9 days and counting

With only a few days of summer remaining before my life as I know it ends we are making the most of our time! Saturday, Liz and I hosted a baby shower for our good friend Catherine who is having a little girl! We couldn't be happier for them.

After the shower I came come and then the family went bowling for free! We had to pay for shoe rental but that's it! Apparently August 7th is National Bowling Day, who knew? So we headed to Strikes for some cheap fun.

It was Carson's first time and he was pretty good. He would pick up the ball and it's weight would make him walk rather quickly to the lane where he would drop the ball and let the bumpers take care of the rest. I only beat him by two {pretty pathetic I know}. When you first walk into Strikes there is a small arcade and the whole time we were bowling Carson kept asking if we were done so that he could go play games=pretend to shoot guns. Once we finally finished our one round of bowling he practically ran to the guns, he is such a boy.


Caitlin as always was an angel and sat watching us playing with her feet while taking everything in. It is always fun to get and and do something different. I also can' get over that we are now officially a family. I know that we've technically always been one but having not one but two kids makes you have that loving feeling a but more.

Love this guy!

Later, Andrew and I went out to dinner without the kids. We chose sushi because it's not as kid friendly as the other places we dine. Dinner was heavenly to be able to drive, eat, talk, even walk in peace. You know what I'm talking about right? Whenever I go places I feel like a pack mule with the huge diaper bag overflowing with who knows what, carrying a baby and attempting to keep an eye on the other kid...it's a circus sometimes!


We had a busy day but busy in a great way!

Slippery Fish

Keeping in mind that Carson is only three, he has a crazy social calendar! He is one busy kid. Wednesday morning we hit up the UA free movie, came home ate lunch, swapped street clothes for swim clothes, got yogurt, then headed for the Pettey's pool to swim with Carson's first love Ava.

We have spent quite of bit of time swimming with family and friends but I never seem to get my camera out and being as summer's winding down I wanted to be sure to capture us in action!


Carson loves the water and enjoys going swimming if it involves a little pool or large step and while this is convenient, he needs to be pool safe. So, we have been working with Carson on his swimming, I have given him swim lessons and Andrew's mom has taught him twice for a total of less than 45 minutes...those 45 minutes felt like an eternity because he is super dramatic and would cry and yell; "no more, I want mommmmeee." But he is feeling confident in the pool and volunteered to get rings and put his head under this day. whoo-hoo!

When released Carson can turn to the wall grab it and climb out. He can fetch rings. He has a mean kick and can hold his breath for a body length distance. We are so proud of his progress.

Cait too is a little fish but tires easily and often enjoys poolside naps.

I know I'm biased but she is one beautiful baby!

Tasty Tuesday

It's been forever since I have posted any recipe. Yesterday I picked blackberries with a friend and our kids. The boys were interested all of 5 minutes before they were off fighting over sticks, pouring water on each other and running around like only boys will.

Kellen and I made quite the picking team and found a few "jackpots." In all we picked 14 cups worth with only a few scratches, ticks and pricks. Yes, someone got a tick!


We were intending to make jam with them but Andrew requested a blackberry pie so we made that instead. I must first say that I have never attempted making pie because I have always heard that the pie crust is a daunting task so I have left all pie baking to the experienced and professionals claiming that "I don't do pies." But not anymore, I just added a new skill to my baking repertoire and I am excited about that!

Crust

2 1/2 C. flour, plus extra for rolling
1 C. butter
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. sugar
4-8 Tbsp ice water

Combine flour, salt and sugar in a food processor; pulse to mix.

Cut butter into 1/2 inch cubes, then add butter

The mixture should resemble coarse meal, with pea sized pieces of butter

Add ice water 1 Tbsp at a time

If you pinch the crumbly dough together and it holds together, it's ready! If not add more water.

Remove dough and place in a 2 mounds, knead and place doughs in separate plastic wraps and refrigerate for at least 1/2 hour.

Remove crust disks from refrigerator and roll out with rolling pin on a floured surface to a 12 inch circle. Place dough into a 9 inch pie plate.

Add filling to the pie

Filling

4 C. fresh blackberries
1/2 C. sugar
1/2 C. flour
2 Tbsp milk
1/4 C. sugar

Roll out second disk of dough, as before and gently place on top of filling, folding the corners under. Pinch top and bottom together and to make the edges just so you push your index finger between your thumb and index finger on other hand.

Cut four slits in the crust to allow the steam to escape

Brush top of crust with milk and sprinkle with sugar.

I found that if the dough easily came apart when attempting to roll I added water and kneaded and then rolled again to make it a better consistency. I think more water is the secret!

The pie turned out amazingly delicious! Warm and add some vanilla ice cream and it was a heavenly treat after watching The Bachelorette for 3 hours! Things you have to work for always seem to be more enjoyable...now I want a piece of pie (and this is why I need to run).