We made it a morning out at the zoo. It was very hot, but it was good for us all to get out.
Marshall loves hanging out with his cousins, Malcolm and Taylor and even stayed at his grandparents all afternoon and all yesterday evening.
Mike and I had a date in the evening. We biked down to a yoga class and then got an iced coffee before our return. I have been trying to get him to take a class, as he has been working on some yoga poses, but never been to a class which is what makes it so much fun and so engaging.
I then stayed up way to late (or early), clocking my bedtime at 3am. But I am so relieved to have gotten the art done for the show. I delivered it this morning, and I just feel really good about showing off my creations! I'll try to take some photos of them and get them up here.
Stewart is asking, "Where's Uncle Mut?" so I've got to go explain it to him again.