"Baachan loves me a LOT!"

This is the day Benny went home from our house and told his Daddy, "Baachan played ...." and listed all the games we'd played and things we'd done..."I think she really loves me A LOT."  He melted my heart. He's right, I do love him a lot...and I discovered on this spring day one of his love languages has got to be "quality time." 

Arielle makes no secret she struggles with anxiety. I'm proud of how well she battles. We didn't realize the struggles she had when she was young and in our home. Now that we do, we do what we can to support her as she learns what works well for her. She called this day and said she needed out - but she needed a safe spot for the boys to be.  She thought of dropping them and decided to stay instead and soak up some of the vibes from our lazy sanctuary. LOL 

While Arielle soaked up some rays and cuddled with Danny.....Benny and I picked flowers, they ALWAYS go into this special vase from Korea which is reserved for flowers from our grandblessings (or anyone else that cares to pick me a dandelion).

Benny helped weed a garden bed and water the seedlings in our little greenhouse/covered beds.  We also played badminton, volleyball, catch, frisbee, croquet of sorts, and  all manner of games  on the swing set.

Danny is nearly six months old. 

I brought GG down to sit with us...we had snacks....Stacia joined us. 

GG is pretty committed to reading the Anchorage Democratic Nonsense.  Anchorage Daily News. I actually am waiting for the next round of hit articles on his grandson to hit the paper. There haven't been any in the two years he's lived up here. LOL 

It was a lovely day and we all went back to our routines refreshed in spirit and enjoying the benefits of an extra dose of Vitamin D. 

Mother's Day - Take 2

 Yes, we DO have one day to celebrate all the holidays each month...but adult Gherkins know they are welcome to drop by whenever they'd like...and we are blessed when they do just that. Scheduling one day makes it easier for those who now have other extended family to coordinate with on holidays. Years of being a military family taught us the date isn't nearly as important as being together to celebrate. During one deployment we saved all birthdays and Christmas until Michael returned - because that is what the kids wanted to do. 

On this Mother's Day (which we celebrated last night) several of the kids dropped by for a relaxed afternoon. It was "practically perfect in every way." 

Any day when a grand stops by to play becomes a perfectly good day! 

Arielle and the boys usually come over on Sunday afternoons. It helps to shorten the time they have alone waiting for Cory to get off work. Sundays seem long. Cy, Carrie and Livie often drop by after their church, as well. 

I'm not sure when this ball game began, but it's been played since Jamin was Benny's age. No broken bones on a trampoline to date. Which honestly surprises me when I hear their childhood stories. 

The snow is off the yard. It's still not green. The trees are putting out tiny buds...soon it will all be green and full.  The "playhouse" has faithfully waited all winter for the kids to come back. 

The family joke is that Uncle Jared is a favorite with the kids because he hasn't learned he can tell them no. It does seem he spent a lot of time last night and today on the trampoline or playing ball with kids. 

The view from my hammock....tiny buds...promises.

The local wisdom says I can plant the garden when the birch leaves are the size of squirrel's ears...not quite yet. 

Back on the trampoline. I believe Benny's love language is time. He went home one day and told his daddy, "Baachan played lots and LOTS of games with me. She loves me - a lot." 

Settling down inside the house....

May's Everything Celebration

 As our family grows it gets harder to find a time for "everyone" to get together on holidays or birthdays etc. Our way around this is to pick one day and THAT'S the family celebration day....On May 8th we celebrated Mothers Day, Gideon, Izaak and Arielle's birthday and JaRissa's 5th anniversary.  

THIS is what I envision family gatherings to be...Stacia, Livie, Carrie, Allie and I all working together in the kitchen...catching up, enjoying each other and getting it done!  Stacia made another trial run on the upcoming wedding cake, which also served as Gideon's birthday cake.  I think it's looking darling and is just what Krista wants...fun, whimsical and simple. 

The rest of us got all these pot pies in the oven....a dairy free, several chicken, and one veggie. 

Cory and Danny!

Baby loves - one of the best things in life. 

Livvie, Danny, Carrie

Benny attempts to explain how the game should be played to the uncles and his mama. 

Jared was in town which added a layer of festivity to our gathering.  He looks a bit crazy here - but it's the shot I got. 

Danny is content to move from the arms of one relative to the next. 

 

The ball is IN the air and OVER the net....I think they're working out the details of the game now. 

 Go, Olivia! 

 Benny's got style! 

Gideon was HAPPY to wear the pig hat! Benny not so happy about the situation. 

Bella, Annie, Benny, Gideon

The traditional sing along - this always goes much better when Bre joins us. LOL 

Yay!

These are always fun days for all who can make it. This one is made even more festive as BreZaak joined us.  They've been very careful with Covid due to health issues. Jared being up from Juneau made the day extra special.  We should have chosen a "date" for June's events....

Magical Monday

Monday's mean Michael and I get out TOGETHER for a few hours.  Michael has been busy fixing up the row boat we brought from his childhood home.  Today, we drove up into the mountains behind our house and found a happy place. We have no idea what the name of the lake is...but it was magical. We even got a work out in as we had to lift the boat into the truck, and then down when we arrived, and down a hill to the lake....we drove up 2 weeks ago and it was still frozen, so we thought there may be some ice to deal with.

From Crescent City to Alaska

It was perfect, except for the one fall. LOL  Grandpa was happy with Arielle and Benny and we had a great picnic on the lake. I was skeptical when Michael told me not to bring a picnic blanket but he was a man with a plan. 

Our best picnic spot yet! 

It was so peaceful. We enjoyed our lunch on the water with the ducks and loons. Eagles and seagulls flew over head. Every once in awhile there were sounds from the shooting range, but it wasn't bad this time of day and we had the whole lake to ourselves. 

It was a treat to be able to soak in the beautiful scenery and the peace and quiet. We were able to finish a conversation. ::snort::  We are brainstorming a way to make a dolly for dragging the boat along next time. LOL 

We are able to go out together as Arielle and the boys come to hang out with Grandpa on Mondays. Arielle even re-made his bed, did several loads of laundry and watched a movie with the boys and Grandpa. Benny was quite taken with this very comfortable little boy bed....which is fine as Millie isn't taken with it at all. LOL 

I did my best to impress Benny with freshly squeezed orange juice. After his first drink, he asked if I could give him a "full cup" so he could show it to his Daddy. ::snort:: 

Stacia fixed Chicken Parmesan, biscuits, asparagus and green beans (from our garden). 

I told the girls we HAD to conquer my terror of Chard and use it tonight. Allie found an online recipe and we adjusted it. I didn't have the wine, so used chicken broth. I can't eat parmesan cheese and subbed nutritional yeast....we used twice the onion and added cashews...oh and a pinch of bacon salt. 

Success. Everyone but Alex ate it. He filled up on Asparagus (I AM enjoying the fresh produce in the house).  Everyone who tried it took seconds. I headed to the computer to add chard to my order for next Tuesday - but I already have 6 bunches of kale on there....I figure it cooks much the same....

Dad was TIRED tonight. He told us repeatedly that Benny was a good little boy!  He went to bed shortly after dinner. The house is quieting down for the night. Nolan will be home in a few hours.