Cookies!

 I came across this blog and couldn't stop reading and gawking over the beautiful cookies! I felt inspired and decided to give royal icing a try. I loved doing it, although it's easy to get discouraged when I see how talented so many other people are.

Those are supposed to be flowers on the Easter eggs, in case you're wondering. I know the pictures aren't great, (I'm no photographer, that's for sure) but I'm hoping someday I can look back on these and chuckle at how far I've come in my decorating skills. Some people say royal icing doesn't taste good, but fortunately, (or unfortunately...?) Parker and I actually really like it.

Happy Birthday Parker!

We celebrated Parker's birthday all weekend. It was wonderful. We went to a movie (The Hunger Games... whoa. Neither of us have read the book, but we both enjoyed the movie for sure. Besides being slightly disturbing it kept my attention, made me think, and left me wanting the story to go on.) and out to dinner at Wingers with Parker's grandparents. We had cake and Parker opened his presents back at their house. The next day, Sunday, we had friends and family over for dinner and more birthday dessert. I made funfetti cupcakes and homemade strawberry ice cream just for the occasion. Lot's of work, but they're Parker's favorite, so definitely worth it. 

Parker loved his gifts as much as I hoped he would. I surprised him with the Jimmer documentary, a Jimmer jersey, and an xbox with his favorite game, NBA 2K12. Can you tell he's a big Jimmer/Basketball fan? I think he new what he was getting, but he claims he didn't. I sure hope I don't regret getting him an xbox. I really don't like video games, and they can quickly get annoying to listen to. I think Parker can keep it under control, and he was so excited about it. :)

I didn't take a single picture the entire weekend. Wish I had...

Happy Birthday, Parker! Can't believe you're 26! Austin and I sure love you and feel lucky to have you!

Solid Foods

Austin loves to eat solid foods. We started at 6 months so over time he's tried a few different fruit and veggie purees. So far I've made all his food, and usually enjoy doing it. I cook a large batch and freeze them in my perfect cube ice cube trays.  I read this blog post to help me get started. Click the link to look at her beautiful baby food cubes. Love! Because I want to remember how he liked various flavors, I'm recording them here with a scale of 1 to 10 on how much he likes them (as far as I can tell, because ya know, he doesn't talk).

Apples-8
Pears-9
Blueberries-10!
Bananas-6
Green Peas-4
Broccoli-1
Cauliflower-3
Zucchini-2
Avocado-2
Carrots-8
Sweet Potatoes-8
Butternut Squash-8
Rice Cereal-2 when plain, no problem when flavored with another fruit or veggie
Gerber Puffs- 5, he seems to make a funny face every time we give them to him, but I think it's because the texture is so foreign to him.

Coming soon on his menu... peaches and/or nectarines, green beans, plums, oatmeal and then protein! I'm a little nervous about pureed meat... it just seems wrong.

My Baby Is Cute

It's been awhile since I've posted. Moving on...

I love going on walks, especially on Sundays. Last week the weather was perfect for one, so I begged convinced Parker to go with Austin and me. We loved it.