Dining Chez Olivier (the premier)

French is a funny language. I, of course, think all things French are fanciful, flavorful, flamboyant and filled with fervor. Some friends, who don't understand a lick of francais, accuse the French of swallowing entire syllables when they speak.

We dined at the First or "premier" Olivier - as in, dad-in-law, and man was it like being on a cooking show. He is so charming, you feel like you are speaking to a French brand.

Then there is his stylized food. He puts it together with such ease, you'd think the cameras were hidden behind the paintings of Van Gogh and Macke on his walls.

Oh, and did I mention the decor? I felt like I was still in Paris, with the whole clan, speaking Freeench. Weee weee. We enjoyed a "light" meal of Lamb, Scalloped potatoes and bell pepper salad. It was spectacular. (The wine was fabulous, too. I forgot to take a picture...but, I think it had "Olivier" in the name!)

The Olde Pink House

When you have daughters, pink is like an explosion all over your house. It's in your hair, on your arms, in your clothes, on the bottom of your feet. It's in the form of hair clips, play-doh, stickers, accessories, E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G.
And, if that wasn't enough, it's also the one and only restaurant we ate at for dinner in Georgia whilst on vacation. There are two reasons. One, dad-in-law cooks so well, there is never a need to eat out because the dining experience would pale in comparison. Two, with children, why put yourself through misery. Oh, and the unmentioned third reason? That was one of the only "kid friendly" restaurants listed on Yelp.

All in all, good experience. House was built in 1771, (for more info., click here), located in the heart of Savannah near a beautiful park, and the staff were sooooo gracious. We really enjoyed it. I'm reminded by my spouse reading over my shoulder as I type (ahem) that the Declaration of Independence was first read aloud from these steps, when it belonged to someone named Habersham. It was also a bank, at one point.

Savannah beckons historians, or shallow tourists like me. After dinner we strolled along the old town district. Why does everyone here have a ghost story? They even have a "ghost" tour bus. Charming and warm enough for the beach (even in March), if you haven't been to Savannah, it's worth the trip! Whether you want to get in touch with your intellectual side, or shallow side!

Bury Your Head, or Put a Pail On?

We had a fabulous time on the east coast for some warmer than usual weather for this time of year. Translation: Sunshine on the beach!

Sometimes we are reminded of the simple things in life when we are with family, away from home and work, and capable of focusing on every waking minute in a semi-calm state (as calm as it can get with two children). It's fabulous.

And sometimes, we see life and all its wisdom in one photo. For our 1-year old, she chooses to put a pail on. For me, if it were as easy, I think I would bury my head in the sand and run away from rainy weather (or perhaps financial woes and change and fear of failure and...)
Still, it's adorable. So much so, I forget all these other things, anyway!

Pancakes, Part 2

As a follow up to my entry about pancakes, I wanted to share just how yummy they were.
In this picture, Drew is holding up his plate of blueberry pancakes in syrup. Here are the girls after pancakes - happy little clams.

We had a great impromptu dinner. I think Janet is right - we'll have more of the same again, soon!

Yummy Challah!

Lola made Challah and it was almost as big as our monkey! This bread is wonderful. Especially right after it's cooled down "just enough" to still melt the butter as you're spreading it on a warm slice.

We are still enjoying the loaf. And I think my belly is turning into a loaf of soft bread. Not pretty.

Picking up my eldest from school today, we had to take an unusual route home and swing by our friend's house to pick up my youngest. As a favor, she watched our little toddler today. Sarah has two boys and naturally only "boy stuff".
Before dropping by, my 4-year old princess wanted to run home quickly and grab "girl toys".
What are girl toys, I asked? Oh, you know. Girl dress-up. Dolls. Girl's stuff.
Hmm, I said. Can't we be gender neutral? "Huh, mama?". Well, I guess not yet. Thank you Disney for pink and for princess STUFF.

Does your child growl?

I have two growlers. And I'm not talking about those big jugs of beer that you get for a screaming deal at local brewers. Although I think we have a about five of those sitting empty on the back porch. Both girls started out growling before talking. Today, one talks so much we cannot get a word in edge-wise, and the other just growls. She has a total of five or six words, but prefers growling as a form of communicating. Especially when she is being naughty. I think our dog has been a big influence in their language development.

Our dog has more influence than she believes!