Papaya Mom

Ben, Niki, Beefy Eathy (Ethan) and Pookie Doo (Lucas) went to the airport this morning. It was so fun to see them all even if Papaya and Lucas were not the best play partners. This is not to say they were not both very impressed with the presence of each other, yet neither know how to play gentle yet so there was a lot of accidental ear pulling and gumming of one another. Lucas is tougher, he has a big brother. Papaya is a crybaby, but what more can you ask of a princess?

So far our trip has been great! On Sunday we attended Salem Christian Fellowship, the Church that Adventure Dad grew up in and the family has now returned to after a few years away. The congregation will soon be voting on an application from a new pastor, some in the family seem excited while others are reserved about this guy. I pray for them that this works out, it will be so nice to see this Church grow again. Adventure Dad has such nice memories of sitting there as a child, unable or allowed to move, you know…the good stuff!

Sunday afternoon we had a family BBQ thrown by Aunt Wendy and family. It was almost rained out until we realized it could be moved to Grandma and Grandpa Petzoldt’s new garage that Dad/Jake/Wyatt build for them this last summer. It is huge and sturdy, good Bruce Petzoldt construction, and it was perfect! We ate the local BBQ Chicken which seems to have a vinegar and spice based marinade, corn on the cob, baked beans and a few versions of potato and macaroni salad and some brownies. It was so nice to see the Petzoldt side of the family including Adventure Dad’ aunts, uncles, and cousins. I got a chance to catch up with Adventure Dad’ cousin Angie and her Husband, they live in Lowville and she and I email each other every so often.

I also got my first chance to cook dinner here, which is always a treat for me. I get to make big portions and everyone seems to like my cooking. In addition, there are many hands to hold Papaya here so I’ve got time. I made Shoyu Chicken thighs baked in the marinade and “my” Pasta Salad for dinner.

Shoyu Chicken:
1 small Jar Soy Sauce Lite
3 Tablespoons Crushed Garlic
2 inches Ginger, sliced
1 bunch Green Onions, sliced
1 Tablespoon Sesame Oil

I mixed the above ingredients and then added 8 chicken thighs and cooked in a 325 degree oven for 1 1/2 hours so the chicken was tender and cut with a fork!

Caprese Pasta Salad:
1 small box Grape Tomatoes, sliced
1 box Basil, chopped
1 block Mozzerella, diced
1 box Pasta, cooked with Garlic Powder in the water
4 Tablespoons Olive Oil

Toss it all together in a bowl and sprinkle with parmesan cheese…yum! This seems to be Adventure Dad’ new favorite lately.

We are hoping to go and see Grandma and Grandpa Hirschy, but as of now Grandma has a cold. She promises to call when she’s feeling better. Adventure Dad is also planning a hiking trip with his Dad & brothers and I’m planning a trip for us to visit our friends Greg & Noelle Johnson in Albany.

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