A Day in the Park

We spent some time in the park (well, two different parks, actually) with the Spangler girls this weekend. And, in an attempt for Lauchlin to finally learn how to properly use her fancy camera (after having it for nearly three years), we used our time with them and the nice weather as a chance to capture some good photos of these growing girls. Here are a few of the favorites from the "photo shoot":

Pork and Play

Last Friday, we enjoyed one of our very favorite Weight Watchers recipes, Pork Marrakesh. It's one of those we've been dying to make again. So, we did. And, we invited Sandy over to enjoy it with us.

After dinner, we all headed to Parkside Playhouse to watch "Gold in the Hills," famous for being the world's longest running melodrama. It was opening night for the production's short spring run at the theater. It was Sandy's first time to see the show. She was nice enough to tag along as Lauchlin re-entered the world of journalism for the night. She has started freelancing for The Vicksburg Post's new quarterly magazine, Vicksburg Impressions. The story on "Gold" is one of several she will write for the magazine's first issue.
Here she is interviewing one of the cast members:

For Olivia, it was a walk down memory lane. She once played the part of the heroine, Nelly, a gig that, apparently, bought her a lifetime ticket to "Gold." After she paid, the ticket lady told her that, as a past cast member, she didn't have to pay admission, a perk we never knew before then.
Here she is reciting some of her lines — perhaps even our favorite line, "Lips that touch liquor shall never touch mine!" ...

If you haven't seen "Gold in the Hills," we highly recommend it...at least once. And, as for the pork dish, it doesn't disappoint. See for yourself:

Fries With That...

Make that cottage fries with feta dressing! We couldn't resist a stop at Keifer's for this goodness...


We were in Jackson for a fundraiser for Backyards & Beyond. It's back in Jackson until April 1. It's the last time the 80 paintings will be shown all together



Go experience it!


And, do try the cottage fries...and chicken gyro! They're our faves!

-- Post From My iPhone

Porch Season

We took advantage of the nice weather this past weekend and had two consecutive porch nights.
The first, we spent alone with a couple of good beers and a nice sunset:




The next night was spent with a few friends...




Baby David had a special date with Sandy while his parents finished packing for their trip. We were all happy to spend some quality time with our rapidly growing neighbor. He's a natural at porch-sitting.

He hung out...


Drank...



And, eventually, passed out...



What a cool kid. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree of his porch-loving parents...




Porch Season is officially open!

-- Post From My iPhone

Four Years Ago Today...

This baby cat was just being born. Within the next three weeks she would be dropped from the top of her garage home, abandoned by her mother, meet a big sister (Mojo), be treated for fleas and a cyst and (eventually) learn to eat solid food on her own. What a long, strange trip it's been. Happy Birthday, Clemmie!

It's a Sunshine Day

We enjoyed the sunny weather by grilling in the backyard with friends today...



Even Little David and Carmella were soaking up some of the rays.



Thanks to Sandy and her recent fridge and freezer purging, the grill was full of good eats. We had fish and chicken and veggies. Snacks were provided by Jenny, who drove all the way from Clinton for the impromptu gathering! And, for dessert...


It was a Weight Watchers masterpiece that was to die for. And, we can't forget the "porch punch" Sandy whipped up from leftover rums and frozen juices.
We are certainly hoping for more sunny afternoons like this one!

-- Post From My iPhone

BOY, Do We Love Babies?!

Lauchlin went with our friend, Katie, to find out some big news:
It's a boy!



Not a very good shot, but she did capture the moment of truth on video!
And, as the video shows, Katie's pretty happy about it...


She had been hoping for a boy even though we had all recently been talking about all of the fun ways to fix little girls' hair.
Maybe Baby Boy Carter can get some tips and pointers from David, who visited this end of National last Friday.



He's getting bigger by the minute...


And stylin' in his car and truck pajamas.
We are loving all of this baby time!

-- Post From My iPhone