going to church, and pesto

So we just came back from our first ever church service with the kids.  Not that we thought we were going to a church service.  C.'s viola teacher told us she was performing today, with 3 other violas and a violin, and it happened to be in a church, and did we want to come?  It promised to be beautiful music and would give C. a chance to see her in action.  So we got there, and with 5 minutes to spare, and seated ourselves in a pew towards the back.  It was pretty crowded.  We saw our teacher seated up in the front, and started to get excited.  Looking at the program, we weren't sure what to expect.  Then the processional started, with the priest swinging the incense, and the choir marching in slowly in time to the organ music.  We looked at each other, took a deep breath, and settled in.

The kids did great, we stayed for about half of it.  Except for C. saying aloud "Daddy it says hell on the program!", I think it was a good experience.  The music was beautiful, the acoustics outstanding, and it also gave us a chance to show the kids our old neighborhood.  Next time I'll investigate further before venturing out.

The rest of the weekend was pretty relaxing.  Yesterday C. had her swimming party from school while the boys went to the movies and out to dinner.  Today was a lazy morning, followed by a visit to our cousins and their new baby, viola rehearsal, and, well, church.  That said, we brought our cousins a yummy strata to enjoy so they don't have to think about cooking for at least 1 or 2 meals.

Sun dried tomato and basil pesto strata:  In an 8 x 8 pan, well sprayed...line it with thick slices of bread. I happened to have leftover, frozen  (and homemade, la-di-da) focaccia, but you could use anything hearty-- french, country, sourdough, challah...Spread pesto onto each slice, then top with diced sun dried tomatoes and cubed or shredded mozzarella cheese.  Pour over a mixture of 5 beaten eggs and 1 cup milk, sprinkle on some parmesan, and bake about 45 minutes at 375, or until bubbly and crusty and gooey.  Let cool for a few minutes before taking it over to the new parents, or cutting into it and eating it yourself.