Heart Shaped Chocolate Cake

Luckily for these two for some reason I have three smallish loaf pans and no large ones. Therefore every time I make Nigella's chocolate loaf cake I end up with a loaf that overwhelms its vessel . . . not this time! Finally, it occurred to me that I could put the extra in ramekins--the heart shaped ones were handy. As were, for some reason, two suddenly very hungry little boys. We saved the cakes for the next day's after dinner treat, and they peppered the day with, "guess what I'm having after dinner" reminders.
It's fun to bake with and for these two!

Blue Goggles Shot

 

I've been looking through photos from the last few months, trying to decide what hard copies to get. I love goofy photos (of other people) and stumbled across this one from last week--the week of sick, sick, sick. (You can see Phil in the background, wearing a headset radio. The poor guy really never got used to being home all day with constant ruckus-causing and havoc-reeking).
Regarding this photo, I recall being moved to take a photo when Deacon appeared wearing his goggles upside-down; which looked super funny. And of course in response to, "Deacon, I want to get a photo of you wearing the goggles", I ended up with two be-goggled subjects (and plus Deacon flipped his goggles right-side up).

First Fire of Fall 2009

 

Today we broke out the fleece, long pants, and beanies . . . and later Phil had to have a fire. The boys were excited too--some more than others.

Whitman County Fair

 

Today we had a great time at the fair with Nana Judy and Papa Ron! As the Whitman County Sheriff's Chaplain, Papa Ron does the fair's Sunday service each year, and we always go to enjoy the day with them: church service, yummy fair food, and tours of the animal barns. But, this year our trip expanded to include a close inspection of tractors, and best of all . . . Nana Judy bought a carnival tickets for the boys, and treated them-to their little hearts' contents-to ride after ride after ride!
The boys were absolutely delighted with everything--the noisy music, the nice attendant who gave them high fives, and the grinding, clanking machinery. (I still have a lot to learn about motion shots, and so I missed getting a carousel shot, and only managed some decent shots of the dragon roller coaster when it began to slow down--though I do have lots of fantastic shots of other people's children). I did catch Phil's helicopter ride--I think (ten hours later) his neck has realigned.

This Colfax fair has quite the proactive approach to car parking: today four attendants (two mounted) directed the parking (even of our very small car). And their parking practices have a tender place in our hearts, as two years ago one of the parking-horses backed into my car while we were having lunch--only my car was already so bedraggled I didn't even notice--thankfully Phil was there and he spotted the dangling side-view mirror.

Weekend Update-Local Color

Saturday we hit a local huckleberry hot spot, where Phil picked, while I managed a fair impression of a walking stick for our littlest hiker. Bryce stuck with Phil, leading the way though the brush, and was quick to come back and update/check on Deacon and me, "Do you need help? I can hold your hands. Look boys! There's a snake! Look boys! There's a big bug". Both boys were cheerful, bouncing up from falls or the odd tree branch in the face. True tough guys all around. We took a picnic break in a shady area (with ants I might add).
On the way back home we popped in on "Potlatch Days", and caught the all-female lawnmower races (which included a lawnmower collision), as well as the youth four-wheeler race. Words fail me. Thankfully I had the sense to leave the camera in the car. Then, after a brief reprieve (nap, hair cuts for Phil & Bryce, and dinner) at home, we headed off for a final installment of culture, a monster truck show. Armed with ear protection for the kids, we were none the less dubious as to the how Deacon would take the noise (Bryce had been to a monster truck show before, and had talked of little else all week). We needn't have worried, both boys were utterly captivated, as you can see, though by apparently differing aspects of the show. For those interested, "High Society" was our family favorite, having successfully navigated the dirt bump, both stacks of old cars, and the mud bog--not to mention his impressive departure donuts. Souvenir racing flags wrapped up the show, and Phil treated us all to drive-thru ice cream; which Deacon fell asleep eating--thankfully holding his cone mostly upright.

Sunday morning the boys remembered the racing flags right away--before jammies were completely exchanged for clothes.

And to wrap up the weekend, they "rode" on the target bear.

Gamma Geeta

The boys love, love, LOVE their Gamma Geeta. Wednesday we met up her at RiverPark Square and then her house. All day she treated us: first new clothes, then lunch, and finally a visit to the brand new community pool--complete with a fantastic kiddie section.
Bryce & Deacon greatly enjoyed their visit with Gamma Geeta. So much so that they have been "calling" to chat the last couple days. Today Bryce created a couple new hiding spots in the living by carting the toy totes out from their bedroom. Deacon seized some alone time in his tote to catch up with grandma. Every time their conversation ended, he was careful hold the phone out in front of him to wave bye-bye.

Ice Cream for Woodcutters

Yesterday the wood pile was thoroughly attacked by all three guys. While Phil split wood--in close but safe proximity--Bryce and Deacon set to work with some new tools from their cousins. Bryce used the pliers to peal off bark he couldn't grasp with his hands, while Deacon hammered away. If Phil happened to breathe heavily they followed suit, like little grunting echos. The kids were also very encouraging, and were quick to tell Phil, "Good job!" or "You did it!" if he managed a piece with extra finesse. Later we hit the valley for a Costco run, with ice cream afterward. Here's Deacon taking a breather.

"I hold the bars"

Tonight Bryce and Deacon enjoyed their first four-wheeler rides. Their reactions were so positive, that a second (joint) ride was a must! Bryce was thrilled, and other than waving at me with a huge grin, also adopted the catchphrase, "I hold the bars", varying his intonation to first request, than declare, then share his experience. Deacon was delighted, but demonstrated his enjoyment with a very intense little face. Phil was absolutely thrilled that they didn't mind the noise--apparently it added to the ambiance . . . a very fun first!