Uncle Applesauce

Poor brother. Josh has always been awarded with odd and offensive nicknames. Squashie, hermaphrojosh, squad car, jod, snass pass and now, thanks to a smitten 2 year old niece, "Applesauce". This name was appointed one year ago when her vocabulary was limited to "no", "mine" and favorite food items (Josh, be thankful your name isn't Fish, as in Goldfish).
So Applesauce and Aunt Jen were in town this weekend. Jerry and I had them all to ourselves on Saturday night. We drank and dined at Jam. We admired the culinary artistry of chef Jeffrey Mauro (formerly of Charlie Trotter's). Four courses devoted to engaging all of the senses. An heirloom tomato salad with gorgonzola and chocolate...mmm, quite interesting. Pillows of foie gras tortellini...oh no he didn't. Pork with fig and olive tapenade...shut your mouth. Tea cakes with panecotta and a peach compote...delish. It truly was a symphony of flavors that left you wanting more. So much so that we stopped at Jimenez Carniceria on the way home for a round of $2.45 tortas. A perfect end to a perfect evening. And all of this was possible thanks to a generous Mimi who fed, bathed and tucked in two little ones. Way to go Mom!
The rest of the weekend was spent in Glen Ellyn, catching up (with one another) and keeping up (with an excited Ella).
Josh and Jen will be driving back to Colorado tomorrow. I can't believe their visit is over so quickly. They leave us with a beautiful quilt for Vivian, some silly band bracelets for Ella and with a yearning for more time. The hugs goodbye in the drive way are so hard...they always have been. We love you guys. Drive safe.