Nine sticks of butter

Tristen and I had a blast making a super-decadent birthday cake for Bryan. Four layers of chocolate sour cream cake. With butter cream frosting, of course. We decorated the cake with farm animals and dandelion heads. Served in the relaxing atmosphere of Auntie Becca's Farm and Home for Wayward Animals and Friends.

Hey Bryan, we're super glad you were born!

Mother's Day 2011: cedar

This year I made my usual request: a day of family gardening! We did some cardboard mulching, planted seeds (late this year on account of cold, rainy weather!), and replaced our dead Japanese Maple with a weeping cedar. Let's hope the tree takes this year!

(Actually, we're calling it a "chilled out" cedar, because we don't like the depressing thought of a weeping tree.)

Tristen and I also made one of our butterfly pies. For the life of me, I couldn't find the damned rolling pin. Had to use a mason jar and teensy playdough roller to prepare the crust.

Eric Compas comes West

In early April, geographers from all over the world descended upon Seattle for a week-long conference. We were lucky enough to get Eric out a few days early.

He and Chris took the baidarkas for a spin. I'll let Chris tell his story about showing Eric the ropes in navigating the Montlake Cut.

We had such a great weekend. But next time, we're hoping to get Lori, Tom, and Anna, too!