Spontaneous Trip with Freya & Molly

Molly and I being somewhat bored on Memorial Day weekend spontaneusly decided to take an overnight trip to Williamsburg, VA to go to Busch Gardens. Particularly spend time at the new Sesame Street area of the park. So, we packed our bags, booked the Hilton, and loaded up Dad's truck with all our gear. Only 3 hours later we were face to face with Bert and Ernie, Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird and Cookie Monster. Freya, love them all though she does, was terrified if she got too close. Lunch with Elmo with friends was a bit overwhelming to say the least, but totally worth it. She does not seem to recall how traumatized she was in the moment - thankfully. Here's a video of Freya's re-cap of her experience and some pictures of Molly and Freya. Enjoy - I certainly did!

Yummy Recipes

For Christmas we had a seafood dinner, just to do something different (and less time intensive). These recipes were a hit and I keep using them. It makes for an easy meal for a single person, no leftovers to go to waste.

Sea Scallops – quick and easy
½ lb. Scallops
1 Tbsp. Virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Rinse scallops and pat dry. Heat the oil in a small skillet on medium-high heat. Cook scallops for 3 minutes, flip them and cook for another 3 minutes. DO NOT OVERCOOK! Immediately serve.

White Fish – quick and easy
2 fillets of a mild white fish, orange roughy and swordfish are my favorite
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp paprika
Dash of pepper
Dash of cayenne
1 Tbsp butter, melted
½ lemon
2 tomatoes (not too large), to make 4 slices approx. ¼ to a ½ inch thick
1 Tbsp parmesan cheese, grated

Preheat oven 425 F
Lightly grease a pan or glass dish. Combine salt, paprika, pepper, cayenne. Place fish on pan, squeeze lemon juice and then coat butter on top of each. Sprinkle the paprika mixture over each fillet. Place 2 slices of tomato on each fillet. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on the tomatoes.
Bake for 8 minutes, and then Broil for 8 minutes. Serve immediately.

Easter 2009 Video

Dancing Fools

Jake and PJ are crazy dancing fools. I love this random dance that PJ breaks into (after watching Jake perform his own dance routine). PJ clearly thinks he has "the moves" and Jake then gets inspired to join the spontaneity.

Sweet Freya Memory

It wasn't all that long ago, back in October 2008, when my niece Freya started walking. But I ran across this video and of course had to post such sweet baby antics. First you'll notice she loves the word "baby" - still does. They fascinate her. Then, after a few pit stops to see some toys, she walks the length of the basement surprising even herself.

I hope you enjoy!

My Miniature Cow

Emily, how can you deprive me of such a cute addition to the family? The miniature scottish highland breed are so adorable with all the red hair. Kinda like a toddler we know.... the cow would fit right in to the family.

And look - the cow would even play well with goats! We could name her Molly, since Molls named her bunny after me. Fair is fair...

Baby Goats at the Mason Farm

Ben has baby goats at his house! Just more additions to the Mason clan (the chickens don't really count because frankly they aren't that smart and they seem to only have one brain). But goats, they are actually friendly. Though mommy goats can get their temper up. Now I'm waiting for the miniature cow Emily promised me (well, maybe not "promised"... but I definitely had my heart set on it) - possibly a miniature scottish highlander. hint hint

Jake, PJ and Will

I've had so much fun being Aunt Sally since Jacob entered the world with his serious little face (I never noticed eyebrows on a baby before Jacob's patented "concerned" look). Then, PJ the angel arrived -well, I think his mom Amy would debate the term "angel".... And, Will who follows his own drum beat and does things in his own time. These are the most wonderful three boys. I'm so grateful to be a part of their lives. Love ya, Amy!

Benji

BENJAMIN!! My nephew Ben is the most adorable little boy. How can you not love this face?!

Freya's Baptism

Today my 21 month old niece was baptised. Is it not terrible that a crying baby can be so darn cute? Freya handled her drenching very well. Though she was very clearly mad at all of us immediately afterwards. Particularly Godmother Aunt Emily, who bore the brunt of the blame and shared in the drenching a bit. Thankfully, Freya does not seem to hold a grudge (as yet). And Aunt Emily redeemed herself with great presents and a chance to play with Freya's cousin Ben. This day was extra special because Freya's Dad and Grandmother D were here all the way from England. She is one very loved baby!