Blink... and Then He's Two...

Wasn't it just yesterday I was announcing to you that my grandson Ethan was born?   Well, he turned two on April 23rd and there was a party for him this last Saturday.

My trip over to see Ethan and his parents started with a ferry ride on Friday.  (be sure to click and see a larger version of the pictures) That's Vancouver Island slipping away behind the ferry. The Strait was flat calm and there were many small sailboats making a dash to the islands for the weekend.

It was my first big trip in the new car by myself and I must say it was wonderful to drive. I had the sunroof open and it was great on the highway.   I went and had a visit with my Dad first who has had three weeks home now and doing so much better.  He looked much healthier, even if still a bit slow. He's improving and that's what counts.  We had a good visit and supper together and I headed to my hotel room for the night.

The next morning I was up and out early and picked up fresh supplies for my contribution to the food table  "Caesar Salad" with the dressing made from scratch!

When I arrived at my son and daughter in law's home,  preparations were well underway and I joined in and washed my greens and made up batches of dressing.

Meanwhile, Ethan is giving me the look.... you know the one that says:  "who are you and why are you here?"

Quite understandable when I live on the Island and can't get over as often we would prefer.  I just gave him his space but kept talking to him anyway....     He's quite the talker and has his own baby lingo for things and so I had to get translations from his Mum from time to time.  He's running everywhere and very focused on  on what ever he is engaged in.   With the party to come, there was a nap break of course...

There had been a lot of work and preparation done for this big day. Balloons and streamers all set, food table all set and the family cats tucked  away, the guests started arriving and before too long the house was full of people.  Family, extended / blended family and friends, cousins, aunts and uncles, grandparents...the whole Gang!

Here the other grandparents are helping with the gifts.  He is one lucky little boy as there was a ton of gifts!  Lego, books and much more. His favourite one? A little blue plastic wagon with wheels that made a huge racket when he pulled it around the house.  There was lasagna, cabbage rolls, meatballs, and of course Caesar salad.  Then there was cake.   Not just one cake but two! (well there were 30-32 people there so more is better.... right?)

The party theme was Elmo and the second cake is a special Italian cake with custard cream and real whipping cream. Totally decadent and totally yummy.

For a toddler who only managed a short nap, he did very well and there were only a couple of moments when a "melt down " seemed pending but disaster was averted.  It was fun but loud, crazy and a whole lot of happy!   When it was all over, everyone was very tired.  Ethan protested every step to bed but crashed instantly.

The next morning Ethan seemed quite happy to be around me and was calling for Nana and showing me his new toys.

Playing with his wagon ... and an empty box! I think he's still a bit tired... I know I sure was!
Before long, he and I were playing hide and seek and he'd jump out from the corner.

I was able to get hugs and kisses and lots of smiles and laughs but sadly I had to go home. We will be back again in June and spend more time, though no doubt we will get 'the face' for a time.

The ride home was equally as nice and there was even a pod of Killer Whales on the port side. The trip is two hours and I managed a nap for an hour.  Being a Nana is hard work!

So if you have read till this point, then you deserve a special bonus:

... Caesar Salad Recipe!

Caesar Salad

Heads of fresh crisp romaine (washed and torn up)

croutons, parmesan cheese, capers, mustard powder, vinegar, black pepper, anchovy paste, one fresh extra large egg,  vegetable oil (I use Becel) garlic clove  to taste.

Blender, salad spinner, large bowl

Wash and spin romaine.

In the blender add: 1/2 cup vegetable oil, one egg, squirt of anchovy paste, fresh black pepper to taste, 1 -2 tsp vinegar,  1/2 tsp mustard powder, 1 tsp drained capers, garlic clove and three large tablespoons of finely grated parmesan cheese.   Whip on high setting until the mix becomes a creamy colour and thickens. (it can take a while if you have an older machine) You can add a bit more cheese if need be. When ready, set blender jug into the fridge to chill. 

When ready to serve, sprinkle croutons onto of greens and spoon out dressing and toss well to coat the greens. Serve right away.  Be careful to refrigerate leftover dressing and dispose of left over mixed salad if not all eaten.  Refrigerated dressing will keep one day and then throw away if not used. 

If you need to make a very large salad, make a few batches and combine as this recipe does not double well. Better to make small batches and combine in one container.

This recipe was originally given to me by an Italian friend who came from Naples back in the mid 1980’s….

Enjoy!

Has It Been a Year Already?

This is our grandson Ethan and this picture was taken this past Friday evening. We had traveled to the Vancouver area and were staying with his parents, our son and daughter in law.  The first thing we noticed was how much he's grown. No, not the obvious growth that comes at this  stage, but he has long legs and appears to be very tall. It seems he got the "tall genes" from my side of the family and will tower over his mother in a few years hence!

Ethan is also starting to associate words with actions now and so is becoming a patty cake expert, high five's with the best, wriggle dances, and is almost there with blowing kisses when asked.  He has waving "bye bye" down pat. He's very curious about everything around him and it was a treat to watch him discover things and of course it all ends up in his mouth. He crawls like a pro and is lightening fast! You open the dishwasher and he's there in a flash. He's determined to see what's inside and dashes to help every time he hears the door open.  Ethan is very close to walking and that's when the fun and games will really start.

There was a party for the little man. A cozy gathering of 35-40 friends and family! DIL worked like a demon to get the house clean, decorated and the food organized and it turned out wonderfully...

And of course there was cake! Actually two of them. There were a lot of people!

They were both yummy but my favourite was the Italian cake that has a custard cream filling. I'll have to find a shop that sells them over here on the Island!

There were funny hats to wear and candles to blow out.... lots of people singing and taking pictures and then this....

It was inevitable I guess....it was all too much. Dad took him for a break outside for some fresh air and a time out from all the noise and people.  He came back his usual happy self and ready for TOYS!

There was quite a haul of toys for him to play with and much needed larger sized clothes. We got him an Elmo plate, bowl, cup and mini flatware set, complete with sippy cups. Some bright swim shorts for his tots swimming class, a toy train that recites the alphabet and some handwoven baby bibs (made by Martha of  Thistle and Rose Handweaving).  I had hoped to get a picture of him wearing one, but he pulls everything off and after the day he had, I wasn't adding to his over stimulation!

So why didn't I make them? Well, I'm really not much of a sewer and I had also left it too late to start a project. Martha's bibs are simply beautiful....  I know they will get a lot of use as Ethan is teething again and is feeding himself small food items, so meal times are messy!

Here I am with my grandson. He looked so grown up in his little shirt and dress pants. He had a clip on tie but that didn't last 20 seconds!

Thanks for indulging me this personal post.....it did have a small bit of weaving in it!
We had a lot of fun but it sure is nice to be home and we're still getting settled back into our routine... It seems that spring has hit here for sure and so besides housework and  laundry, there will also be window washing and cleaning off decks and tackling gardens. Weaving will be done on a break from the work.   We got to get caught up around here!