Our princess

Yesterday, Annika ran a few errands after I picked her up from school.

We needed cat food. Let's just say that Smudge gets rather cranky when we run out of his food and he expresses that crankiness by reminding us of his sharp parts. I don't even want to think about my naked ankles and his ninja-fast claws... owie!

After getting our fat cat his food, we swung by the local consignment shop so I could get Conor some shoes that will (hopefully) not be the tripping hazard that his current shoes seem to be. While at the consignment shop, I found a $3 tiara for Annika. Really, who could resist turning such a sweet little girl into a princess... especially at such a good price? Shockingly, the sun was out in Seattle yesterday afternoon, so Annika insisted on wearing her sunglasses while we were out and about, which upped her already high rating on the cuteness meter.

It tickled me that when we got home, she ran up to Eric and said, "Daddy!! I have a surprise for you! Look, I got a crown!"

Caught red handed!

Last night, Annika and I tried our hands at making our first-ever red velvet cake. Needless to day, both of us are now sporting red splotches on our hand from the massive amount of food coloring that went into the dessert. Fortunately, today we just look messy. Last night, we looked like blood was spattered on our hands.

I'm not quite sure how the color will turn out. The recipe called for 6 T of liquid food coloring, but I don't own any. I only use gel food coloring. So, I had to guess at the amount of gel that went in. Plus, becuase gel isn't as liquid as ... well .. liquid food coloring, I had to add some water to the mixture to get the color to mix with the cocoa powder. I've decided to look at this cake as an adventure!

Tonight, we'll decorate it... stay tuned!!

It's birthday central at our house

For some reason, our family seems to clump birthdays. Last Friday was Eric's dad's birthday. Yesterday was Conor's birthday. Today is Eric's birthday. Holy birthdays, Batman!

To celebrate three generations of Olson men (or in Conor's case, little man) birthdays, I've decided to try my hand at some haiku. (Please hold your applause until the end)

Birthday Haiku #1)
Jack Eric Conor
Our three Olson birthday boys
Party hard you guys

Birthday Haiku #2
Oh birthdays you're here
One babe, two men celebrate
Blow out the candles

Birthday Haiku #3
Three birthdays arrived
Wonderful men, we love you
Everyone parties

Almost 1

Tomorrow is Conor's first birthday. One year ago from right now, we had no idea this sweet baby boy was so close to entering our lives. We have been incredibly blessed to have him in our lives. Today, we had a little celebration to wish Conor a happy birthday.

Out of the mouths of babes

Last night, the four of us were sitting at the kitchen table eating dinner. We were dining on chicken, steamed broccoli, and homemade corn bread. Eric turned to Annika and asked her what her favorite part of dinner was. She said, "eating it."

Eric and I practically bit through our lips to keep from bursting out in laughter. We expected a specific item to be named... that's what we get for trying to anticipate a 3-year-old's responses!

Riley 1999 - 2011

We are very sad to announce that our sweet boy, Riley, has crossed the rainbow bridge and is now playing with Cooper and watching over us from on high. Riley was a fantastic dog who loved his family ... almost as much as he loved peanut butter. We were incredibly lucky to have had him as part of our family for almost 12 years. Eric and I have found comfort over the past few days thinking back on the tender and funny stories that involved Riley. We find ourselves waiting for him to come around the corner at any moment and feel and emotional sting when we remember he isn't here any longer. His old body just couldn't take any more and he told us it was time to go; as hard as it was, we had to let him.

Riley, we miss you so much, old man. Thank you for all of your companionship, funny antics, and unwaivering loyalty.

Annika's Cake Cookie

Yesterday, the kids and I were at U. Village and decided to get some new cookie cutters... just for fun. (Lord knows it isn't because I have a shortage of cookie cutters.) We got a cake shape, a circle (Annika's choice), a Fleur-de-Lis, a crown, and an ice cream cone.

After getting home, we whipped up the dough, cut out our lovely new shapes, and baked 'em right up. Annika could hardly wait to decorate her cake cookie, but decorating a warm cookie just doesn't work out well. She FINALLY got to get her hands on the royal icing and dinosaur sprinkles and had a marvelous time making her masterpiece.