Family reunion. . . . .

I spent the perfect weekend with the family in Hutchinson.  I arrived Friday afternoon after a long nap and a quick detour through Bogey's in Salina (the BEST local burgers, fries, and chocolate diet dr pepper!)  Friday night was tv, reading, and knitting the softest pair of booties ever!  (Before any rumers get started, these were for a co-worker.)  Saturday was the annual Hutchinson chili cook-off and a trip to one of my fave thrifties where I scored many fabulous things.  If only the chili were as fabulous. . . . .Saturday night was a repeat of Friday, with a nice glass of Macaroni Grill Chianti thrown in for good measure. 


That brings us to Sunday, the annual Stoughton family reunion.  I ended up running into some old friends/3rd cousins that I used to get into a wee bit of trouble with back in grade school.  I remember a distinct incident where we died my 3 foot long hair fiery red and braided it into dreads.  Mom, have you recovered from that shock yet? 

It was absolutely fabulous spending time with the family and eating some of great-grandma Edna's caramel corn along with 2 pieces of apple pie and a piece of pecan pie and a few coconut cupcakes. . . .

On the menu for today. . . .

Blackberry cobbler courtesy of Martha Stewart.  Can't wait!

Why I love government holidays. . . . .

I made it out to the Fort early Thursday morning without much adventure.  Spent the entire day "inprocessing", which means I go around the hospital and get signatures from the various departments (credentials, computer training, the library, L&D, the clinic.)  A little weird to see army fatigues and to hear - Sargaent this, and Major that.  Definitely did not see GI Jane.  After getting a good 2/3rds of my inprocessing done everyone had gone home for the day so I made my way over to L&D to work for the night --- ALL night.  Luckily there was just one delivery so I did manage several little catnaps, though when my shift was done there was no way I was going to be able to make it down the long highway to Hutchinson. Four hours and a lukewarm shower later I was ready to hit the road.

I'm wrapping up on an awesome weekend!  Got to see the extended family, eat some good food, sip on some Arbor Mist, and read an entire book.  What a luxury!  The twins have gotten SO BIG -- I can't believe
last time I saw them they were only 6 months old and beginning to crawl.  Now they're running all over the place and are cute as can be.

Mason is a ball of energy - always smiling and laughing, trying to keep up with the older girls.  He gives the biggest hugs and kisses to grandma and is absolutely adorable when he pouts.

I've got to give a quick shout-out to the most delicious and decadent chocolate ripple cheesecake made by Miss Kangaroo Stacy.  Wow!  Who needs cheesecake factory when you've got a baker like her in the family.

Getting geared up for another week of adventure at the Fort.  Ciao!  Missing my hubby and kitties!  XOXO.