botanical gardens

I started this post long ago, but was having trouble getting the pictures oriented the right way. And now the computer with all the pictures has died and so it will take a bit before I can find the pictures again. Luckily we've got most things backed up. Whew.
Anyway, this was a fun saturday excursion we took to the San Antonio Botanical gardens. The gardens are an old works project and are nestled in a fun miniture valley near the zoo. There's a waterfall, tons of ponds with tons of Koi, and lots of beautiful plants. You know I loved it. Henry loved the fish and the waterfall. Dell liked being out of the hospital and actually seeing the son. And Lizzy seemed to enjoy staring at leaves. She takes after her mom. Leaves make her smile.

We still exist

Sorry about the long hiatus. I'm really not sure what we've been busy with, but I think I've been busy, at least too busy to blog.... okay, I've been reading books and watching netflix. Sorry, but it is summer so cut me a little slack.... please.... Anyway, here's some pictures and such. And I may even get a real post up before we go swim at a friends house. Summer, it's tough, but someone has to do it.

Lizzy smiles. She's a very happy baby and especially loves smiling at Henry. For some reason she thinks him walking down the stairs behind her is the funniest thing. Never fails to get a good laugh.



Don't you love the crooked grin? Sorry about the bare bum, but it's a classic baby photo right? I couldn't post the ones of her huge naked thighs because someday she'd be really embarassed by it all. But oh, those photos are priceless.
Beautiful baby. Picture by Henry. He takes a lot of pictures, but he gets some that are great. So grateful for digital though. I'd be furious if he took all the pictures he did on film.

sometimes it's not good to let them dress themselves

Shirt on legs, underwear on head, and a big grin. Too silly for words.

Orange Quinoa Salad

Here's the Salad I made for our trip to the Guadalupe river with the Hansens. It's a fun summer salad and pretty healthy since quinoa is a nice whole grain with lots of protein. You can add chicken if you're not feeling so vegetarian. :)

Orange Quinoa Salad

Dressing
1/4 Cup Fresh Orange Juice
2 T. olive oil (extra virgin)
1 1/2 T. buttermilk (I rarely have buttermilk so I just do the milk plus vinegar thing)
2 tsp Honey
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp fresh ground pepper

Salad
1 1/3 C. uncooked Quinoa
2 3/4 C. water
1/2 tsp salt
2 green onions thinly sliced
1 C. dried cranberries
1/3 C. fresh parsley-- chopped
1 handful of chopped almonds

optional- feta cheese

Wash quinoa. (This is very important, if you don't wash the tannins off the quinoa it will have a bitter taste.) Wash by placing in a fine sieve and covering with water. Rub quinoa between hands for 30 seconds, then rinse. repeat two more times.
Bring water and salt to a boil, then add quinoa, cover and simmer on low heat until all water absorbed. About 20 minutes.
Add cooled quinoa to other salad ingredients, cover with dressing and refridgerate until ready to eat. Top with feta if desired.

Lizzy and the guadalupe river

The Hansens

Some friends from Milwaukee matched to San Antonio (Hooray for them!) and we were lucky enough to have them stay with us while they searched for a house. Amanda and I had taught nursery together back in the Milwaukee ward and it was wonderful to spend some time with them. And they found a sweet house! Here's some pictures of our trip to the guadalupe river.
Dell and Lizzy in the River
Lizzy napping in some beach towel shade

Skipping rocks. Go Amanda!
Henry went to the high ground to better shoot people with his squirt gun. He had a great time soaking his dad.

All in all it was a great time. We had Quinoa Salad (I'll try and post this recipe) for lunch on the shore, threw rocks, got wet, and sat about and chatted. Then we drove out to New Braunfels for some yummy Texas BBQ. Sigh.

random pictures of Henry and Lizzy

Lizzy in denim. My dear baby.




































Henry in my Tiara from young womens. Isn't he sweet?