We have been having too much fun this summer for me to keep up on blogging. This is a little of what we've been up to...
I made my first pie from scratch (mixed berry) and it was pretty good. I need more practice making the crust look pretty though, so don't look too closely.
I made my first pie from scratch (mixed berry) and it was pretty good. I need more practice making the crust look pretty though, so don't look too closely.
Jacob's cousin Jacob from Utah got married in the Houston temple (his wife is from here) so we got to go to his reception. It was more like dinner and a show with a Hawaiian theme. There was a buffet of the most delicious pork and chicken, sticky rice, fruit, plus huge slices of chocolate and vanilla cake. Dancing started after we ate and Jacob R. wowed us with his amazing dance moves. Their friend played guitar and sang a beautiful song he had written for the bride and groom's first dance. The church gym looked the prettiest I've seen a gym look for a reception. We were glad we got to go and see Jacob's cousins, even if it was for such a short time.
newlyweds Christine & Jacob
We also got to see Jacob's other cousin, Brandon, and his wife Laura. They live in San Antonio and had come to Houston to visit her grandma, so they invited us over one night. It was fun to spend time with them and catch up on what they have been doing. And her grandma fed us the yummiest strawberry shortcake.
Our friends, Traci and Logan, and their kids came to visit us one weekend. We had fun eating, talking, watching a movie (guys: GI Joe, girls and kids: G-Force), and going to the mall. Part of our time was spent entertaining this cute little guy and his sister while their parents went to the temple. (He was awake while we babysat. This was just the only pic I had of him :)) 
Sydney rock climbed for the first time at the mall. She did such a great job especially since she's only 5 years old! 
found this surprise on my camera after we left Logan in the car with the sleeping kids (note to self: don't leave camera where big kids can find it)
this was our view at the mall while we waited to eat at The Cheesecake Factory
I did get a picture of the Woods all together but it is horribly blurry, so I won't be posting it. We're so happy to have friends that live close by and even happier that they come and visit!
We also got to see Jacob's other cousin, Brandon, and his wife Laura. They live in San Antonio and had come to Houston to visit her grandma, so they invited us over one night. It was fun to spend time with them and catch up on what they have been doing. And her grandma fed us the yummiest strawberry shortcake. 
Our friends, Traci and Logan, and their kids came to visit us one weekend. We had fun eating, talking, watching a movie (guys: GI Joe, girls and kids: G-Force), and going to the mall. Part of our time was spent entertaining this cute little guy and his sister while their parents went to the temple. (He was awake while we babysat. This was just the only pic I had of him :)) Sydney rock climbed for the first time at the mall. She did such a great job especially since she's only 5 years old! found this surprise on my camera after we left Logan in the car with the sleeping kids (note to self: don't leave camera where big kids can find it)this was our view at the mall while we waited to eat at The Cheesecake Factory
I did get a picture of the Woods all together but it is horribly blurry, so I won't be posting it. We're so happy to have friends that live close by and even happier that they come and visit! 
Since we don't have a yard at our apartment, I have been growing a few plants in containers on our front porch. I love to cook with fresh herbs and it's nice to have them right outside my door! I have basil, parsley, thyme, mint, and rosemary. I've been eating the best tomato and basil sandwiches. You just mix about 2 oz. cream cheese, 1 Tb. mayo, 1-2 Tb. fresh basil, chopped (or you can leave the leaves whole and layer with the tomatoes), then spread that on slices of toasted French bread (about 4 or 5 slices). Slice roma tomatoes and place on the bread and sprinkle with black pepper. (You can also melt mozzarella cheese on top.) Yum! 
We have been talking to my family on skype lately. Anyone else done this? It's fun to actually see the person you're talking to and we've been able to show our new apartment to the family. And the best part is that it's free! The only thing we can't do is video conference calls with 3 people. We can hear everyone but not see them anymore. Has anyone else been able to figure this out?
We have been watching this show...
and so far our favorite dancer, Evan, is still in it!! I also liked Melissa and Ade, but they got voted off last week. Are there other fans of this show out there? Who do you want to win? As long as Brandon doesn't win I will be happy.
