Everywhere she goes, she is running and shouting “Come on!” to anyone in sight.

We’ve been doing some adult things lately without Ellie, and she is always asking if she can “come too.” To help her understand what’s ahead, we’ve posted a calendar in the kitchen complete with illustrations by yours truly. I think my stick people are pretty spot on. For those of you with toddlers, how do you explain work (or fun) trips with your little ones?

These two love a good playground.

I love this recipe from Giada. It is so good and really easy. I make it with whole wheat penne instead of the wagon wheel pasta she suggests. No one seems to mind at all.

We’ve taken two trips to Deanna Rose Farmstead this year. Ellie is pretty taken with the cow. I think the admiration is mutual.

I finally tried Jun’s. I’d been meaning to stop by for a while, because I’d heard really good things about the sushi. It was great. Don’t wait as long as did to try it.

Despite the hot weather, I’m starting to see signs of fall. You just have to look really closely – and wipe the sweat out of your eyes.

Pupusas from El Salvadoreno are my favorite. The slaw and salsa make the pork and bean version a winner in my book.

Ellie has started coloring. I think I might like it better than she does.