Last time I was at Dino Town, I was maybe 6 years old, and I believe it was called "Flintstone Park". I assumed that Nich had never been there (being from Terrace and all), but apparently their family made the long road trip twice!

So, needless to say, we were pretty excited to go experience Dino Town all over again, through the eyes of our little Eva. She enjoyed the oversized Dino slide, the Treehouse and all its stairs (that's her new obsession- stairs), and she even ate french fries! I know, miracle.

It was a great afternoon, but I must say, I'm exhausted!

In this family, every birthday, anniversary, and Christmas fall in November and December. Which makes for a very festive, party-ful two months. But, halfway through the year we start to miss the balloons, cake, presents and family get-togethers. So, last year we decided that at the end of June, every year, we would make our own holiday: Braam Day. Complete with balloons, presents for Eva, and Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake.

Twas a fantastic day.

If I wasn't an espresso addict before, I am now. My brother and his wife so kindly brought my Rancilio Silvia up from the States for me (thank. you. so. much). I think I am indebted to them forever.

So, I know you want to know how my barista experience has been thus far. The Rancilio Silvia is known to be a very finicky machine. This is because, unlike other machines in its class, it doesn't have a pressurized portafilter (which is kind of a cheater way to get espresso with crema). This requires more skill from the barista. Everything has to be right: grind setting, dose, tamp, heck I'm even learning how to temperature surf my machine so there is one less variable that can mess up my shots.

Have I achieved the perfect espresso shot, you ask? Almost.

I can get a shot that fits the golden rule (2 oz. in 20-28 seconds). And I've seen more crema than I ever thought possible from a home machine. I am still working on consistency though. I won't bore you with any more details, but this is where temperature surfing Miss Silvia comes in.

Oh, what fun. I am having so much fun!

And if you stuck with me that long, you must love espresso. You should come over and enjoy some with me.

It is so beautiful...

Congratulations to Darin and Deanna and their new bundle of joy!

I have nothing to blog about (other than, I JUST booked our vacation to the Mayan Riviera! But i'll tell you all about that another time) So, anyway, on to pictures...

Toting around her "baby"

Dressed in our Sunday Best