Pottery Festival

Saturday we decided to check out the Western New York Pottery Festival. It was a bunch of different artists and their pottery on display/for sale. They also had some demonstrations and had just opened a couple of kilns before we got there. It was very interesting to see the different techniques (like horsehair or raku). Little Bird did great in her carrier--just snuggled in for a nap.

As we walked around, it was tempting to buy something because it was so neat. But then we had to think, "What would I actually do with this besides have it sit in the china hutch?" So we just admired it. It would be really fun to learn how to use a potter's wheel. A new hobby?

Berry Cute

This year strawberry season was a little early. But last week I thought it would be fun to pick my own and make some strawberry jam. So I drove out to GroMore Farm and got busy. I picked for about 75 minutes and ended up with about 22 pounds of strawberries (about 3 of the below containers overflowing). I went a little overboard but once I got started I just kept going. I couldn't resist getting a picture of Little Bird surrounded by all the strawberries. She is definitely "berry cute."

The next day I got busy trying to use them all up. Because we only have the small freezer with our fridge, we don't have the space for freezer jam. So I borrowed the Relief Society's boiling water canner and got busy. You can't double batches (it doesn't mix correctly with the pectin) and 6 batches later I still had a whole large bowl full of  strawberries left. I had already made 37 pints of jam (in 49 jars--some were half pints), the house was hot from all the boiling water, and I was tired. So I decided to try some new recipes from the internet to use up the remaining berries.

It was a strawberry sweets buffet. By the end of the three days of canning and baking, my hands and the house smelled like strawberries. I was kind of strawberried out but we were able to share the wealth of strawberry treats with others.

strawberry syrup                          strawberry jam on bread

strawberry granita                             strawberry crumble bars

strawberry lemon bars                   strawberry lemonade muffins

Happy Father's Day

 Little Bird got crafty late last night to make some gifts for Father's Day. A custom tie with her footprints all over. Plus a very special picture. What a sweetie. She sure does love her dad. He makes her laugh. Calms her down. Reads her stories. Tickles her toes. He is a great dad. What a lucky little girl.

Two Months

 

It is hard to believe Little Bird is two months old. She is now 11 pounds 11 ounce and 23 inches. It was a little rough at the doctor appointment this time because she had to have an oral vaccine (which she kept spitting out) and two shots. But she was a trooper and did great.

She is smiling more and more. But she always knows when the camera comes out because then she stops. So we haven't been able to capture any of her big grins. Sometimes we can get a little smile though.

She is also getting so strong. She holds up her head so well and does "push ups" during tummy time. She loves to push her legs straight and stand up when she is being held. What a cutie. We love her so much.

Chim, Chimney. Chim, Chimney. Chim Chimney Bluffs.

Saturday we wanted to do something new. Some friends had just gone to the Chimney Bluffs out by Sodus.  So, we decided to give it a try. We were a little worried because it was overcast and the forecast called for rain to start around noon. But we headed out anyway.

 

After we arrived, Little Bird ate, so she would be content strapped to Caleb. To get up to the top of the bluffs there was a steep hill to go up. And since it had rained overnight it was a little slippery.

The trail was well worn and at times got pretty close to the edge. It even looked like in some places it had been created when some of the top of the bluff collapsed. We had a little rain scare while we were up on top. The wind picked up and it seemed like it was starting to rain, which wouldn't have been great. But once the wind stopped, the "rain" blowing off the trees stopped.

The clay formations were pretty amazing. The way they were so vertical and thin just jutting up from the beach below. It seemed like a big storm would just knock them over.

 

On the way home, Little Bird got to go to her first Mexican restaurant. Caleb is hoping she is as big of a fan as he is. She got hungry while there so Caleb used his skills to hold the bottle and keep eating. 

 

All in all it turned out to be a very nice day. The weather cooperated. Little Bird was happy. We took tons of pictures and had good food. And we saw some of the beauty in our "own backyard."

 

Its My Party and I'll Sleep if I Want To

Little Bird has been the center of attention since joining the family (as she should be). Friends from work and church have been so kind and given her showers. She will be the best dressed girl around. But all that partying is hard work.

She slept through one shower in her car seat and the first half of the other one before waking up to visit. Thank you so much to friends and family for all of your good wishes.

Its Greek (food) to Me

Saturday we headed to the Greek Festival. We got in line just in time to get our food (as we were paying the line had quadrupled in size).

Caleb tried the lamb shank and I got the pastitsio dinner with skewers of chicken and beef. It was tasty. We watched some dancing (the youth did not look to excited to be up there performing). And took some baklava home for dessert. Little Bird did great tucked in to her wrap but by the end she wanted to pop out and see what was going on.