Ice Cream and Fish

Slow Food Atlanta's Ice Cream Social

A few weeks ago Louie was entered into an ice cream contest with several Atlanta chefs competing against him. Me, Bella, my Mother-in Law, Sister-in Law and niece and nephew all went to taste Louie's buttermilk blackberry ice cream with pecan streusel. I can't say we didn't enjoy tasting the competition, but we were mightly partial to Louie's yummy creation.  To add to the fun there was a jazz band with a belly dancer! It was truly entertaining.

This weekend, Louie will be participating in another competition - the Peach Jam - a cobbler contest. I'll post photos, hopefully the winning cobbler!

Gone Fishin'

Bella's grandfather, Paw Paw, had been wanting to take her and Louie on a fishing trip together one afternoon. I was not present so I can't detail the trip, but I received a few snapshots with the comments that Bella got scared by a water snake and when they did hook a fish, she did not want to touch it.... well I guess she truly IS my daughter. ha ha.

Ladies Weekend

My Godmother, Aunt Tina decided to visit our family for a long weekend. We decided since her 50th birthday was coming up that we all would surprised her with a ladies weekend in the mountains. Luckily, we have a very generous family friend who allowed us to use her mountain house. The house is BEAUTIFUL - not only is the house itself wonderful, but the views are breathtaking...

One afternoon we planned to have a teaching lesson from Nonnie and we learn how to make stuffed artichokes. My mom used to make them when I was young - I've always wanted to learn. We each took a part in the preparing of the artichokes and then thoroughly enjoyed eating them once they were done.

There was an attempt to spend the early afternoon at the pool, but when we got to the community pool, it was in no shape for swimmers. We settled for some relaxing time by the pool chitt-chatting.

Later that day we drove to a local vineyard... unfortunately seconds after we got there there was a massive downpour that stranded us for at least 45 minutes.  The sommelier was very sweet and entertained us with some stories and of course wine samples as we waited.  

Wrapping up the weekend we went out the last night to a nice restaurant. This opportunity away from the everyday life was a nice break to spend as a family - 4 generations of women. I treasure these moments and hope to pass along such traditions of quality time to my daughter.

A Tea Party

Bella asked mom and Nonnie to join her for a tea party in her play room and I simply had to capture this priceless moment:

Adopting Piccolina

For Father's day we all decided to give my dad an extra special gift... a new dog! Our family dog, Lucky Lady, passed away a few years ago and since then we had not been able to fill her "shoes". 

I did some research and with Mom's blessing, we planned to take Dad to the Atlanta Humane Society. We didn't tell him where we were going and we blind-folded him till I gave him a small wrapped box with a collar inside...

It was fun to walk around and check out all the sweet dogs that were available for adoption. 

Mom and Dad chose a quiet, terrier mix, 1 year old female dog. We all helped pick a name for the adorable new addition to the family; an Italian word meaning tiny, is what we chose: Piccolina (Pee-ko-lina) - Picca for short.

She warmed up to our family very quickly and we look forward to spending time with her this weekend when we celebrate Father's Day.

Tiny Dancer

Now that Bella is a little older, Louie and I decided to see if we could peak her interest and sign her up for an activity. Since our little lady has such natural rhythm we put her in a ballet class. I'm probably just as excited as she is because I have always pictured my little one in a leotard and tutu. 

Her first class went really well for the most part - naturally she cried a little because she didn't know anyone. I stayed in the room while the teacher was working with them till Bella looked more comfortable. It wasn't but after 5 minutes that she was smiling and laughing  -so I felt relieved. The teacher had them doing all sorts of cute dance related activities including using props like princess wands and fairy wings. All I can say is how heartwarming it was to watch her from outside the class and see how happy this made her.

"Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli"

Our good friend, my sister's boyfriend, Andy, had a birthday that we missed last month because we were on vacation. We decided to make it up to him by making his favorite... Cannoli's! It was an interesting process, but as a true Italian, I felt it was necessary to experience making them from scratch :)

Whipping up the creamy goodness

The dowels to make the shape as they are fried

Bella found it interesting too

Ta-Da!

He was so happy - totally worth the effort to make them.