T-ball

Jared loaded up on sports stuff months ago to pull out as surprises for Grey for the next year. Grey discovered the bag of goodies this morning and could not contain his excitement. So of course we gave him everything! We are such suckers... He was just being all cute and giggly. How could we say no?

His favorite was the T-ball set and metal bat. He spent pretty much the entire day hitting balls and I must say he is pretty good at it.

He wanted to pose with his new gear. hahaha!

Elise was the ball girl which made things go a lot more quickly for Grey.

Pancakes!

I have been meaning to post more recipes on here for a long, long time. This is one of our family favorites for breakfast or even as a quick snack for the kids and it is super healthy!! I double the recipe and then freeze the extras to pop in the toaster for a quick breakfast. Hope you enjoy it.

Christina's Whole Wheat Pancakes

2 large eggs

2 cups whole wheat flour

1/4 cup ground flax seed

1 1/2 cups milk

2 tbsp granulated or packed brown sugar

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

2 tbsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

2 tsp vanilla

optional: 2 ripe bananas, mashed (I highly recommend if you have some!)

Beat eggs in medium bowl until fluffy. Beat in remaining ingredients until smooth. For thinner pancakes, stir in additional milk by 1-2 tablespoons at a time.

Heat griddle or skillet over medium heat or to 375. If necessary, spray with nonstick cooking spray. Pour about 1/4 - 1/3 cup batter onto hot griddle. Cook pancakes until bubbly on top, puffed and dry around edges. Turn and cook on other side until golden brown.

I like to top mine when they are hot with a bit of peanut butter and fresh berries instead of syrup for a healthier option.

Babies, babies, babies!

I was able to go to a baby shower for my two cousins this weekend. Emily is due in two weeks, Jess in a month and my sister & I in July--so we are taking the number of great-grandbabies from 3 to 7 (ummm... with three of those being mine) in just a few months. It is awesome! I love seeing them and it is never often enough. Can't wait to meet those little babies!

And the three baby bumps:

Jess, Emily, my mom, me, my aunt Gloria

Vegas Pics

I did take some pictures while we were in Vegas for the funeral. We spent all of our extra time hanging out at my Grandma's, eating lots and lots and talking. Heather, Bryan & I did escape one night to wander the strip and stayed out past midnight. Whew! It about did me in.

Day 1 we hung out at my Grandma's looking through old pictures of my Grandpa as a baby and child. I even snapped this phone pic of my great-grandmother Amy Christina Bortz who I am named after (on the right). I LOVED going through and seeing all the pictures of my family. It was awesome!

We finished our evening eating BBQ with the extended family that had made it to town.

Day 2 was the viewing and was a difficult day. We went for a really long, late lunch and buried our emotions in rich, velvety cheesecake at Cheesecake Factory. What is it about death, funerals and eating. It is out of control! I know I look ridiculous--but I think I cried off all of my makeup that day.

 My brother Bryan and my dad

 Isabella (my half-sister), me and my sis Heather

 My aunt Lisa and adorable Grandma

Some of the gang at Cheesecake Factory

(my step-cousin, Marv & Deanne, and Kirsti & my dad's twin Dennis)

We went back and napped after the eating fest, woke up late and headed for the strip around 8. Loved seeing the new casinos and as always, the Bellagio fountains.

 Outside the new Encore casino

 The conservatory at the Bellagio--AMAZING!!

 My favorite thing in Vegas. I could watch all night.

 The preggers girls at the new Cosmopolitan casino

Ending our night at the Venetian---then we picked up In & Out for a little midnight snack

Day 3 was the funeral which was a beautiful tribute to his life and a wonderful service. My dad and his twin brother gave the eulogy which was tough to get through but I really appreciated the words and experiences they shared. We then had a reception and headed back to the hotel where we crashed and just sat in bed playing words with friends on our iphones/ipads together. Finally rolled out of bed for a late dinner at a delicious Vegas buffet. Glad I got one of those in...

My dad, Isabella, and my stepmom Mona

Heather, Me, My grandma, Isabella & Bryan at the reception

It was hard to say goodbye to everyone. I am so grateful that I was able to fly over there and spend time with my family during this time.

Earl Marion Amerine

April 18, 1915- March 10, 2011

My sweet grandpa passed away last week and I was grateful to be able to get to Vegas for his services and to spend time with my dad and family. What a sweet husband I have--he immediately stepped up and took over with the kids and trying (probably not succeeding much) to work from home so I could be here.

When I think of my Grandpa Amerine, I think of his large hands calloused from many, many years of hard work to support his family and anyone in need. He was so talented with his hands as a woodworker and farmer--I wish I got more of his gardening skills! As a child, he would build us amazing wood toys and clocks. I also remember his sparkling, infectious smile that was ALWAYS on his face. He was such a happy man and made everyone at ease around him. My grandparents would have been celebrating 75 years of marriage this coming July. They are a great example of a committed marriage and the importance of family. I am grateful for his legacy and hope that I can carry it on with my family.

Frogs & Snails

And puppy dogs' tails.

That's what little boys are made of.

We are so excited to have another boy in our house. Boys are so much fun! Grey is especially thrilled to have a baby brother. When we asked him about it he said, "I already have a baby sister. I don't want another one. I want a baby brother. We can name him Junior." I hope we can come up with a better name than that!

This little one kept his hands in tight fists down by his butt the entire hour except for this one moment. So hopefully he has all fingers--it was hard to tell.

And the low-quality photobooth belly shot! I am popping out and definitely looking full-on preggers now.

I am going in for additional ultrasound testing tomorrow, so hopefully I will have some more good pictures of our baby boy.