Graduation Party 2009

On Saturday we attended our friend's Ph.D. graduation with a good old fashioned East Coast clam bake. Amazing cake that Elise made.

A serious game of 4 Square.


I see you kids.


Nothing more fun than a playground tree house.


Brennan on the swings


A much needed hot dog after all that 4 Square.



Watching over the clam bake






The delicious food.


Congratulations Fosters! And welcome back to town!

Piano Recital May 2009

Thomas and Brennan had their Spring Piano Recital Monday evening. We were so excited that Grandma and Grandpa Rushing were able to visit us! We had a really good time this weekend. The boys LOVED it that they went to their schools to pick them up, went to church with us, and attended their recital (along with the post recital ice cream treat).

Grandma Nan and Granpda Laroy

The players

Now on to the piano pieces. It was a little bit strange because the boys decided to play a duet in addition to their individual pieces. Brennan was first and did not bow after his performance because he had to go back to his seat and wait for Thomas to play before going back up for the duet. They did beautifully. I obviously DID NOT do beautifully with these videos. Chalk it up to trying to "direct", clap, keep eye contact with Brennan when he needed it, and film all at the same time.

We were so proud of them. They practiced hard and did well.

Here is Brennan playing "Willum" in D Minor. I cut off the beginning of his piece.


And Thomas playing "Alouette" in F Major.


And the boys playing Rain Dance/Iona. Brennan played the chords and melody - this is actually a 2nd year song but he chose it and had to learn it. Thomas provided the drum beats.


In addition to church and the piano recital, we enjoyed a number of other activities with Grandma and Grandpa. We went to Ceraland and played 18 holes of putt putt, had two yummy meals at Bistro 310 and The Fork for brunch, visited the outlet mall, and saw "Angels and Demons". We spent a lot of time outside on Sunday - it was really beautiful. Unfortunately pretty chilly off and on and we weren't able to swim. But it was so great to have visitors.

We miss you already! See you next month!

YouTube Clip-of-the-Week

I LOVE THIS! For some reason, my eyes well up with tears when I see this.

The Rob Roy

Jeanne MacGregor, this one is for you since Rob Roy is an ancestor of yours. Warning - I'm not sure you want to order one of these.

Those of you following my Bartending Year on our family blog know that any time David gives something 5 Swizzle Sticks - it's doubtful I'm going to enjoy it. The trend continues.

David very much enjoyed the Rob Roy. And, why not? It's similar to the Manhattan. As with the Manhattan, there are variants of the Rob Roy. A Dry Rob Roy is made with Dry Vermouth. A Perfect Rob Roy is made with equal parts Sweet and Dry Vermouth. I went with the classic.

Rob Roy was a Scottish folk hero and outlaw in the 18th century. His story was fleshed out in Sir Walter Scott's "Rob Roy", published in 1807. Recently Liam Neesom played him in the movie. Rob Roy was from Clan MacGregor and is buried on the shore of Loch Katrine in Scotland.

I could not find any references to the origins of this cocktail. But it's generally assumed it was first mixed and named in the 1940s. It is named after Rob Roy because of his red hair and Scotch heritage.

David's Swizzle Stick Ratings
The Rob Roy - 5 Swizzle Sticks

Rob Roy - Scotch Whiskey, Sweet Vermouth, Angostura Bitters. Add the Scotch, Vermouth, and a dash of Angostura Bitters to an Old Fashioned cocktail glass. Swizzle and fill with a mix of cubed and crushed ice.

I used Dewar's Scotch because we had it and David said, "oh it's fine if it's going in a mixed drink", but I understand from my Scotch expert, that Johnnie Walker Red or Black label is definitely preferred.

Yes, I sipped. I'm not sure my esophagus has forgiven me.

Thomas's Race at Mill Race Park

Thomas participated in the Elementary Fitness Run yesterday. It was his first year. He ran a half mile, having never trained for this or practiced. He did great!


3rd and 4th graders lined up at the starting/finish line.


And they're off!


Thomas crossing the finish line! You know it took a lot out of him because he wasn't interested in the post-race hot dogs, lemonade, chocolate chip cookies, or Doritos. He just wanted water.


Showing off on the playground after the race.

We really love Mill Race Park. After the race we walked around the park before heading back to the car.

The playground


The two-sided amphitheater and watch tower.


Side view of Round Lake. These pictures just don't do the park justice.


Round Lake and the covered bridge

Happy Mother's Day!

To my own Mommy and all the others I know and love, have a wonderful, wonderful day today.

The boys are going to cook breakfast for me so mine is starting off very well!

Stinkers. Christmas 2007. Had to have their creepy crawlies in the photo shoot. Classic Thomas and Brennan.