We went to my parents house this past weekend. For the first time in months the kids were able to be with Papa and Nana! My sister and brother in law came too! It was great to see and visit with everyone. In person!! A change in scenery and routine for a few days was welcome too. It’s hard to explain, but my mentality has changed dramatically this month. It’s like my brain said “Okay, enough. I’m going on vacation.”.  My students sent me their recital videos for their virtual recital. My own recital program is underway. David is officially finished with kindergarten. (What??!!! How is this possible?!?! Tissues Please!!) Summer vacation is at hand, and my brain is already there!!

We sat on my parents beautiful porch surrounded by a forest of trees, birds, and nature of all sorts! It’s really peaceful, except for when we are there! Haha! 🙂 The kids loved riding on the back of the mower in the little trailer. Those pictures are so sweet! David of course had to watch a Godzilla movie with his Papa.

David and Emma LOVE sleeping over at their grandparents houses! The funny thing is, and I just thought about this the other day… At home they always sleep in their own beds, and in their own room. However, when sleeping anywhere else, whether my parents or my in laws, they always sleep in the same room, and at my parents house in the same bed even. Maybe this is a situation that needs to be remedied? I don’t know if either one of them would be able to sleep anywhere else without the other. In one respect I love that they have bonded so, and despite their occasional arguments, they play and converse together all the time.

This is my mom and sister. Aren’t they lovely! Emma is so cute sitting in the middle on the porch swing. She didn’t really want her picture taken, and so this is what I got from her. Leah and Emma are kindred spirits. 🙂 Leah was slicing strawberries, and Emma was eating… I mean helping. 🙂

I made hair appointments for the kids and myself this week! I never could stomach up enough nerve to cut anyone’s hair, no matter how many youtube tutorials I watched. The salon’s around here have opened back up, by appointment only of course. I LOVE the kids haircuts. Cuteness overload!!

Today we had a family reunion with Andrew’s family! It was the first time since Christmas for us all to be together! The kids love playing with their cousins! They are all around the same ages, and so when they get together it is a lot of fun! It’s hard to get good pictures because they are running around, playing in different rooms, and doing their best to avoid pictures. 🙂 The older ones especially! That’s why you don’t see David in these pictures. He is busy playing with his cousin Robbie. I barely saw him at all while we were there. Emma loves playing with cousins Henry and Oliver which are about the same age, and Samuel and Patrick are close in age too. Yes, that’s them kissing!! 😂 They are kissing cousins I guess. 🤣 It’s so sweet!

My garden is doing really well so far this year! My cilantro bush has grown so big that I had to cut it back! So with all the cilantro I’ve been trying to cook some recipes that use cilantro! 🙂 This is a Mahi Mahi with Mango-cucumber salsa. I love fish! Especially in the summer. It is very light and refreshing with this salsa! Just season the fish with salt and pepper, and grill on an oiled grill pan or skillet over high heat. For the salsa combine mango (peaches could also be used), cucumber, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nothing speaks summer time like strawberry pie! I don’t know about light, but it’s definitely cool and refreshing! 🙂 I found this great strawberry pie recipe from Amy. I like it because it uses all fresh ingredients, no jello. I made my own pie crusts and baked them. After the crusts cool completely, then add the strawberry filling. It’s best to let it refrigerate for a couple hours before serving with a delicious dollop of whipped cream.

Love,

PK