Conference Weekend and Hmong Food

This conference weekend we went to Brock and Christine's house up in Green River, WY. We always have a lot of fun with those guys, and our boys love their boys. Poor Christine is pregnant and is feeling pretty sick right now- I felt so bad for her! I can honestly say I don't miss those days, even a little bit! Nata and Brock made egg rolls, phu, sticky rice, and papaya salad. The egg rolls were awesome, as usual, the phu was a new one for us, and everyone tried it and liked it okay- it was a meat and noodle soup, I just tried a bite of one of the kids, but it was kinda bland without all of the toppings that get added in. the sticky rice was good, but we forgot the bamboo rice cooker, so we improvised with a pot and colander, and it took forever, so everyone was full by the time it was done, so we all just tried a little bit of it, but it was good! The papaya salad was an adventure. It smelled so gross, looked nasty, and I think 4-year-old Carson described it perfectly when he called it muddy, gooey stuff. No one, including Nate and Brock, ended up liking it. Maybe the measurements were a little off, who knows, but it was something I couldn't make myself try after smelling it. It was so great to get away and with the drive home, and sunny weather, I have a renewed sense of energy and optimism. I came home and cleaned and dejunked my room, and and hoping the rest of the house will follow. Today is laundry day, so haven't taken on any new projects yet today. The kids are on spring break this week, so hopefully it will be a great and productive week for all of us!! Thanks Brock and Christine for opening up your house to us, and putting up with us! It is always fun to get together with you guys!!