More Pictures, Set to Music

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Hi all,

I made a slideshow of some of my favorite pictures from our trip. My apologies as there are a LOT, but I just couldn't cut any more -- so many happy memories, happy faces and beautiful things. Believe me when I tell you that I took (and kept) many more than are here, and that I will look at my own longer version of this slideshow with a smile on my face for years to come.

Next time, let's all go!

Jaye

Thank you!

The amazing people in these photos gave us a trip that none of us will ever forget. It was absolutely incredible. Thanks, also to Pop, Mimi, Brian and Tara for holding down the fort while we were gone, to Small Paul for living without us for over a week, and to Flat Paul for keeping us company and helping us to miss Small Paul less!

The cake monster

We had a wonderful 1st birthday for the little Noodle. Only thing missing was all of you to help pass around the Guiness. Here are the rest of the pics from the day.

Paul is a great kid (we're watching him while Jaye, Matt, Kate, Patrick and Emmett enjoy their vacation in Italy). He's always happy, eats like a champ and loves to laugh and play. He sleeps a lot, though, and often slurs his words - we cannot figure out why. We and he send our love to the rest of the McLaughlins and a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Jaye and Matt.

Sing. sing a song...

A selection of some of our favourite photos. enjoy!

Bird Cuzins

Let us not forget our bird cousins!!! I had the distinct pleasure of meeting some feathered additions to our family on this trip as well. So.... introducing to the blog: Gracie, Lola & Luigi!!!

My Guitar Hero!!!

Family jam rehearsal

Choo choo!!

An Irish Jig...

Orzo, Pine Nut, and Feta Salad

A couple of you have asked me for the recipe to the Orzo Salad I made at Vivian's birthday, so I thought I would post it here.

I also thought it would be a great idea for you guys to share some recipes on here. Please pass along any recipe that you think we would enjoy. I look forward to reading and eating them!


Orzo, Pine Nut, and Feta Salad


Yield: Makes 8 side-dish servings

Ingredients

• 1 pound orzo
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
• 1 1/4 cups feta (6 ounces), crumbled
• 1 cup thinly sliced scallion greens
• 1 small container of grape tomatoes, halved
• Chopped fresh basil

Preparation

Cook orzo in a 6- to 8-quart pot of boiling salted water until tender, then drain well in a colander.

Whisk together lemon juice, oil, and salt and pepper to taste in a large bowl, then add hot orzo and toss. Cool orzo, then toss with pine nuts, feta, and scallion greens. Season with salt and pepper.

Cousins

What a great week, and what a great family. Here are the pictures I promised to share. (Anthony and Teddy are in one, too!)

Anthony's biennium

Happy Birthday O little one! Love, Mom

O Canada in New York