Jack and Annie

The Magic Tree House, Passport to Adventure, tour traveled through Jackson so we went, of course.  Since first grade Ethan has read 40 MTH books!  We picked Eric up from work and headed to The Cedars, a historic home turned events facility.  The grounds are beautiful.  Only in Mississippi do you get your snack of a fresh satsuma, juice, and pretzels underneath a magnolia tree.  Ethan and Graham were super excited to see the tour bus and pick out a book of their choice.  Noah thoroughly enjoyed just walking around outside with Eric.  The play took place outside in the back underneath the huge trees.  Sadly, we didn't know to bring a picnic blanket, but the ground was fine.  The kids didn't care.  The actors playing Jack and Annie did a wonderful job. Graham thought it was funny that the actors were older.  He said, "Jack is a man?  I thought he was a little boy!".  He is a funny one.

Meeting Jack and Annie was a highlight for Ethan.  We ended the night hanging out on the porch watching the kids play outside. Love these moments as a family.

Pretty Things and Lemon Pie

I am in love with the new Mara Mi line at Target.  The colors and patterns are perfect for a Spring party, Easter, or just because.  You can check it out here.

Lemon pie is one of Eric's faves.  This recipe was given to me by my mother-in-law.  Everything she makes is delicious.  It is easy and a crowd pleaser.  Enjoy!!

(Paperware--Mara Mi for Target)

Nana's Lemon Pie

Ingredients:

Filling:

1/2 cup lemon juice
zest of 1/2 lemon
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

2 eggs, separated

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

3 or 4 tbls white sugar

Graham Cracker Crust:

1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers

1/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup butter, melted

Combine crushed graham crackers and sugar; add butter blending well.  Press into an ungreased 9 inch pie plate.  Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until browned.  Cool on wire rack before adding filling.

To Make:

Combine sweetened condensed milk and egg yolks.  Slowly add lemon juice and zest until it thickens and is well blended.  Pour into crust.

In a separate dry mixing bowl beat egg whites with cream of tartar until foamy.  Slowly add sugar while continuing to beat egg whites until stiff.  Spread the meringue over the filling sealing the edges.

Bake at 400 degrees until meringue browns (around 6-7 minutes), watching closely.  Cool.  Refrigerate.

My Oh My What a Wonderful Day

This past Saturday we ventured to the Zippity Doo Dah festival in Fondren--the area where Eric's office is located. It is probably the most "Decatur" like area with older homes with character, mature trees, non-chain restaurants, etc.  So we look at homes in this area a lot.  The big difference is the public schools in town are not an option.  Anyway--back to the festivities...

 In the morning we went to the children's festival--inflatable slides, petting zoo, carnival games, snow cones, etc.  The kids had a blast, and the weather was perfect!   It's hard to beat spin art, toss games, and plastic prizes.

That evening we headed back for the Zippity Doo Dah parade.  Once again--the weather could not have been any better.  We started out on the rooftop patio on top of the firm's building to listen to the band below and check out the sites.  The boys loved it!  The parade is quirky with Sweet Potato Queens, decorated golf carts, and lots of beads.  Turns out Noah is a parade lover and a fan of marching bands. The boy can dance.

There are a lot of fun family things to do...even in Mississippi.  We will probably do most of them:)

Like Coming Home...

If you had told me I would be moving back to my home state of MS after living in Atlanta for 9 years, I would have said "never".  Well...here we are in Jackson, MS.  Life is funny that way.  I'm not sure why it was a surprise seeing as how the idea of this job for Eric has been out there for years even before it was a real possibility.  It was, however, a bit of surprise that we would close on a house and get the official job offer 3 days later!  Eric and I debated for months over leaving GA-- our friends, family, church, an international firm...home.  But home is not really a geographical location.  Home is our family of five together wherever that may be.  So the hunt is on for a house, a church, a school, new friends, favorite restaurants, parks, shops, etc.

My sweet little guys in GA before the move

Let the adventure begin...