My sister Nicki and my niece Hanna arrived Wednesday night. Hanna spent the day with me and the kids while Nicki went to a training class. We awoke to a wet, cold morning - but all three kids tromped outside with me to plant my long awaited WaySide Gardens plants, ordered by mail. We got all of them in, without too much muddy laundry to follow.
Friday was bustling as we hoed the garden (thank you, thank you to my sister, who did most of it!!). We cleaned house, tidied up and then headed off to the swimming pool. Friday was a beautiful, sunny day. Friday night the kids went to see Kung Fu Panda with Nicki and Katrina, a wonderful young lady friend of ours. Kevin and I did our first precinct walking (technically driving - we were in our home precinct which is mostly homes with large lots and acreage). My mother arrived around 8pm in time for Nicki to skate out for a date. The kids were in bed and Kevin and I went out to Mojo's our local hang out for some hot wings and beer (I was drinking root beer, feeling really old considering the rest of the crowd at 10pm on a Friday night!).
Saturday was CultureFest in Brighton, and we'd arranged for volunteers to come help pass out helium balloons and wear Kevin Priola t-shirts. It was quite a success! If you were there, and you were helping, and you're reading this -thank you!!! My dad was in town for the day, so it was fantastic to spend the day with my mom, dad, and sister! We finished the evening at a Pig Roast, aptly title Hog Heaven. Our neighbors do this every year, and this was the 5th one. Delicious food, and over 100 people! I tasted a salad that I went back for 2 times (I passed up the amazing dessert table in order to have more salad!). My neighbor Caroline made it, and it is an Italian recipe for rice and vegetables. It sounds so simple - rice, ham, havarti cheese, vegetables in vinegar, olive oil and salt and pepper. I've got to get the proportions! My mouth is watering ...
Sunday we went to church. Then we cleaned up again and prepped for a party. Nicki, the kids and I went to my cousin Lisa's graduation party for a while then headed home to our own BBQ. My mom drove as Kevin drove his precinct again. The purpose for this is to get out and meet the voters, hand out campaign literature and ask for yard sign commitments.
We hosted another campaign event, this time trying to get to know people in our House District 30. I expected 20, prepped for about 40, and fed over 50. We had a gorgeous display of potluck items. We really enjoyed getting to know everyone and talking a little local politics! My mom was the grill master and I couldn't have done it without her help, or my sister's!!!
Our new little daughter!
Mari Elizabeth
