FAMILY SHOPPING JAUNT

On a recent visit to Farmington, my parents and two beautiful sisters and I took the kids on a short shopping trip in Edina. France/50th is a charming place to window shop, grab an espresso, partake of a chocolate Babka roll, and especially, lust after that which is out of your price range. Hmmm... good thing the company was uncommonly extraordinary!

AUNT MORIAH

Became an aunt at only 13.

Holds her nephew's (sticky) hand.

And lends her niece her high heels.

What's not to love about Aunt Moriah?

(Why are Ian's hands sticky? Fodder for another blog post perhaps)

#7 AEBLESKIVER

For years I've been pining (and salivating) over a magazine photo I saw of aebleskiver, a Danish breakfast delicacy. How genius to take something as perfect as a pancake and create a sphere out of it with something gooey, sweet and delicious just nonchalantly folded inside! It's like a pancake and a popover mated and had a child named PERFECTION. Interestingly, my first batch of these babies was quite impressive. AND the kids ate them, which is the final test of success. So I made extras to freeze. In fact, I think I'll have myself one right now.

P.S. Look online for a photo of the finished product... it is really a sight to behold!

#8 NEIGHBORS OVER FOR DINNER

Here are our new neighbors across the street, Cedric and Tiffany. Their kids are close in age to Ian and Nina. We had so much fun when they came over for dinner!

#26 GRILLING PIZZAS

I've tried my hand lately at grilling pizzas. Since I am far from mastering this delicate art, please don't request this meal when you visit. Until I experience success twice in a row, I refuse to prepare it for innocent tasters. Perhaps I will have to include this item on NEXT summer's To Do list as well!

#31 CAMPING IN THE BACKYARD

I really enjoyed sleeping in the tent in the backyard with Ian... if only he wouldn't keep me up reading his Volkswagen catalogs.