The Zoo

Today I went to the zoo with an old friend of mine. She had a baby awhile ago, but we haven't been able to get together so today I met her cute little boy. He's so adorable. It was so fun walking and talking and catching up. I've known this friend since forever (we grew up in the same ward & neighborhood), and I've missed hanging out with her. We discovered that we live about 6 blocks from each other, so I hope we'll get together again soon. Thanks Jodi (and Timothy) for a really fun morning!

Travel Plans

My awesome sister-in-law Steph had the great idea to go to Phoenix to visit another sis-in-law and have her son(s?) take swimming lessons from an apparently great teacher. I liked the idea, and so at the invitation of Janna (my Phoenix sol) I decided to do the same. I was going to go in June, but then realized I'd be gone for Emma's dance recital (which I really didn't want to miss, especially since Emma would be with me) and so had to change up the plans a little. The new plan is to go for the first couple weeks in May and then fly up to Denver to visit Eric's parents for a quick weekend and then drive home with Eric (who I would meet in Denver). I think Emma's excited for all the travel and to see everybody, and I know I am. Since apparently warm weather doesn't want to come here (or at least not stay here very long) I decided I had better get my fill in for the entire season. And 2 weeks in Phoenix should just about do that. When I get back I'll probably want cooler weather, and by then it'll be warm here too. Oh well.

In the meantime, we'll have Emma's cousin Ethan stay with us for a couple days this week. We're all really excited to see him again, and to wish him a happy (and by then slightly belated) birthday! So this week should be really fun. Busy, but fun.

**Update as of 4/28** I just found out that Ethan won't be coming this time. Too bad. I had a lot of fun plans to do with the kids. Oh well, next time he comes we'll do them.

Buttermilk Pancakes

For a while now we've enjoyed homemade buttermilk pancakes every Saturday morning. They are really good, and Emma loves it. She seems to know just from the fact that Eric is home in the morning that it's time for pancakes. And they're super easy. Seriously. Even Emma knows all the ingredients, and tells them to us as we make them. She loves to help pour all the ingredients into the bowl and then mix it. She watches some of them cook, but since she can't really be hands on with the griddle, she eventually leaves before they are quite finished. You should try these at least once, even if you're not a huge pancake fan. I've never craved pancakes, and usually order toast instead at breakfast restaraunts, but I love these. I've never minded pancakes either, and maybe it's just because of how much Emma loves it that I like them so much too. Either way, here's the recipe we use, straight out of the Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book.

1 C flour *

1 T sugar
1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 beaten egg

1 C buttermilk

2 T cooking oil

* We use half whole wheat flour and half all purpose flour. It works really nicely, still gives you the lightness of white flour, but some of the health benefits of the whole wheat.

Combine the dry ingredients and set aside. In a separate bowl combine the wet indredients. Add egg mixture all at once to the dry mixture. Stir just till moistened (batter should be lumpy). Add additional buttermilk to thin batter, if necessary. Pour batter onto a hot griddle according to the size pancake you want. Enjoy your yummy pancakes!

Happy & Sad

I just had to post this short video. You know the way you can move your hand up and down in front of your face and change your expression from happy to sad? My dad did that when I was young, and I always thought it was funny. I've done it to Emma a few times, and she has started doing it to us. Of course as soon as the camera was rolling she didn't do it exactly like she normally does, but you get the idea. It's too funny not to share. Enjoy.