Our Flight Home

I am really blessed with a little boy with such a sweet soul. We spent the entire day traveling to get home and he didn't make a peep until the last 30 minutes of our trip. The flight attendant was great in moving the man next to us so Ryan could have his own seat. Once we were in the air I fed him breakfast as he watched a children's movie. He actually sat still for over an hour watching the move - it was amazing.

I was so sad to leave, spending time with Lynne and the rest of the family made me realize just how important they are and how wonderful like would be if we lived closer. Maybe sometime soon....

Chinese Dinner

Steve and Lynne took us all to dinner at Steve's favorite Chinese restaurant where Ryan enjoyed his first Chinese meal. I can't believe how many noodles he ate although nearly half of them ended up on the floor. I think Steve was getting nervous that we would never be welcomed back with the mess Ryan was making but of course before we left I cleaned up the mess. It was pretty bad - I couldn't just walk away from that without feeling bad.

Joey's and Costco - What more do you need?

I had to post this picture of us having lunch at Joey's because it also reminded me of our earlier stop at the Mac store where Lynne and Libby tested the blush. Actually the girl that worked there applied their blush but it seemed that it was possibly her first day. Instead of brushing it along the cheekbone she put it directly on the cheek - interesting...

One of the things I miss most is not having a Costco nearby. I think there is only one store in the entire state of Wisconsin and it would take us at least an hour and half to get there. They have the greatest stuff.

New Baby Girl

This darling picture of Drew, Ryan and Brayden would not have been possible without a good old fashion threat. For some reason the boys weren't real comfortable around their cousin. By the end of the trip they were fine but it took some time for them all to warm up with each other.

I was so excited to go with Libby for her ultrasound on Friday. Lynne, Sean and I were all convinced it was a girl but Libby was sure she was having a boy. Well guess who was right? Not Libby :) she is having another sweet little girl! I think deep down she wanted another girl but she didn't want to get her hopes up.

Here is the cute little mommy all choked up after hearing the wonderful news of another baby girl.

Ryan was also along for this exciting adventure and for some reason decided to have a melt down towards the end of the appointment. Perhaps because he realized that he would be losing the baby Jesus spot in next years nativity scene...

After the ultrasound Lynne, Libby, Ryan and I went to the mall and then for the second time during my visit we went to lunch at Joey's - it is spectacular!

Beautiful Banff

Lynne took Ryan and I to Banff for the afternoon where we enjoyed a yummy lunch and had fun shopping in some really unique stores. We went into a store that sold fur apparel and found these beautiful cashmere wraps/ponchos (I'm not sure of the correct term) and Lynne had a great idea. I could take Mom's mink coat and have it used to make something similar. No matter how much weight I loose I would never be humanly possible for me to ever fit into any article of clothing Mom wore so this would be the best option.

Yum-o-lishous

Every night I call Tom on my home from work and last night he asked if I could stop and pick up strawberries for dinner. He wouldn't tell me what we were having but told me it was a special surprise. He made a wonderful chicken dinner and I can't even begin to tell you how delicious it was. I brought the leftovers to work with me today and it is just as good as it was yesterday.

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Coconut Chicken Breasts with Fresh Fruit Salsa

Ingredients:
4 skinless boneless chicken breasts Salt and pepper

1/2 cup flour

1 egg

1/8 cup water

2 T water

1 1/2 cups sweetened flaked coconut

3 T oil

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Fresh Fruit Salsa Ingredients:
1 ripe mango, diced

6 diced strawberries

1 1/2 cups diced fresh pineapple

1/4 cup diced red onions

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley salt and pepper pinch hot pepper flakes

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°F

Sprinkle both sides of chicken with flour, salt, and pepper. In a shallow bowl, whisk egg together with cold water. Place coconut in a shallow dish. Dip chicken breasts in egg wash, then in the coconut, pressing to make it adhere. In an ovenproof skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 2 minutes a side. Add lime juice to the skillet and place in preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink inside. Meanwhile, in a bowl combine mango, red onions, lime juice, and cilantro. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in hot pepper flakes. Place salsa on top of cooked chicken. Great with rice.
Serves 4.

Fun in Canada

Although we just got home yesterday, our trip to Canada seemed like a million days ago. We had such a great time with Lynne and Steve and were even able to spend a few days with Libby and Sean and their cute little family. Monday we had fun shopping for hours. Prior to shopping we had an amazing lunch at one of Lynne's favorite restaurants which is now one of my favorites. We had a delicious salad with lettuce wraps and yummy bread served with a hummus spread - yum!

Lynne added product to Ryan's hair to spike it up for a fresh sassy new look. Ryan had so much fun all week with Nana Lynne :)

Tuesday we went to Aunt Marilyn's (my dad's sister) for a yummy lunch. I sure love Aunt Marilyn, she is always full of energy and so much fun to be around. As you can see Ryan took to her right away and felt right at home.

After lunch with Aunt Marilyn we went to the pet store to get food for Sasha. As we were leaving the pet store we drove past the movie theater when Lynne asked if I wanted to see what was playing. She thought with Ryan fast asleep we should take advantage of this time. We decided to go see "He's just not that in to you". While Lynne was out getting some yummy treats I tried to get a picture of us in front of the movie screen however it didn't work out very well. The flash on the camera was blinding and although I took several shots keeping your eyes open is absolutely impossible. I really enjoyed the movie especially after Ryan fell fast asleep in his car seat. I can't even remember the last time I went to a movie - it's been years - thanks Lynne!

Jumping Bean

Our trip on Friday to Calgary went well. The day before our trip Ryan came down with a horrible cold so he was a bit crabby but for the most part he was a little trooper for most of the 8 hours.

Saturday Lynne and I went shopping and then later that evening to stake conference where Steve gave a great talk. Lynne had a sitter come watch Ryan for the evening and she did a great job however I was very nervous since Ryan has never been left with a babysitter especially a 15 year old girl whom I had never met... We saw Aunt Marilyn, Uncle Don and their daughter Kathy and her husband Foster - wow has it been a long time since I saw that crew - it was great. After church we went to leave and were greeted by a massive snow storm at the door. It was an absolutely beautiful day so going from sun to blizzard in just a few hours was totally bizarre.

Sunday we went to Stake Conference and this time Ryan was able to come. At the conclusion I took Ryan to meet Aunt Marilyn and then made my way through the crowd back to Lynne. As we got to the back of the church Ryan put his arms out and dove toward this man whom we had never met. We started talking and the entire time Ryan kept trying to get to him so the man picked him up and when he did Ryan wrapped his arms around the mans neck and placed his little cheek against the mans cheek. Ryan has never done this, not even with me and what was even more bizarre was that he didn't move for almost 15 minutes. As we continued talking I learned that his name was Gerry Palmer. Now hold on to your hat - - - Gerry knew both my mom and my dad very well. He was at their wedding and had lots of wonderful things to say about them both. A few minutes later I met his wife Sheila who has been best friends with my Aunt Marilyn and also lived behind my mother growing up. I can't help but think that Ryan felt this connection to his grandparents, whom I'm sure he met before coming to earth. We also met another woman who after learning that I was Reta's daughter told me how mom was a total perfectionist - not a thing was ever out of place with her or the kids. She also told me how mom kept lists and was extremely organized. Although mom has been gone for 27 years, I feel like I get to know her better every time I hear her stories.

 

Wicked

Two weekends ago Tom and I went to see Wicked at the Performing Arts Center and it was awesome. I loved the story line and Glinda the good witch was hilarious. I am so thankful that we got the tickets before Ryan was born otherwise there is no way we would have been able to justify this over a car seat or a jog stroller - it's funny how all your priorities change after bringing a sweet baby into this world.

Anyway, this was the second time Tom and I went out alone which was a huge deal. Lois and Jim were wonderful in taking Ryan for the evening so I was able to relax and enjoy our time out knowing he was in good hands!