From Lansing to Burbank

What a treat we had in the visit of my aunt ( mom's sister) and my mom a couple weeks ago! For my aunt's birthday, my uncle gave her a surprise trip to visit my mom in AZ. Part of their time together involved a quick road trip out to visit us! We did our best to show her a piece of our life here in SoCal/Burbank. We went for a walk to our favorite park, did a little shopping downtown and of course tasted some of the fabulous treats at Portos! But most of all we just enjoyed spending time together. So sad that the time always goes so fast, but we are excited to be together again soon in MI for my cousin's wedding! My aunt and uncle have 3 boys, and now they are finally getting a daughter :) Thanks for coming Aunt Ruthie and mom! We appreciate the time you took to spend with us and for all the goodies you both brought.

Sisters having fun together

In AZ, saying goodbye to eachother :(

Catching up

I'll start with the most recent and go back with the latest adventures in the Gutie fam: This past weekend we enjoyed much time with family! First Andrew's dad came into town from Friday to Sunday, and then Sunday night my mom and aunt came to visit. I will post pics from my mom's visit later. We had a wonderful time with Papa Ray and really enjoyed the beautiful weather we have been having here! On Saturday we went to the Burbank farmers market for the first time and it was lovely! Lots of yummy berries and flowers. I purchased some yummy organic butter too :)

For lunch on Saturday we tried this great old place called Chili John's that has been here since the 1940s. What an experience! Andrew found it while trying to get his car smogged- a true gem and a must try. The tiny joint serves everything chili, but the original Texan style. You walk in and seat yourself on the chili bar: one long U-shaped table with all the chili, fixins and the servers in the middle scurrying around in the tight space while you eat literally facing the other people on the other side of the bar. Kind of weird at first :) Family owned and operated, this place had charm! I had chicken chili medium spice. " How would you like that darlin?" said the owner. I had her serve it up as they typically would and a bowl full of spaghetti noodles, beans and the chicken chili on top was placed in front of me! Very interesting combo, but it was quite good. The noodles cut the heat and the beans added a nice texture. Andrew had a chili dog mild and Papa Ray had a tamale topped with hot beef chili. Yum!

A couple weeks ago, Andrew had the Monday off after the Shepherd's conference and we enjoyed a nice relaxing day as a family. We decided to try a new place to go walking and have a picnic lunch. We bundled up the baby and headed to Lake Balboa. It was a beautiful day!

Yes, my son is trying to eat his stroller tray: poor guy will bite on anything right now!

At the very end of February we attended the Seminary banquet which was held at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley. It was fun to see all the students and their wives all dressed up! We enjoyed the delicious food and the great company. We were seated at a table of folks we didn't know and made some great new friends. We are so blessed to be at the Master's Seminary. We are learning so much and it is so exciting to watch my hubby blossom by the Lord's grace into a wonderful preacher of God's Word and a loving pastor of His sheep.

Roasted broccoli with lemon

I made this simple side last week and it turned out great! I really
don't like overcooked veggies-that mushy texture does nothing for me,
and roasting veggies is a great way to preserve their crunch.

Trim two crowns of broccoli into bite sized portions and add to
roasting pan. Drizzle 1-2 T olive oil over as well as a few pinches of
kosher or sea salt and pepper, 2 minced cloves of garlic and about 2
tsp. grated lemon peel. Roast at 375 for about 30 min. stirring every
ten min or so. Enjoy!

8 months and so much fun

Weston just gets more and more fun everyday now! He is more interactive with his world and loves to figure things out. Such a curious George. He is also in major teething mode, but we have been surviving. Our friend Dawn suggested giving him a celery stick and it is by far the best teething remedy! ( and the most economical) Thanks Dawn! Accomplishments for this month so far: making an "m" sound, hopefully he'll be saying mama soon! Putting his paci back in himself, yay! Sitting up and playing by himself for extended periods of time, and figuring out how his jumper works. See pic below :)

I see now....it is all coming together...