garden to table

The boys have really enjoyed going to the greenhouse this summer; each time new discoveries, the smells of fresh vegetables and small hands begging to pick.

This morning as we walked in between tomatoes plants crawling onto the cement and carrot tops that had to be felt as we passed; Ambrose announced "look at the red tomatoes Mommy, but I only like cooked red tomatoes and green uncooked ones".

After picking all the ripe red plum tomatoes we could find we set on a course to make - Pomodori al Forno. After almost 3 hours roasting in the oven you can see them 'resting' above - they look delicious, the house smells great and we can't wait to taste!

The other day we harvested all of our basil and made numerous batches of pesto. Tonight for dinner along with our roasted tomatoes - tortellini w/pesto, toasted pine nuts and fresh parmesan cheese, baguette, fresh greens and peaches from Burnaps (Ambrose's favorite place to visit when we go to Sodus, the farm market). Well, it is not even 4 and I'm ready for dinner - shall we say an hour or so (let's hope I can wait that long)?

sodus point

This past weekend we celebrated Aunt Cathy's 40th birthday at the Weidmann cottage in Sodus Point. (We also found out about the arrival of the newest cousin; now 4 girls and 7 boys!)

How we love our cousins . . .

and our toys (thanks Uncle Ed for a great time with the new barf ball!) . . .

summer camp: different perspective

This week Ambrose went to Science Discovery camp at RMSC. Meanwhile, Blaise and I spent some quality time together each morning while big brother was at camp. Normally Blaise is following along with Ambrose or being drug along or simply trying to keep up.

One morning Blaise and I went to Strong Museum. Typically we go from one exhibit to the next (when Ambrose is leading) and take in quite a bit of the museum. Blaise was in charge and at first wasn't sure what to do with this responsibility. So we stared at fish, they stared back and after about 20 minutes or so I convinced Blaise there really was more to see. From his perspective (30") everything must be downright enormous! To climb into Sesame Street's taxi cab, to send a matchbox car down a ramp, to walk on a tilted floor . . . it was differently a different perspective. One that involves slowing down, looking at an object/activity from a different angle (yep, that might mean getting down on one's knees) and then the most important part look at it from each and every angle (phew, that is hard sometimes . . .patience!) We spent 30 minutes going up and down a ramp that leads to the cockpit of an airplane. Blaise was so proud of himself. Laughing as he walked up, climbed up in the chair and walked back down. Repeat, repeat, repeat (well you get the idea).

This week gave Blaise one-on-one Mommy time and Mommy got a good idea what it will be like when Ambrose is in preschool. I look forward to time with this funny, cute, I can flair my nose while doing a cute little snort, curly head boy . . .

cousins visit

How much love can you show your cousin? LOTS!

Henry (3), Ambrose (3 1/2)

Max you are only the baby for a little bit longer . . .

Max 4 months, Blaise 18 months

summer camp: farm animals (alpaca farm)

This morning we visited Black Creek Alpaca Farm in Marion, NY. There we met a 2 day old cria (baby alpaca) pictured below. The mother certainly stepped up to do her job and watched carefully what the boys did and did not let us too close to her baby.

Hey mama, that's my baby . . .watch it (don't worry Blaise just laughed the whole time).

8 acres of farm (you can have approximately 10 alpacas per acre), alpacas to feed, chores to be done (we helped a bit with them) and boys cautiously excited to meet these very soft creatures. After feeding our new friends the boys each received a small finger puppet to take home made from alpaca yarn . . . we will have to visit again soon.

summer camp: animals

Today we visited Lollypop Farm, an adoption agency for animals. Grandma Weidmann came with us as we watched frisky cats, dogs barking, billy goats, horses and many other animals.

Ambrose caught a frog

Grandma & Ambrose feeding a horse

Did I mention that we ate lunch with Grandma & Grandpa? Blaise volunteered for the dishes but we just couldn't get him to stand still to help. . . . .

summer camp: church camp

Last week Ambrose attended our church's summer camp, the theme was 'Studio, Go'. So now in our possession (lucky us) we have a megaphone, music shaker and a cd of all of the music.

Ambrose runs around the house shouting into the megaphone that 'Jesus is alive'; which just cracks me up every time. And the cd is the fav for now. I write this and find myself humming the song they are singing when I took the picture below . . .'I will, I will, I will serve the Lord'. Great lyrics but possibly time to move onto something else.