Oktoberfest

Hard to believe that another Oktoberfest has come and gone. This year was especially fun. The weather was beautiful. And it was such a nice mix of new and veteran 'festers. I'm also super-appreciative of all the help– from Mom's beloved potato salad to Deb's delicious pie, Steph's sugar cookies and Andrea's sweet treats. Kenny and Jen supplied one very potent case of German porter. And thanks to Tara and Cynthia and their big backyard (it's all relative!), the kids had much more room to frolic about.

Though this was technically Esme's second Oktoberfest, this year she was much more involved in the festivities. Here she is scooting about, eating a hard pretzel like a good kleines mädchen.








I'm only guessing here, but I think one of Esme's favorite parts about Oktoberfest was being able to share the head of the table with her BFF and next-door nabe, Sofia. We all agree that the girls eat best when stealing each other's food!


Here are some more fun highlights...

Bienvenue Chez Chicco

Welcome to Chez Chicco. We have a tantalizing menu today that we're sure you'll find very appealing. For starters we offer a silky-smooth purée of yogurt and ripe avocado. What's more, our staff will be delighted to spoon each bite directly in your mouth. Then to ensure you won't grow bored waiting for the next course to appear we have an amuse-bouche of only the finest kidney beans (organic and free range). Throw them? On the floor? Mais oui, no problem. The customer is king here at Chez Chicco. Coming up next you'll find matchsticks of boiled carrot each precision-cut for your dining pleasure. And the pièce de résistance. . . whole-wheat penne topped with a dollop of Zippy Cheese Sauce à la Moosewood. To quaff alongside your meal, whole milk, bien sûr, served up in your favorite sippy cup. Bon appetit, petite mademoiselle.

Labor Day

We had a fun-filled Labor Day weekend. We started out with a quick day-trip to Sandy Hook National Park– just an hour's drive to what is truly a beautiful beach with lots of hiking and other activities to offer as well. Here's a short clip of Esme dipping her toes in the Atlantic.






Though we remembered to bring snacks and drinks, etc. I neglected to bring a change of clothes. Or towels for that matter. I mean, we're going to a beach. Who brings towels!? Fortunately Esme can still rock the diaper-only look, and seemed to really enjoy herself in the process: