I have officially become a bread baker. This afternoon, I got out Stepan's Baker's Companion and made homemade hamburger buns to go with the pulled pork I made in the slow cooker on Tuesday. I only had to call Elizabeth twice to help talk me through what I thought the recipe meant. The buns turned out beautifully and were ready to come out of the oven within five minutes of Stepan walking in the door.
Despite the pleasure I feel at this accomplishment, I did warn Stepan that he shouldn't get used to smelling baking bread as he walks in the door after a long day at work.
We've done some great traveling this summer. We are certainly blessed to have the time, energy, health, and money to take such fabulous vacations. I regret I didn't blog about the vacations immediately (or even during). I have however posted pictures with fairly detailed descriptions. Check out my new photo albums for Hawaii and California Cousins.
Hawai'i I would return to Hawaii in a heartbeat. Though it was on the expensive side, it is incredibly beautiful and wonderfully relaxing. Nothing beats traveling down the coastal road from Hawaii-Kai (where we stayed), going around a curve in the road, and all of a sudden seeing the wild, blue ocean beating against the craggy shore. With one look, you know you are in Paradise.
My favorite outing was the ridge hike with Stepan though seeing the sea turtles or honu on Turtle Beach was cool and I could definitely spent more days exploring the Polynesian Culture Center. Magda wasn't too keen on the sandy beaches, but loved spending so much time with G and would look for her first thing in the morning (usually around 6am). All my fingers and toes are up (not just the thumbs) when it comes to vacationing with family.
California We went to California for my cousin, Ricky's, wedding. I wish we had been able to spend more time in California, but Stepan only has so many vacation days. Again it was a family vacation, though with the Lucios this time. I love hearing Magda ask about Aunt Kathy or Uncle Frank or Cousin David; it's amazing what information she retains when I talk to her about who we will be seeing on any given day. The wedding and reception were a blast and staying at Debbie's was awesome (as usual). If Stepan ever turns abusive, I think I'll take Magda and move into Casa Molina...isn't it nice to have a plan?
Magda is becoming quite the little singer. Her current favorite song is "Happy Birthday" which she has me sing a number of times throughout the day. Sometimes it's my birthday, sometimes it's Tata's, sometimes it's the cars or the dogs or the traffic lights. Today on the way to Platypus we sang Happy Birthday for nearly everyone of her school friends and their moms. Lately she's begun singing it herself, or at least part of it. She doesn't quite get all the words right, but she is definitely carrying a tune.