Thirteen Months.

I'm 13 Months Old!

•  I can stand for a few seconds unsupported.
• I love to walk with my walker.
• I can climb stairs.
• I am ticklish. 
• I'm starting to use a spoon myself.
• I point to anything I want.
• I wear 12 month clothing and Size 4 shoes.

On the move, one foot at a time!

Note: If you are reading this blog post in an e-mail, you may have to actually go to siemensays.blogspot.com to view the video.

Maine Maple Mustard Chicken

I go on 'cooking whims,' where I am inspired to create meals that I've never tasted and are completely out of my cooking comfort zone. I am on one of those whims this week. Last night I made the most delicious meal, and the main course was Maine Maple Mustard Chicken. The combination of the fresh thyme and sticky maple is perfect. We served it with cous cous and roasted broccoli. It is a must- try for anyone, and a perfect fall feast.

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (we used boneless thighs instead)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
• 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar 
• 1 tablespoon stone-ground mustard

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.  Add oil; swirl to coat.  Sprinkle chicken with pepper and salt.  Add chicken to pan; saute 2 minutes on each side or until browned.  Remove chicken from pan.  Add broth, syrup, thyme, and garlic to pan; bring to a boil, scraping pan to loosen browned bits.  Cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently.  Add vinegar and mustard; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.  Return chicken to pan, and spoon mustard mixture over chicken.  Bake at 400 degrees F. for 10 minutes or until the chicken is done.  Remove chicken from pan; let stand 5 minutes.  Place pan over medium heat; cook mustard mixture 2 minutes or until liquid is syrupy, stirring frequently.  Spoon sauce over chicken and serve.

For 9 months I pictured what you look like...

Not once did I picture you with hair as gorgeous and red as this. You are more beautiful than I imagined.

Our First Camping Trip

Growing up, I always went camping with my family. It's a past time that brings great memories. For the years that Ben and I have been together, we have always talked about "going camping" together. For whatever reason, it never happened. This year- I made sure we went, even just once, so that Mackenna could look back some day and say that she went camping every year growing up. 

We stayed at Lily Bay State Park in Greenville on Moosehead Lake. It was peaceful (except for our crazy, nosy neighbors...) and a place we would love to return to. We spent the weekend boating, cooking, exploring, and just enjoying life away from technology. Mackenna was absolutely wonderful, and loved being out on the lake all day. Ben couldn't get over how big the lake was, and he was in fishing- heaven when he caught his very first salmon. 

Lil' Lily Bay Camper

Moosehead Lake

First Salmon!

Breakast

Tailgating for dinner at the campsite!

Off for a walk, and picked up two stragglers on our way. My dad and Ann were up in the area doing a boat tour, and stopped by to visit our site. 

 Snuggling by the fire at night. 
Mackenna, you didn't want to go to sleep, you just wanted to stay outside with us all night long.

Finally fast asleep in the tent. 

1 Year Check Up

I'm healthy, I got all of my shots, and I weigh 21 lbs! Dr. Peterson said that my tubes are still in, and doing their job. As far as walking, talking and crawling- I'm right on track with where I should be.

3rd Annual Siemen BBQ

Last summer we had our 2nd annual BBQ, as featured here. This year we stepped up the food department, and got creative with our cilantro- lime chicken skewers and ginger beef sticks. I also took more photos. It was a beautiful, warm July day and we had a great turnout, despite it being the Fourth of July weekend.

Who needs hamburgers and hot dogs, when you could have these?

Mason Jar Cocktails

Party Hosts! 

The smallest party guests; Mack & Jack

Mackenna and her new friend Dylan

Mackenna w/ The King Family

The boys of the Wescott- Siemen gang

Looking forward to 

next year!