NEW TWINS STADIUM

I was hoping that we'd have a chance to go to a Twins game this summer, but I wasn't necessarily making it happen (not the most enthusiastic fan, as you guessed). And yet there is something about live baseball that seems innately American. So I thought my kids would appreciate a glimpse! When Tom got some free tickets at work, we took them gladly.

Impressive architecture.

Ian was all smiles when we bought him a frozen lemonade.

Bright lights on the field

Our little charmer
The Twins didn't win, but we weren't keeping track!

RECENT INDULGENCES

Am I crazy... or are a woman's senses heightened during pregnancy? More particularly for me, taste and smell. Here are a few smells I've been enjoying lately...

Cherry Blossom solid perfume (a recent gift from a music student)

An earthy, firewood candle (Tom's favorite and now my obsession)

The rich scent of high quality Italian espresso beans (I sniff this every time I walk by it on the kitchen counter)

My favorite tastes for the last few months:

Baking soda toothpaste (strange, I know)

Fresh radishes

Green top carrots

Cottage cheese

Dark chocolate

Saffron bread from the freezer (baked this winter)

Ah, well. It's fun to enjoy the little things! :)

CRAFT DAY WITH THE KIDS

The kids and I hopped on over to Tom and Carol's house a few days ago when Katie was in town visiting. It was a fun opportunity to display our collective creative prowess as a Poch family. I had been thinking of it for awhile, since Katie is so crafty, and since the kids love being at Grandma and Grandpa's so much!

Here Katie and Nina are painting egg carton flowers. They are so adorable... pipe cleaner stems and all.

Carol is making homemade gummies with them! I had no idea that it was even possible. You press your own shapes in cornstarch, then pour the hot gummy mixture on it and let it set.

I'm helping Ian with an ocean landscape. His watercolor background was even more beautiful than the demo I made! Yeah... I've got a budding Monet on my hands.

Nina's putting her favorite pink sparkly markers on a flower cutout.

Ian with the finished product. He was so proud!

As we were in the beginning stages of our crafty pandemonium, Carol said, "It looks as if this is a craft day for the three adults more than the kids!" because she, Kate and I were busily prepping our craft projects. It was a humorous moment. But as soon as we had everything all set, the kids were diving in with us and wonderful memories were made! Mission accomplished.

ZOO ADVENTURES

We have been to the Minnesota zoo a lot lately. The kids are at prime ages, so we take advantage of our annual membership whenever we get the chance. Here is part of the native Minnesota exhibit, and they are watching a river otter swim by.

Ian and Nina have been saving their money and they chose to spend it at the zoo. Nina bought a pink sparkly baton, and Ian bought this set of ocean animal toys (he is squinting terribly from the sun... and from intense excitement!). He has been enamored with sea animals lately, particularly dolphins, seals, and killer whales. These seals have gotten some serious play time since we brought them home only a few days ago...

SAGA COOKING SCHOOL

Last night I had the fun experience of attending a cooking class with Tom's parents and sister. It was so scrumptious. Special thanks to Tom for watching the kids so I could go! :)

Here was the menu:

First Course

Thai Spring Rolls with Cilantro Lime Sauce

Second Course

Minnesota Wild Mushroom Risotto with Baby English Peas

Third Course

Fresh Diver Scallops with Smoked Bacon and Garlic Pistou

Sauce

Béarnaise Sauce

Main Course

New York Strip Steak with Pepper Crust

Dessert

Salted Chocolate Grenache Truffle Cake and Hot Caramel

ME AND MY BELLY - 27 weeks

Will post again soon! :)