Let's see... where were we?

It was Thursday that I last blogged. Oh, the things we've seen since then. Friday was full of kid things. Chloe came to breakfast, followed by a visit with Lucia for a few hours of giggling and such. Then finally, miraculously, we got a quiet dinner at home with all three of our family members. Our whole unit. Sitting, eating, talking to each other. That ended a pretty sweet day with a really sweet night. Cuddling ensued. I'll leave the rest up to you. Saturday we awoke with a charge. Yesterday had an energy all it's own, the likes I have not seen since last BocceDay. Yes, Bocce Day! Chloe and I met my parents in Carpinteria at the annual Avocado Festival;) around 9 something am... upon getting sufficient avocadoing we headed to Ojai, or rather lake Casitas for their annual Big Chili Cookoff. Canon, our fun loving brother, was representing the Deer Lodge with an exceptional chili of his own cooking. He also built the booth (incredible, photos to follow) and ran the thing solo. Even if by some mistake they accidentally give the grand prize to some other chili cooker, we know, in our hearts, it's Canons victory. So, after some chili and chatter we drove back to Carpinteria, had dinner together, said goodbye to my folks and got back home to Benny. Around 8 pm his dad (grandpa Gary) arrived with his lady friends and we all caravanned to Oakleigh for their (our) annual Bocce Ball Tournament. Lot's of annual things this day. Oakleigh is the home of some of our most amazing friends and family and, some would argue, the heart of our community. Just the sight of it's whimsical, colorful yard is enough fuel for weeks of inspiration. It's dreamy, surreal party atmosphere, along with the light of the moon and conversation over laughter set to music... it's just like walking through a fairytale... Our friends being the fairies. I couldn't stop smiling. Jess and Abe came, in golden sashes, to defend their title. I'll post the outcome as soon as it outcomes. So, we got home really late and slept pretty late. Woke up to a brown out... even stranger than a black out... and now the electricity is back on and with the help of a cup of coffee, mine too is back on and we're ready to do today.