MIA, home tomorrow

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It has been such a treat being home with my parents, sister, grandma and the boys. I know I've been pretty darn absent on Em-i-lis, but this family time is so special. And being on the bayou, in the slowness that is SW Louisiana is so relaxing. Just look at this view from my parents' porch. Aah! I head back to DC tomorrow for six days alone in my home with T and Percy. T and I are going to build a playhouse for the boys, I'm going to cook and read a ton, and then we'll head to Philly right before the kids return. They are so darling and funny. I know I'm going to miss them a lot, but I will say that doing the flights home tomorrow by my own self does sound pretty luxurious. I've got two books packed, no three!, and can't wait.

Miracle of miracles, the swim teacher I hired here in Lake Charles has worked magic and Jack can swim! Jumps in the pool! Loves it! Swims without floaties or goggles! Oliver is even jumping in! I couldn't have asked for more. Here they are, post-swim!

Incredible dinner

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Dinner last night was really a treat. Despite the absence of my trusty Thermapen, I managed to cook our steaks perfectly.  The mint-pistachio pesto was a hit, as was the arugula salad with roasted peaches and mozzarella, and the plum tart. Between the pasties and our feast to end the day, I'd say we ate really, really well! The bayou is calm and sparkling right now, and we're going to have a lazy morning and then see Spiderman and send the kids off to Day 2 of swimming lessons which, thus far, have been incredibly successful. Amen! Finally! I can't tell you how much money we have spent on Jack's lessons thus far only to have him finish each and every one with dry hair. You can imagine that so far his skills have not advanced much.