Backyard Baby Blessing

This past weekend we celebrated Lauren and Brodie's daughter's first birthday. Earlier that day, I was honored to lead a baby blessing for sweet Hayden. Lauren did all the work, I just read her beautiful words. Again, it was an honor. I asked her if I could share with you, my readers, snippets of the ceremony text. They are so meaningful and articulate and exemplify wishes and blessings I would like all children to hear. Hayden is sure a loved little girl!

Lauren and Nina. :)

The birthday girl!!

Nina playing at the backyard bash. :)

Here are a few snippets (not in any order) from the baby blessing. These may not make sense out of context, but the essence is what I wanted to share. It was FULL of cute ideas like singing a kids song with Hayden playing her maracas, blessings from family members and more. It was non-traditional, but seemingly full of traditions of faith, strength and family.
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In every birth, blessed is the wonder.
In every child, blessed is the life.
In every hope, blessed are the possibilities.
In every life, blessed is the love.

As Hayden grows, she will indeed claim her own titles and names, yet Lauren and Brodie have given her a name to begin her journey.

Lauren and Brodie, will you promise to teach Hayden not who or what but how to love, how to trust, how to respect and how to value her hopes and dreams so that she may truly participate in the remarkable journey that is life? 

A Godparent promises to be there in Hayden’s life should she need support, wisdom, comfort and guidance. They are someone she knows will always be standing quietly behind her, encouraging her to make good choices and sharing with her lessons they themselves have learned along the way. 

Grandparents are a family’s greatest treasure, the founders of a loving legacy, the greatest storytellers and the keepers of traditions that linger on in cherished memory. Grandparents are the family’s strong foundation. They are there with unconditional love, listening when you feel like you’re not being heard and giving advice that is wise and pure of heart. 

Dear Hayden Emmaline, we celebrate and bless your life. 

 

(Parents touch the top of Hayden’s head) - You are connected, protected, loved and blessed. 

 

(Parents touch Hayden’s forehead) - All your sense are awakened and blessed. 

 

(Parents touch Hayden’s heart) - Your heart is blessed so that you may feel compassion for yourself and others. 

 

(Parents touch Hayden’s hands) - Your hands are blessed so that you may reach out to the world. 

 

(Parents touch Hayden’s feet) - Your feet are blessed so that you may connect with the earth, be grounded and stand tall in your place in this world. Know that your spirit is strong and it will guide you through this life. Know that you are deeply loved and that your presence brings overwhelming joy. 

Door County Weekend

We spent last weekend in Door County. My parents joined us because we intended to be up there for Mark's Half Iron Tri, however due to some unforeseen changes he didn't participate this year. Next year!

Nonetheless, we had an awesome long weekend. Here's just a few photos and summary of what we all did. If you're interested in seeing a few more photos, follow us on Instagram (here and here).

The guys went to the new Door County Brewing Company, while the girls went to my favorite Hands on Art. Nina loved making projects (she and my mom created and painted art for outside and I painted ceramics). We ate out every meal, but my two favorites were the always delish Wild Tomato Pizza and our new favorite breakfast spot, Blue Horse Cafe. We did tons of shopping, exploring and swimming... and the weather was amazing which made these activities extra fun. The Mr. and I snuck away during our girls naps and did a quick wine tasting at Stone's Throw. :) We also rented bikes one morning and rode to see an old lighthouse inside Peninsula State Park. As usual, we kept busy but had a relaxing and fun mini vacation.

Selfie in the convertible - Nina's first ride!

Do you think Nina could've used any more paintbrushes? :)

She swims all on her own now... !!! :)

We saw a mama deer and her fawn on the bike trails, but I just missed them for this photo!

My Dad had Mae in her carseat strapped in the Burley - so fun.

Simple Pleasures

"After all, I believe the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens but just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string." - Lucy Maud Montogomery

These two girls are my everything. Life with them is FULL of simple pleasures. :) Hope you're having a great week. We sure are enjoying things over in our next of the woods. Life is SO good when you stop, sit and look around a bit.

Homemade Pizza for Summer

I mean, seriously. If this pizza doesn't make your mouth water and make you want to run home and make it for dinner tonight, I don't know if we can be friends. :) I made up this recipe by combining three pizza recipes as inspiration. Here's the result...

Homemade pizza with strawberries, raspberries, ricotta, fresh mozzarella, basil, fleur de sel, prosciutto, arugula, and balsamic drizzle!!!!

Yum. Is your mouth watering yet?

Ok, so here's how I did it:
1. I bought Breadsmith frozen pizza dough at our local farmer's market for a few bucks. I'm sure any will do. Just remove the dough from the freezer/refrigerator and let it come to room temperature on the counter. This takes a few hours so plan ahead :)
2. Cover a half-sheet pan (jelly roll pan) with parchment paper and a light spray of pam.
3. Carefully stretch or roll the dough to the desired size and let the stretched dough rise for 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Next, add on your toppings... I drizzled on some olive oil and some sea salt flakes to start. Next, spread 2 tablespoons or so of the ricotta cheese on the crust then layer with fresh mozzarella cheese (just slice up one of those delicious balls). Then, top with strawberries and raspberries and some julienned fresh basil.
5. Bake for 10-15 minutes in a 415 degree oven or until cheese is melted and crust is golden.
6. When pizza is still warm and right out of the oven, top with arugula leaves, some prosciutto (I used about 5 slices), and some flaked sea salt. To finish off, drizzle with some good balsamic vinegar (my go-to is Oilerie 25 year). Serve immediately and enjoy.

YUM!!

The Reincarnation of Circus Baby

These two. Seriously. Circus baby is at it again (this time with the addition of Nina's cabbage patch doll).

See here if you don't know what I mean. :)

Fourth of July Recap

Just as we like it, our Fourth of July long weekend was filled with the following: the parade, lots of time at the lake, root beer floats, cookouts, delish cocktails, swimming in the lake, fireworks, time with friends and family, the farmers market, and more! Here is just a sampling of some random, unedited photos off our phones. Hope you had a great weekend as well!!

The parade...

 Time at the lake...

Fireworks on the lake...

I LOVED snuggling with Nina as she watched her very first firework display in her pajamas. Mae did awesome as well!! :)

Happy 4th!

Mae - 2 Months

Our sweet baby Mae is now two months old! She's long, smiley and a best friend to her big sister already. Last week she rolled over (!) and is showing us more and more of her personality each day. We love her bunches!

Summer Fun

Here's a few random photos of what we've been up to lately. My 4th of July recap will come later this week!

As we always do, on June 25th we go to visit the hospice where my Grandma Lorraine passed away. It's been 5 years - how time flies. This year we brought Nina Lorraine along. I sure wish they could have met each other.

Here's a silly photo of Mr. Evans and I hanging out with Mae after Nina's in bed. Sweet little girl ... :)

We recently had a weeknight impromptu picnic dinner at Regner Park. It was seriously the best. Good memories ... :)

Mr. Evans and my dad took Nina mini golfing for the first time while my mom, Mae and I attended a baby shower. I guess she did just ok, but those guys will get her swinging like a pro in no time!

We've been trying to spend lots of time at the lake. Mr. Evans loves to go out on the stand up paddle board. We think he broke his toe recently, so this is an easy exercise for him... :)

Happy Fourth!

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Sweet little Nina can now recite the Pledge of Allegiance at age 2 1/2 (something for which I am very thankful). I love traditions and instilling the pride of this holiday weekend in our daughters. God Bless the USA... today and always.

Enjoy this long weekend - it's my favorite time of the year!

via

Minnesota Weekend

A few weekends ago we traveled up to the Twin Cities area to celebrate my good friend Megan's bridal shower. I'm so honored to be part of her special day in September and the festivities leading up to the big day will be fabulous. Here's the bridal party below! :) The shower was lovely and it was great to see some of my college girlfriends (I'll spare you the story about how I locked my keys in the car at the shower and it took 3 hours for a locksmith to come and about how earlier that day I was over an hour late to the shower due to a bad car accident on the highway). 

We, of course, brought along the girls and stayed at my sister-in-law's house for a long weekend. Here are a few photos from that fun adventure. Here was a similar weekend last year... Como Zoo, St. Paul Farmers Market, delicious food, guys golfing afternoon, time at park and more!!

Nina went on her first two rides at the Como Zoo park. She loved them!!!

In the photo above we're stopped at a gas station for a bathroom and snack break (and of course to feed Mae her bottle). Overall, the five hour car ride went amazingly smooooth!! Here are a few things that kept Nina busy... what do your kids like to do in the car?
- Reading her "Quiet Book" (ours is from One Step Ahead)
- Listening to music (Nina likes the Laurie Berkner Band and regular old nursery songs)
- Reading books and her Highlights magazine
- Monsters University on the iPad
- Playing with her Magnadoodle
- Coloring with this lap tray desk
- Magnetic alphabet letters on an old cookie sheet