This past weekend was a festive one! Andrew’s brother Bill and his family (some of my very favorite people in the whole world) visited, making it feel a lot like the holidays. Something about the month of January can be hard, even the end of it. But I have found that making plans and celebrating with friends and family, sometimes for no good reason, is the best way to hunker down for the rest of winter.
We hosted a little dinner party on Saturday night and were so thrilled to be able to meet our friends’ newest baby- a little boy named Charlie whose big sister (still a babe herself) is just as sweet as pumpkin pie. We had the ingenius idea of feeding the kids first, then letting them watch a little movie while we adults ate. It was soooo much more peaceful and relaxed! We had beef stew, bread, baby kale salad with crispy prosciutto, and plenty of wine… and cream puffs for dessert. With a fire in the fireplace it was cozy. Poor babes had to leave early and go to sleep, but we still had a great evening! 
The whole weekend was wonderful. Milo has taken such on such a love for his Uncle Billy, who showered him with so much attention; they played a million games of war, built with Magna Tiles for hours, and wrestled around a lot. Milo and Reina are great pals, and Oliver and Liam also get along great (for the most part, ha!). Emil batted his eyelashes for Reina and she spoiled him silly. It’s just so great to see these relationships develop!
After the cousins left, there were discussions about why we don’t live in Ohio like everyone else (!) and we encouraged the boys to have plenty of down time Sunday afternoon. They get so emotional when people we love leave, but I guess we all do- it’s bittersweet. We love you, Billy, Annie, Reina, & Liam!
P.s.- Milo and Oliver wanted to share this video with Liam, who missed their previous Magna Tile Domino creation. Enjoy!
Liam was really impressed with your domino magna tiles, thanks for adding it for him. Have a happy and relaxing birthday lady! We miss and love you guys so much! Thank you for such a fun time.
What a fun way to spend the weekend – it’s so special to be surrounded by family like that. xo!
Happy birthday!!! I hope you have a wonderful day. We had such a wonderful time on Saturday. Brian has said multiple times what a great cook you are. Please tell the boys I ask the same question about Ohio all the time… there are some special people there 🙂 Can’t wait to get together again soon!
happy birthday, Lauren
Could I also have the recipe for the salad please?
Sure, Jamie! The salad was inspired by this one:
http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/salad-of-bitter-greens-with-balsamic-glazed-prosciutto
All I did differently was substituted baby kale for all the bitter greens. The dressing, prosciutto, and methods are all the same. Oh, and I took the prosciutto out of the pan before adding the balsamic vinegar. In other words, I fried it in butter, removed, then added the vinegar to the pan drippings. Enjoy!
January needs parties and family and dress up (and certainly doesn’t need stomach bugs!) I’ll try not to be jealous of your amazing looking weekend.
This looks like such a cozy, good time. You’re right, little plans and events like this can really get you through the rest of the winter.
I noticed the woman holding the bebe right away! Itty bitty person = divine! and the way she is holding him, her contentment, bleed right through my computer screen and make me long for soft cheeks, warm necks and chubby, unstable legs. And for my own Mom to hold me that way just for five minutes more. What a happy (i presume?) mother.
That said, Milo and his gorgeous girl cousin look like siblings. And he, quickly growing into young man, is cheeky, handsome, with round toes and a lining of Royal Tenebaums.
If all other celebrations fail you on your birthday, know your life general is an amazing feat. You imbue a loving happiness. Raising a glass to you and the joy you inspire in many. Xxoo
Oh, Maggie! Thank you! I am not worthy of such praise!
And you know, the woman holding the petit bebe is Annie, who is actually not his mama! But she has that mothering thing down pat. A natural nurturer in every sense of the word. I am so lucky to have all of these people (you included) in my life!!!
Looks like a fun visit, and I just love that Emil is now wearing that costume… makes me realize how long I’ve been keeping up with these sweet boys! 🙂