We can’t believe that Maggie is already 6 months old. Some of her newest tricks and milestones are giving very slobbery open mouth kisses to mama, eating some solid foods, sitting up and reaching for things you would totally assume are out of reach, and rolling – usually into or under furniture. We are continually trying to figure out and improve her sleeping habits, wish us luck!
http://photos.dspencer.net/2012/Maggie-Is-6-Months/27804101_PP7b6P#!i=2344835519&k=KdHNrj4&lb=1&s=A
On December 27th we headed west to see our family and friends in Washington. The kids were outstanding travelers and the trip itself was pretty flawless. Little did we know that the one major bump was picking up a horrible stomach virus somewhere between St. Louis and Seattle. Unfortunately it plagued us from December 28th – January 8th. It takes some time to run through a family of 5, plus all the poor family and friends we passed it along to. We wish we could have seen more friends and family, but if you didn’t see us, count yourself lucky this time!
The highlights of the trip were introducing Maggie to all her extended family, a trip to Wenatchee to ski and hang out with Hilary, Nick, and Easton, and our ever so brief visits with the few friends we were able to see (sorry Geokezas for getting you sick!).
Hilary and I loved getting some time together, especially with our new little ones.
http://photos.dspencer.net/2012/Washington-Trip-2012/27802932_fwWHcb#!i=2344746542&k=DmjWmLF&lb=1&s=A
I’m anxious to get back for a trip that doesn’t leave a trail of illness throughout the state! Until next time WA.
Amelia is in first grade and is enjoying almost all of it. She has commented that her homework has more writing and less drawing than last year. You’re right! She’s reading, loves art, PE, and listening to books on cd with Will after school. She and Will continue to have fun together, especially when bedtime rolls around. Why not at 4 pm??
Will goes to preschool on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. He’s told me several times that he wants to go everyday, love that! He is very attentive to Maggie and does everything he can to make her laugh.
Maggie is perfecting “blowing raspberries” these days. She really picks up momentum when she gets tired. She is always entertained by Will and Amelia, lighting up whenever they come in the room. She is a happy little one and we can’t imagine our family without her.
Dave will officially finish his pathology residency in June 2013. He will continue doing research for the next few years. His hours are long but at the end of the day he seems to perk up when the kids run to him as he walks in the door. He and Will have been “smoking” (meat,that is) over the summer and weekends. It’s a hobby we all enjoy!
I am home with the kids. It’s been busy with baby Maggie but we’re in a good groove with a long nap from time to time. We get together with friends throughout the week and continue to explore new places throughout St. Louis. A highlight this fall was the Pantazis move to Effingham, IL, a mere two hours away! Helen and I are trying to recreate our Seattle experience, only it’s 100 miles instead of 2 to get together.
We are looking forward to adventures throughout 2013. We are very grateful for our healthy, happy family of 5 – WOW!
http://photos.dspencer.net/2012/Winter-fun/27802726_sP4RzZ#!i=2344720362&k=3CSWzKj&lb=1&s=A
1 pound butter
2 cups sugar
~ 3/4 of a bag of chocolate chips
chopped walnuts
Put the butter and sugar in a 3-quart heavy saucepan. Heat slowly to the boiling point and boil gently until the mixture reaches 305 degrees. I cook it on medium to medium-low and it should take about 20 minutes to come to a boil. Then I let it boil about 5 minutes. I stir it pretty constantly once it is boiling with a wooden spoon. It is close to being finished when it’s a golden brown color and when you let some drop from the wooden spoon it drizzles down in a uniform stream. When it’s 305 degrees, pour it into a nonstick 10″x14″ pan. Let it sit a few minutes until it just starts to harden and then sprinkle the chocolate chips on top. I let these sit about 5 minutes until they’ve melted and can be spread over the top. Sprinkle the chopped nuts on top and let it sit outside or in a cool place until it’s completely cooled. I usually do this overnight.