Camping with Toddlers...

While much wrangling was involved, camping this weekend was a great time. One of our big worries was sleep-- no one wants a cranky toddler. It wasn't even really an issue though, which is fantastic! The camper, the weather, the kids and the food were all terrific.

Ben thoroughly enjoyed playing with Jeffrey's toys. Maybe we should get the kids some trucks?!?



Mmm... Guacamole!
(Poor Mia's puffy face-- allergic reaction to sunblock!)

This child was dirty! Baby wipes can only do so much.

Being across from the park was a blessing and a curse.

Wordless Wednesday: Should I be nervous?

Something tells me all of those pep talks about
big boy pants may have fallen on deaf ears.

Fires and Family

First fire, first pizzas. It's a moment we've been anxiously awaiting since Dad unloaded a truck full of bricks in our backyard last June. On a (seemingly) unseasonably cool Mother's day, the warmth of the wood-fired oven was a relief, drawing people into the "BenjaMia Bakehouse" over and over again.

The kids loved seeing the flames inside "Bubba's" oven.







Unsure of what the cooking process held for us, we bought many, many small pizzas from Costco to try out in the oven. Only one was covered with ash when all was said and done! This was true trial and error.



After several successful pizzas, Gary finally achieved "flame-lick" Dad had told us about. This achievement finally gave us the crisping of the top of the pizza.



Now, would you look at this beauty! I was pretty nervous that the larger pizzas wouldn't cook through, but they were absolutely fabulous. Gary did a really amazing job.



Of course, the kids were soon bored with the cooking of the pizzas. Ben was thoroughly enthralled with Jeffrey and enjoyed chasing him every where. Mia was a little more skeptical of her very rambunctious cousin and preferred playing solo or hanging with the adults. And, after her spill in the rain-filled sandbox top this morning, was forced to wear her brother's coat.

Wordless Wednesday: Smile!

Woo! A Big Moment!

Ben now pronounces the "k" in monkey. It no longer sounds just like "mommy"!