Baking 101

There are three simple rules to baking. Rule #1: Always follow the recipe. Rule #2: Don't let it burn. Rule #3: If you fail to follow either of these rules, add icing.

This visually tasty treat started life as Monkey Bread. After deciding that the recipe was lacking in the butter department, a smoke-filled kitchen and copious amounts of cinnamon icing, I'm thinking it may need to be renamed, as it no longer resembles the original. Maybe it needs some chopped nuts...or sprinkles....No, wait, the instant improvement to all baked goods gone bad: ice cream!

Baby Chub

I've been photographing Charlotte every month on her birthday since she turned one month old. She always sports her couture Washington onesie lovingly crafted by Lindsey and "sits" in the black leather chair we have on (permanent?) loan from Paul the Backyard Neighbor. This month she has mastered pulling up to a standing position on just about anything that doesn't move. Hence the awesome shot of some of her deepest chub crevices. It has been just amazing to watch her tiny little chicken legs evolve and change into fluffy tree trunks capable of support and movement. Ah, that movement thing. I fear she will be walking in no time.

You've come a long way, baby!

Boxing

Remember when all you needed to have a good time was a box? Add a blanket and a pillow and you have a really good time.

Even without knowing the contents (roughly one ton of clothing UPS'd from Indiana), to a fertile young mind this box was nothing but endless possibility. In the course of an afternoon it was a bed for Snow White, a ship, a car, a house and a plank off a pirate ship.

Thanks to Lindsey for providing an afternoon's entertainment. Thanks to my kid for reminding me how to find joy everyday.