Laurel Elisabeth Stevens

I just have to say that I was pretty excited tonight to have my first grilling success (and this is Laurel writing). I did it all by myself (with a super recipe) and everyone loved it. And another thing I learned: it's awfully peaceful out there by the grill when everyone else is inside! Gotta remember that--it's even worth withstanding the 100+ temperature. Grilled Peaches and Pork Tenderloin (from Cookie Magazine) In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup of tamari, 1/2 cup of white wine, and 1/3 cup of olive oil (I used grapeseed oil). Whisk in 1 tsp of Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp brown sugar and 1 tsp of dried thyme. Reserve 1/4 cup of the marinade. Place 2 pork tenderloins in the rest, then cover and chill for 1 to 3 hours. Grill pork for 15 to 20 minutes, brushing with reserved marinade and turning once, until a meat thermometer in the thickest part reads 150 degrees. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush 4 large peach halves (peeled) with the reserved marinade. Place them on the grill,...

It is summer--we've had at least two weeks without rain, temps in the mid to upper 90s every day, but summer doesn't really start until Sunday the 21st. Explain that to a 5 year old. (Actually, she's the one saying that it isn't summer yet and we all say, it must be!) We started June by celebrating John's birthday and going to the zoo. We beat the crowds by going at 8:30 AM, and just barely got in before the heat. But it was fun to be together and enjoy the animals. Henry is having a hard time (naturally) with anticipating events. We'll tell Elisabeth we are going to do something in a week or so, and Henry thinks we're going to do it in five minutes. "I'm ready go to zoo and see amals!" That was 3 days before we went. "Eat cupcakes after nap!" (2 days before Daddy's b'day). "I'm ready to Michigan" (for the past week. We leave in 2 weeks). "Where is Michigan?" he asks. How to explain that? Today conclud...