tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69967473419183557172024-02-18T21:12:31.103-05:00The Excellent Adventures of Kim and KevKim and Kevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04766116484412476009noreply@blogger.comBlogger454125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996747341918355717.post-90553161214544357962012-10-19T11:15:00.000-04:002012-10-19T11:15:55.384-04:00Yellowstone - The Adventures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I guess since it took us years to plan this trip..... it should take me years to write about it. At least that is what it seems like I am doing..... </div>
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By now, you have probably seen all of my Yellowstone pictures via Facebook.... but this post about our "adventures" will give you some more information as to where they were taken and what they were taken of.</div>
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We drove over 1000 miles, so pretty much every inch of the park was covered. It was amazing to me how each corner of the park was different. From geysers to mud pots to hot springs to lakes to mountains... it was like entering different worlds throughout the day.</div>
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Some of the sights:</div>
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Upper Geyser Basin - Sunset Lake</div>
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Sapphire Pool - even more gorgeous in person!<br />
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Fairy Falls. A 5 mile round trip hike...<br />
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We actually got stuck in a hail storm hiking back from the Falls. My Mom had started hiking back early anticipating the storm that was headed our way. Dad and I took our chances and ended up getting pelted with hail. I wasn't wearing a jacket, had my hair pulled up in a hat, and was doing every thing that I could to protect my camera - so my ears and the backs of my arms got quite the beating. Of course, in between saying "Ow", we were laughing and trying to move as fast as we could. Mom later said that she could hear Dad's laughter echoing through the trees. <br />
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It was definitely a memorable and funny experience!<br />
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Dad and I climbed the side of a steep hill to get this shot. The colors of the basin are gorgeous!<br />
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Gibbon Falls....<br />
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This was a place full of mud pots. I ran ahead and climbed the bazillion steps up to the top of the lookout. I managed to capture Mom and Dad in the scenic picture. They are the yellow and blue dots on the walkway.<br />
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A boiling, bubbling mud volcano. It reminded me of a melting<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jabba_the_Hutt"> Jabba the Hut</a>.<br />
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Another beautiful "pool".....<br />
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This is what is left from the massive fires in 1988....<br />
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The Black Cauldron...<br />
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Artist Point....<br />
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Roosevelt Arch - North Entrance....<br />
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Standing at the edge of The Lower Falls....<br />
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The sign says it all....<br />
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Lower Falls, again...( I kind of have an obsession with waterfalls)<br />
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Fishing Hole Geyser in Yellowstone Lake<br />
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This geyser was named "Fishing Hole" because early explorers/trappers discovered that you could stand on the edge of the geyser, catch a fish on your fishing pole, and then drop the fish in the hole. The HOT water in the geyser would cook the fish completely.<br />
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West Thumb Basin...<br />
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Rainbow at The Lower Falls...<br />
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Uncle Tom's Trail... 328 steps in to the Canyon...<br />
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328 steps is fairly easy going down... but climbing back up at such a high altitude was tough!! We had to take multiple breaks to catch our breath. In fact, I was blown away by how hard it was for me to breath during some of our hikes... and we were just walking on slightly elevated paths. I can't imagine actually running or working out at that altitude - it would definitely take a while to get used to.<br />
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Tower Falls...<br />
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Mom admiring a waterfall... Dad realizing that he just got phone service....<br />
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Rainbow at The Upper Falls...<br />
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One of the many entrances to the park. We visited every single one!<br />
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Playing UNO and enjoying popcorn and a fire at Lake Lodge...<br />
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Mt. Washburn. The hike that we are saving for next time. Dad was checking out the peak of the hike. It was too late in the day to get started but I'm sure the view is breathtaking. <br />
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Plus, fellow hikers told us that they had seen Big Horn Sheep on the path which we had yet to see without binoculars.<br />
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The lobby of Lake Yellowstone Hotel....<br />
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Enjoying hot tea from the Keurig! No television, WiFi, or even phone service... but our cabins had a Keurig! It was awesome!<br />
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Our trusty transportation...<br />
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In looking back through all of my pictures, I realize that this post is just a smidge of what all we did while in Yellowstone. We definitely made the most of our trip and experienced as much as we possibly could in a week's time.</div>
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And then on our last day, we went back to Old Faithful Inn for one last picture before we left for the airport...<br />
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I know that I've said this a million times.... but this trip was absolutely the BEST TRIP EVER! I have the best memories documented in pictures, a journal, this blog, my head, and in my heart.<br />
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Mom and Dad, I can't thank you enough!!<br />
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Counting the days until I go back......Kim and Kevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04766116484412476009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996747341918355717.post-5850996537529896802012-08-29T23:26:00.000-04:002012-08-29T23:26:50.501-04:00Yellowstone - The Wildlife<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I can't believe that it has already been a month since our trip... and I can't believe that I still have two more recaps to post.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Life is busy and I'm ready for another vacation. ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">.............................................................................................................................................................</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The wildlife in Yellowstone is a huge part of the whole adventure. An adventure because you never know where or when you will see an animal next.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the middle of the road. At a campsite. Next to a picnic table. On a hiking trail.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We managed to see every animal that we hoped to... mainly because other people spotted them first and we just pulled over because they did. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But every once in a while, we came across a creature all on our own.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bison.... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnK0xUwPkMzQpvJhpcVhyphenhyphenYH-5zVHSZDyiBHekgywLUAn2iwZrH1wZDfmpqeKu2h1iKmhPuv_f_j1V-enakhp22NLZRhV3aJXDfk6Xwf77cCP-XfM4qcX_jlGYPb0gjKRqGAYiP3j7N-c/s1600/Yellowstone!+254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnK0xUwPkMzQpvJhpcVhyphenhyphenYH-5zVHSZDyiBHekgywLUAn2iwZrH1wZDfmpqeKu2h1iKmhPuv_f_j1V-enakhp22NLZRhV3aJXDfk6Xwf77cCP-XfM4qcX_jlGYPb0gjKRqGAYiP3j7N-c/s400/Yellowstone!+254.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Deer..<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSazZriBlV0tmMoS9YQ_0Xcg3sORwbpWgxuc60WU4SDGcEa0qYuAGEELMuITsFL0oa5CJO9c-rdnIFxftppxmz21O8KcBH25Hu-tESNOXDHv18NTxPL2pSdoGmBD8SXHQ7CBXd7pzO-ys/s1600/Yellowstone!+277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSazZriBlV0tmMoS9YQ_0Xcg3sORwbpWgxuc60WU4SDGcEa0qYuAGEELMuITsFL0oa5CJO9c-rdnIFxftppxmz21O8KcBH25Hu-tESNOXDHv18NTxPL2pSdoGmBD8SXHQ7CBXd7pzO-ys/s400/Yellowstone!+277.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Caterpillar...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vfDJLdL06d16IQEVTuOB43-CWlc7lopMOGgw7lFhofKdKuiHp30_jymqvaJQ8FGCBfazLVF9ymKwSvqRlsZ4XaLbS9e8HxJuvsxAevuYXl28EZ4ty6puPxfaUCa4TmHPjJpQmwXy1uQ/s1600/Yellowstone!+290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vfDJLdL06d16IQEVTuOB43-CWlc7lopMOGgw7lFhofKdKuiHp30_jymqvaJQ8FGCBfazLVF9ymKwSvqRlsZ4XaLbS9e8HxJuvsxAevuYXl28EZ4ty6puPxfaUCa4TmHPjJpQmwXy1uQ/s400/Yellowstone!+290.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Moose!! ( He was spotted the minute we drove in to Moose, Montana!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighSB2KTHgo81ns-Yo6KelVMsiOUSb_1ZmUPAGYu9dbs64yljinVDjCeanTqOSWC6DoQ8o9wADu3GtkuA9qbW8usaXxQHpHpmMeflitmoPmn9QkTxQDx6MZgW47x6Zup7GhiMOzXiV0V0/s1600/Yellowstone!+560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEighSB2KTHgo81ns-Yo6KelVMsiOUSb_1ZmUPAGYu9dbs64yljinVDjCeanTqOSWC6DoQ8o9wADu3GtkuA9qbW8usaXxQHpHpmMeflitmoPmn9QkTxQDx6MZgW47x6Zup7GhiMOzXiV0V0/s400/Yellowstone!+560.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>A rabbit.....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLnRCIYSwdnGMykK1kUmACdxcfCAXVKGJwXVoKWni3BHbaJ8evv7oNWmv6GKgKUcVpF8fDkqu4s57NFhXrisoeX9BgVMLDnXHVk7Jr59KM8MI2jUf_7HUY5-iAVXtB6Gsn96JzzaCJLA/s1600/Yellowstone!+566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimLnRCIYSwdnGMykK1kUmACdxcfCAXVKGJwXVoKWni3BHbaJ8evv7oNWmv6GKgKUcVpF8fDkqu4s57NFhXrisoeX9BgVMLDnXHVk7Jr59KM8MI2jUf_7HUY5-iAVXtB6Gsn96JzzaCJLA/s400/Yellowstone!+566.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>These guys prevented us from going any further on our trail. They were ensuring safe passage for the mommas and babies.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieX9jrQtYsDYId1NcUgtWg5vRZfqjf0TABAK7nJPjn1pMfnHSgKhVS8oUt688RU4TWBk5tj-Vqt0mO4v70TIxAReFGe6lT7jDHjSN4tcM7nKwZykXLrPyDYaDE1H-sqVR1OiJ0KcyDqBY/s1600/Yellowstone!+575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieX9jrQtYsDYId1NcUgtWg5vRZfqjf0TABAK7nJPjn1pMfnHSgKhVS8oUt688RU4TWBk5tj-Vqt0mO4v70TIxAReFGe6lT7jDHjSN4tcM7nKwZykXLrPyDYaDE1H-sqVR1OiJ0KcyDqBY/s400/Yellowstone!+575.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUGeZ-X0c6tCZC9kUA-UzEZ_VZObTc82XmF3CrOfejYOwNhIJaQX4ZzfrpAA-TQQaQ9IvOwXFDaIybKFFZP7yzZ_Z6XA6tvIg1Y6Ls3T7Zn0kZkVfc1OaXNrjTaH9-jGihSTpxjfu6AY4/s1600/Yellowstone!+578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUGeZ-X0c6tCZC9kUA-UzEZ_VZObTc82XmF3CrOfejYOwNhIJaQX4ZzfrpAA-TQQaQ9IvOwXFDaIybKFFZP7yzZ_Z6XA6tvIg1Y6Ls3T7Zn0kZkVfc1OaXNrjTaH9-jGihSTpxjfu6AY4/s400/Yellowstone!+578.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The ranger that "protected" us and suggested we back up...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlDJfHjz1ShAdViMAe7rRsRvcY-VXtwHHhWAGGu3BTJgh6gpKZVPU950MY-WcN6-_QajaaeSBGWMlUt_9dWUmTqeYxjWeJvtow3cPBqN_dazD56VCDlQhyphenhyphenI-7FNl5Tj9DX80Bklpry7E/s1600/Yellowstone!+579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlDJfHjz1ShAdViMAe7rRsRvcY-VXtwHHhWAGGu3BTJgh6gpKZVPU950MY-WcN6-_QajaaeSBGWMlUt_9dWUmTqeYxjWeJvtow3cPBqN_dazD56VCDlQhyphenhyphenI-7FNl5Tj9DX80Bklpry7E/s400/Yellowstone!+579.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>"Don't mind me. I'm just blocking the road because I feel like it."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXabbT4LLQsrkXZ1gulR8f474_ful21OIABsQV91gEB5wYdJk4FqDmvsKa9XKcv8z_k94vWVVnJXcyD0ajlBA-v05YxI4VD0L4cz9wyNmz7WCmprsDv4Z_gUJTFdKrHEyxkysqdYPV5g/s1600/Yellowstone!+837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXabbT4LLQsrkXZ1gulR8f474_ful21OIABsQV91gEB5wYdJk4FqDmvsKa9XKcv8z_k94vWVVnJXcyD0ajlBA-v05YxI4VD0L4cz9wyNmz7WCmprsDv4Z_gUJTFdKrHEyxkysqdYPV5g/s400/Yellowstone!+837.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Elk...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9WXk9JvTJNd5wohNbIKlYZZGdAcsb2Hg1b2g5NZy3Pxzh4eLX9isCWVL30pNd8r3W-UrdNrl6f3bMWf7V8dNWPjvI8xDXNuFukLr8eVGaDKwseJwJaMpFbn7K6t1FJXGAitbfyvuYzCc/s1600/Yellowstone!+853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9WXk9JvTJNd5wohNbIKlYZZGdAcsb2Hg1b2g5NZy3Pxzh4eLX9isCWVL30pNd8r3W-UrdNrl6f3bMWf7V8dNWPjvI8xDXNuFukLr8eVGaDKwseJwJaMpFbn7K6t1FJXGAitbfyvuYzCc/s400/Yellowstone!+853.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaap9s-8vGRCm5f7HB1Zv7GrXO6zs2mXsDJSa8ez6HTVZvb83EN68fTl0m1dbxY8pZE49pDXI1OROKgFGAeDZfgBrN6ICvhHRNblDzNCLYJMdpw826wRN4_kbrURYRHxnlIZh3RC-70Eg/s1600/Yellowstone!+857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaap9s-8vGRCm5f7HB1Zv7GrXO6zs2mXsDJSa8ez6HTVZvb83EN68fTl0m1dbxY8pZE49pDXI1OROKgFGAeDZfgBrN6ICvhHRNblDzNCLYJMdpw826wRN4_kbrURYRHxnlIZh3RC-70Eg/s400/Yellowstone!+857.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXvliEm_ZIimlObuEm6pV34SW8l0Y6_WNz0gRWMAWL5LEHuZdoyGZbctc_1SKhA-ydzOzd9avBuSqc3c-ZY5hsduNihFvau_ATIxLleE75OSXqowKO9kfYpW0nOmKseeYy9kVU6lVxrc/s1600/Yellowstone!+859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXvliEm_ZIimlObuEm6pV34SW8l0Y6_WNz0gRWMAWL5LEHuZdoyGZbctc_1SKhA-ydzOzd9avBuSqc3c-ZY5hsduNihFvau_ATIxLleE75OSXqowKO9kfYpW0nOmKseeYy9kVU6lVxrc/s400/Yellowstone!+859.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The "Kentucky" bird named (by us) because it was blue.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TsEEsOPByfFj6svdIrNPnZDmEBclnuhGzdsl29x_lbDle16xAQSOXCOvKpLb0dNxyllNEjDGcHk7HpKxLoDfIip4_Lsm14hK2U2gxZLFQr433-uuf0kjXmhU6akbssHcAtZG5XoKZfs/s1600/wildcat+bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TsEEsOPByfFj6svdIrNPnZDmEBclnuhGzdsl29x_lbDle16xAQSOXCOvKpLb0dNxyllNEjDGcHk7HpKxLoDfIip4_Lsm14hK2U2gxZLFQr433-uuf0kjXmhU6akbssHcAtZG5XoKZfs/s400/wildcat+bird.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>A ground squirrel... or "whistle pig"...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqnb2yr8lhbL6UO4cnfsRYOl8BrWp5c39Y-cZ6FEE-UsZFHuyAfqOxn2Suoht_AjXaEPhfAGUps71e669GP13HNcwqQEXC0VLIYJUl1X4A7DC6WbEDaY0LPpUzf-xkY0cMFYNBSQBqhg/s1600/whistle+pig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqnb2yr8lhbL6UO4cnfsRYOl8BrWp5c39Y-cZ6FEE-UsZFHuyAfqOxn2Suoht_AjXaEPhfAGUps71e669GP13HNcwqQEXC0VLIYJUl1X4A7DC6WbEDaY0LPpUzf-xkY0cMFYNBSQBqhg/s400/whistle+pig.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The face that it makes when it is about to whistle...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyK-s0OBh6GS-8KRMSmkzeo-76q1DK6xEG_RykgklVyvWCKXntsfhoA9MA6iyWX6wck0PM6UgSsRm6NgPmFFHEEek9OBJplCpy_Wz7I2RYCU4h37n9ena0fLws523cctvJLmmVAwoqzOM/s1600/Yellowstone!+438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyK-s0OBh6GS-8KRMSmkzeo-76q1DK6xEG_RykgklVyvWCKXntsfhoA9MA6iyWX6wck0PM6UgSsRm6NgPmFFHEEek9OBJplCpy_Wz7I2RYCU4h37n9ena0fLws523cctvJLmmVAwoqzOM/s400/Yellowstone!+438.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We also saw big horned sheep, a grizzly bear, a black bear cub, and a wolf.... all of which were moving to fast or were too far away for a good picture.<br />
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I spent a lot of time desperately trying to spot wildlife from the back seat of the car. I had a whole set up of cameras, lenses, and binoculars. And had to keep reminding myself not to scream if I did see something. Screaming is not the most polite thing to do to your driver when he is cautiously driving on the side of a mountain!<br />
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A bison even made the trip home with us....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWtL5Is5mR972kVAJtjFgAwWwJs-c5DBaEdAzdSih-J3FO64g6b34JgreVS7L_ZmM9COyEmhQyymhECarZnux4TcvFYPXQYGPflufzugi1hapardYIfL2UniufZyH8agXBAMSeZK395A/s1600/buffy+yellowstone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWtL5Is5mR972kVAJtjFgAwWwJs-c5DBaEdAzdSih-J3FO64g6b34JgreVS7L_ZmM9COyEmhQyymhECarZnux4TcvFYPXQYGPflufzugi1hapardYIfL2UniufZyH8agXBAMSeZK395A/s400/buffy+yellowstone.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Mom's souvenir - which she named "Buffy". <br />
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I only have one more post about our trip. I guess I've been dragging it all out because I don't want to believe that it is over. The last post will sum up our adventures...... tours, hiking, excursions, etc. In the meantime, if you would like to check out all of the pictures ( because I will never be able to post them all on the blog), I've got them downloaded on my Facebook page. <br />
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Hope you enjoy!Kim and Kevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04766116484412476009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996747341918355717.post-30913194043671993182012-08-18T12:36:00.000-04:002012-08-18T12:36:51.582-04:00The Cowboy Cookout<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When my Mom first asked me what I wanted to do in Yellowstone, I told her three things...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1. Stay at The Old Faithful Inn.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. Hike to Fairy Falls.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. Participate in a cowboy cookout.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Other than that, I was game for anything.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, Mom scheduled the cowboy cookout for the 30th ( four months before my actual birthday) and we decided to treat it as my birthday dinner.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And it was SO MUCH FUN!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This picture pretty much sums up the best parts about it... cowboys and coffee.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijx1Lx-IlW6piuLfijUs_CNXneCVlYScaigtCvcIIY5Y_9kn-V9WReQ9y1xMLvRzeRBoL4_HGCJ1Z00qHwBEWMdT3t4um9lvDYWjwz90jQVIt6IueOfUGyB3m_hKuBxNK19mMzPVJOMkE/s1600/Yellowstone!+683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijx1Lx-IlW6piuLfijUs_CNXneCVlYScaigtCvcIIY5Y_9kn-V9WReQ9y1xMLvRzeRBoL4_HGCJ1Z00qHwBEWMdT3t4um9lvDYWjwz90jQVIt6IueOfUGyB3m_hKuBxNK19mMzPVJOMkE/s400/Yellowstone!+683.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We started our adventure on a ranch. Dad had opted to ride a horse out to the cookout area! Mom and I chose the safer route and went on the wagons.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTz3xkCBvQ8arFinSnlKxVBQx8Q6uII4YV3Y1gTFnxVtLwF8jxgXBQ5qUN5GixtGOqTGAw77UEHhSn3veD2FtzZPbatQwO5HD-G_zkNBYFoeL6Vnsu-78YdIgR2nP9hl7-LjKZXK2qyP0/s1600/Yellowstone!+674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTz3xkCBvQ8arFinSnlKxVBQx8Q6uII4YV3Y1gTFnxVtLwF8jxgXBQ5qUN5GixtGOqTGAw77UEHhSn3veD2FtzZPbatQwO5HD-G_zkNBYFoeL6Vnsu-78YdIgR2nP9hl7-LjKZXK2qyP0/s400/Yellowstone!+674.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Dad was a natural and pretty much had this big happy grin on the entire time...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_yEIexzaqU-UHPxOwwOnCwJ1BILHIGCAhcewLjI4t79BhjfX1lJKS0z-k3dUSJQuwKUreIP0F5wnNaBl-9IyKRlOrZudCTM4PAadOMg5wKjSMZl92VbqOqt-ctigMffGRitsMdsFkz0/s1600/Yellowstone!+672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_yEIexzaqU-UHPxOwwOnCwJ1BILHIGCAhcewLjI4t79BhjfX1lJKS0z-k3dUSJQuwKUreIP0F5wnNaBl-9IyKRlOrZudCTM4PAadOMg5wKjSMZl92VbqOqt-ctigMffGRitsMdsFkz0/s400/Yellowstone!+672.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I envisioned the "wagons" being a little more covered like on "Little House". I even told Mom that she might need to pack up my smocked bonnets from when I was little in case we needed to wear them while traveling.<br />
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But they were open...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCz7oBi9serWbgsOrr7tHYMVAYWCsK-URNrwpOvl0aebUWoWJNfCEdIxwAqE34Rrcgz7jqJ-WrF1agefC6RqSwOjMXlxlOfWZ9zLG0JxuuloKy58GSGBO5_q1xkmgfMOKFIYaNpcP8Of8/s1600/Yellowstone!+679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCz7oBi9serWbgsOrr7tHYMVAYWCsK-URNrwpOvl0aebUWoWJNfCEdIxwAqE34Rrcgz7jqJ-WrF1agefC6RqSwOjMXlxlOfWZ9zLG0JxuuloKy58GSGBO5_q1xkmgfMOKFIYaNpcP8Of8/s400/Yellowstone!+679.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And since the cookout involved such a large group, there were lots of them. We traveled the gorgeous landscape for about thirty minutes before we arrived at our destination. Dad was on the horse for the same amount of time. He said his ride was awesome! He was just like a real cowboy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPLcTE33LwlegJSfq1lOopOmKAyyJb0hE7E9YxaBI35ool50yh8Z4QRQ98zyuDOqteMtVmiO0w_nx1coNEus8_YiAcaY_fzgR7lHJNu35N6ylGQkBBe8IjgZI6ucD5xrVtUTRQFxHs-sw/s1600/cowboy+cookout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPLcTE33LwlegJSfq1lOopOmKAyyJb0hE7E9YxaBI35ool50yh8Z4QRQ98zyuDOqteMtVmiO0w_nx1coNEus8_YiAcaY_fzgR7lHJNu35N6ylGQkBBe8IjgZI6ucD5xrVtUTRQFxHs-sw/s400/cowboy+cookout.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>We did have a guide in addition to our driver which told us all sorts of cool information about the area... the history, the wildlife, and about her job on the ranch.<br />
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Dinner was served outside and was completely cooked by a crew of cowboys. <- straight out of my dreams!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApjx_K-NkbvUIXboIDZYPw3TU1kvdM_NEdtvhIu-PUZwdTmFj10rFfhOH6JaV-eEaWBO3XpqsnwD6ECCB9_d18lDokTZq4FGGAHobX9tLUUg89T4otwfDadmkif3D7MExg687q_qcGiY/s1600/cowboy+cookout+yellowstone+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApjx_K-NkbvUIXboIDZYPw3TU1kvdM_NEdtvhIu-PUZwdTmFj10rFfhOH6JaV-eEaWBO3XpqsnwD6ECCB9_d18lDokTZq4FGGAHobX9tLUUg89T4otwfDadmkif3D7MExg687q_qcGiY/s400/cowboy+cookout+yellowstone+family.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>They even rang the dinner bell ( triangle) when it was time to eat.<br />
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I went a little crazy...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtJ_suc8Ms6L74OyFAoglcmLrV2GUUc6BaYxExbVrdVl4EL3Y_vXGZsm6mjtEMQYDn9luzxyGbqQ7RD30ySY2E1_2jC0TRlG485pFlGsfoeH4yjLrQtAgpqo2l-j-0eHieqKNJdQgzYo/s1600/Yellowstone!+686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtJ_suc8Ms6L74OyFAoglcmLrV2GUUc6BaYxExbVrdVl4EL3Y_vXGZsm6mjtEMQYDn9luzxyGbqQ7RD30ySY2E1_2jC0TRlG485pFlGsfoeH4yjLrQtAgpqo2l-j-0eHieqKNJdQgzYo/s400/Yellowstone!+686.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All of the food was delicious... but especially the beans and the cornbread. The cornbread was sweet and the beans were so flavorful and hearty. One of the cowboys offered up the bean recipe and I went up and got it from him.... giggling like a school girl. I'm such a weirdo!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then came the highlight.... The coffee!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr22Ha8Fy4Vop-kKjT2fyDLKdtrA1Pjiy-Ey6DrY54Ydd8GVWUPBBRpT-r2ceCbQQ-Fxz-6uGnohby-eZuI5WMmViA4oxa_KJWi96NwHx5Vkkb5TRFsFjioHV4If44QnzY9ZlMwGSrq20/s1600/Yellowstone!+684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr22Ha8Fy4Vop-kKjT2fyDLKdtrA1Pjiy-Ey6DrY54Ydd8GVWUPBBRpT-r2ceCbQQ-Fxz-6uGnohby-eZuI5WMmViA4oxa_KJWi96NwHx5Vkkb5TRFsFjioHV4If44QnzY9ZlMwGSrq20/s400/Yellowstone!+684.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>There was a cowboy manning the fire with a huge kettle of coffee hanging over it. We were told that it was the strongest coffee in all of the land... which made my eyes light up like fireworks were going off inside of them. Strong + Bitter is my favorite coffee flavor!<br />
<br />
The coffee was SO strong! I could even feel the coffee grounds on my tongue as I was drinking it. It was heavenly!<br />
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A bit of our view....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFYF9PmvT8kSJZYglgn7sI3TBY8cvbXQWY0UAxcbi4qBrKzxBm0ctSGYgbbv4qg_UZGWA0Dgs-FOcq4PhPfCmFz2pA9jEyVmS2TNkH-H_QLYp9n04qC-UMJPo1qQq8rnIKHBzAqa8hTU/s1600/Yellowstone!+690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFYF9PmvT8kSJZYglgn7sI3TBY8cvbXQWY0UAxcbi4qBrKzxBm0ctSGYgbbv4qg_UZGWA0Dgs-FOcq4PhPfCmFz2pA9jEyVmS2TNkH-H_QLYp9n04qC-UMJPo1qQq8rnIKHBzAqa8hTU/s400/Yellowstone!+690.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The entire time that we were eating there was a cowboy playing guitar and singing to us. And then I looked up and saw my Mom talking to him and I about died. She asked him to sing me "Happy Birthday". <br />
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There was no where to hide.<br />
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So, I pulled my hat down low and stared down at my food and blushed profusely.<br />
<br />
But as embarrassed as I was, being sung to by cowboys was an absolute highlight of the trip!<br />
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And I was able to cross that off of my bucket list.<br />
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Another cowboy + coffee picture.... ( I wish I could get Kev to wear chaps).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi4XYYQIEQGkup3QJe8ScQ1ZAFenxxI74T9BshmqReYHcHrnIpcB2d1wwCjbGvv78cUlJjvWC_01t7NYVJBIeDfzRTzaONel9aoBnmTwp28wiw8sY88g4eiDd4fiKyg_udp9iLtlfOecc/s1600/Yellowstone!+694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi4XYYQIEQGkup3QJe8ScQ1ZAFenxxI74T9BshmqReYHcHrnIpcB2d1wwCjbGvv78cUlJjvWC_01t7NYVJBIeDfzRTzaONel9aoBnmTwp28wiw8sY88g4eiDd4fiKyg_udp9iLtlfOecc/s400/Yellowstone!+694.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>I know the experience was a little touristy... but it was incredible just as I had envisioned. And those guys weren't just putting on a show.... they were REAL cowboys that can cook and sing and ride horses and make me giggle and blush.<br />
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I felt like I was 16 again. Haha. <br />
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Me.. back at the ranch...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZjl-MNv3l7k2NnhN1amXKyfdiyvwVq78JcrgsC6j6ge2wFtHpB8eDe3uS8RfpHfaKrKaFMnNb7tlF6p-bgXmUCzSfyul4D20rXDE6GwR-4E4b5puadNUw2URZhvG7nt7g_QUxGXS7lI/s1600/Yellowstone!+698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZjl-MNv3l7k2NnhN1amXKyfdiyvwVq78JcrgsC6j6ge2wFtHpB8eDe3uS8RfpHfaKrKaFMnNb7tlF6p-bgXmUCzSfyul4D20rXDE6GwR-4E4b5puadNUw2URZhvG7nt7g_QUxGXS7lI/s400/Yellowstone!+698.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And one last picture of the best coffee of all time...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_SlT3wIV0lQpARHkruy2-47EsXki-sb9P1uEGRpNOh2pHK_j7dxji4uTVjyMpiuTXyCQgk4zEws_GMBogCla_v2Qxo3kr_FvsaRzeWsX3SgGquyPFBMrvm09hOSNxu1PmdQb8bLfmY8/s1600/Yellowstone!+696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ_SlT3wIV0lQpARHkruy2-47EsXki-sb9P1uEGRpNOh2pHK_j7dxji4uTVjyMpiuTXyCQgk4zEws_GMBogCla_v2Qxo3kr_FvsaRzeWsX3SgGquyPFBMrvm09hOSNxu1PmdQb8bLfmY8/s400/Yellowstone!+696.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>It was such an awesome night!Kim and Kevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04766116484412476009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996747341918355717.post-89524739773323189462012-08-17T13:59:00.000-04:002012-08-17T13:59:04.987-04:00Yellowstone - The Food<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Obviously, I take food very seriously. Most of the time, it is because living a healthy lifestyle is important to me and I want to make sure that I'm getting the proper fuel to make me feel my best. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But then there is vacation......and vacation, for me, is a time to try new foods and really make the most of the experience.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I spent months and months looking over menus and trying to decide my plan of action. All of the restaurants served elk, bison, salmon, and trout and I wanted to make sure that I chose the best dish at each place. The good news is that we pretty much all like the same things ( except my Dad is allergic to salmon) so we were able to share at most places.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mom made sure to get reservations in advance for the places that required them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our first night's meal was spent in none other than <a href="http://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/UserFiles/2012-menus/old-faithful-inn/ofi-dinner-2012.pdf">The Old Faithful Inn Dining Room</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1hTiK63wbU80NGMYrmfmTeHh2EwhVueuYvyeDKFve2xOAMgytzE-YC8jUrTlLimRl9EMZbaDz5rmLyLWM53J09eM-TwAe_46QVq3E4mLkvJB4bovqm82G01mFZRWmRGInJQxux4F7-4/s1600/Yellowstone!+468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1hTiK63wbU80NGMYrmfmTeHh2EwhVueuYvyeDKFve2xOAMgytzE-YC8jUrTlLimRl9EMZbaDz5rmLyLWM53J09eM-TwAe_46QVq3E4mLkvJB4bovqm82G01mFZRWmRGInJQxux4F7-4/s400/Yellowstone!+468.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Mom and I shared the bison pot roast with roasted root vegetables and cheese polenta.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFRJt4_eD95S_xJ04WDfxetvW1D1tNSkI9xH9nqk6Kod-Kgk-g1186cMNwyXQvYdPE3uK_iNI-9uuYAVv0w7dwp7n7m-8DGKbqDwUaAkrLD_cpe3ErrMBTJ7SuF7vp66Wm9tzpuh4oAM/s1600/Yellowstone!+098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFRJt4_eD95S_xJ04WDfxetvW1D1tNSkI9xH9nqk6Kod-Kgk-g1186cMNwyXQvYdPE3uK_iNI-9uuYAVv0w7dwp7n7m-8DGKbqDwUaAkrLD_cpe3ErrMBTJ7SuF7vp66Wm9tzpuh4oAM/s400/Yellowstone!+098.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Our server warned us that the pot roast would be a little tougher than the beef pot roast we were probably used to.... but I didn't think it was tough at all. ( Maybe it is because Switzer teeth are the biggest and the strongest in the land). The roast was very flavorful and the sides were delicious. I eat roasted root vegetables all the time because I love them so much... but this was my first time eating polenta. Which tasted like a creamier version of grits. Yum.<br />
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Side note: I tend to get carried away with eating while on vacation so I tried to be mindful and just eat what I needed to be full while still getting to try a little of everything. Mom felt the same way... which was good... because we ended up sharing some meals. Plus the restaurants served smaller portions than what we are used to in the South. There were only two nights that I went a little crazy. And every night ended in dessert.<br />
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And here is why.....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwumBiA2JIwPxvsI2OAG6bCWny3-GZQRpJ5kMjXNoqdIhD2f5omYQ7aeoRzrulhN6vcu9ZZ-j5kFiPFiKnrYR36aPXJJ7M5gunNyggdDJr_1DBX6zBddw9LhrZ9ZKBJY0Dv_UuQzvaEb8/s1600/Yellowstone!+100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwumBiA2JIwPxvsI2OAG6bCWny3-GZQRpJ5kMjXNoqdIhD2f5omYQ7aeoRzrulhN6vcu9ZZ-j5kFiPFiKnrYR36aPXJJ7M5gunNyggdDJr_1DBX6zBddw9LhrZ9ZKBJY0Dv_UuQzvaEb8/s400/Yellowstone!+100.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Yellowstone Sundae!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am not joking when I say that I have found my new favorite dessert! The base of it is huckleberry ice cream. Huckleberry! <- the most delicious berry on the planet. Unfortunately, it is only in Montana and Wyoming. It is a cross between a blueberry and a blackberry and just had the most amazing taste. The sundae consisted of the ice cream + a warm berry crumble cake + a fresh berry topping + whipped cream. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And unfortunately, in my excitement, I mainly just got a picture of the whipped cream. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Every single night ( except for the Cowboy cookout and our last night) we had huckleberry ice cream. Either by itself or in sundae form.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">( We also bought huckleberry in forms of taffy, jam, and chocolate covered. I believe my Dad was truly sick of us talking about it so much!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Night Two:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Bear Pit. ( I can't find a link to it). It is located next to the Old Faithful Inn Dining Room and is more like a bar and grill type of place. We had been out exploring ALL day and just needed a place to eat that was fast and didn't require a reservation. Because I was so in love with The Inn, I asked that we go back and eat there. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We were so famished at this point that we didn't even take pictures of the food. I got an amazing wild mushroom flatbread that had mushrooms on it the size of my head ( that's possibly an exaggeration). It was just so good! Mom got chicken lettuce wraps ( delish!) and for some reason I cannot remember what my Dad got... but we all shared sweet potato fries. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then we walked next door to the Dining Room and asked if we could order dessert to go. Which they gladly did. Huckleberry ice cream for Mom and me... and butter pecan for Dad. We ate it in the lobby around the beautiful fire place.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Day Three:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.gtlc.com/dining/jackson-lake-lodge-the-mural-room.aspx">The Mural Dining Room at Jackson Lake Lodge.</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This restaurant was in Grand Teton National Park. Our plans to go canoeing got rained out so the restaurant changed our reservations to 5:30pm so we could eat and get back on the road to Yellowstone. ( Plus, we needed to make it back to the hotel in time to get our ice cream!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The restaurant was very upscale and beautifully decorated. One entire side was all windows so you could see the Grand Tetons while you were eating your meal. It was gorgeous.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzB-Ewd3dRsqsjsVNqTozIPCyUDzyhvo_07fM0VVxLSRyIlU36EP85-lSMahAp7VrWxbwnfszakTRPVD8hj-PXp05J7-2_FnGDVjl4bg-NB5vwl6dwCPDzmeObXoyCdaGMbQoYbQ3H5TU/s1600/Yellowstone!+434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzB-Ewd3dRsqsjsVNqTozIPCyUDzyhvo_07fM0VVxLSRyIlU36EP85-lSMahAp7VrWxbwnfszakTRPVD8hj-PXp05J7-2_FnGDVjl4bg-NB5vwl6dwCPDzmeObXoyCdaGMbQoYbQ3H5TU/s400/Yellowstone!+434.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We had brought nice clothes to wear when we went to these fancy meals... but due to all of our exploring, we never made it back once to get changed. Thank goodness the restaurants said "casual dress", because that is definitely what we showed up in. :)<br />
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I also have to say "thank goodness" that the staffs also didn't seem to mind how rowdy we were. Funny stories and loud laughter ( mainly from Dad) seemed to echo throughout the restaurants. Dad even was laughing so hard at a story he was telling that he blew out our candle... which our server had to come and relight. <br />
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Like I always say.... A meal with the Switzers is ALWAYS a good ( but loud) time.<br />
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Moose butter...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7b53NWaiy5OWZYNfqXMB9jlsYXLxk1YNnETeZfXifD8_4L0KX0mrDeZgV9DUI7CVHS3kvmlNdqIN2VPal7fIc4FMPz_3EmwNoVZgAjgK12YCInLHBoOIobEcoavmpFj7MBkB1FGTP4o4/s1600/Yellowstone!+439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7b53NWaiy5OWZYNfqXMB9jlsYXLxk1YNnETeZfXifD8_4L0KX0mrDeZgV9DUI7CVHS3kvmlNdqIN2VPal7fIc4FMPz_3EmwNoVZgAjgK12YCInLHBoOIobEcoavmpFj7MBkB1FGTP4o4/s400/Yellowstone!+439.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This was our palate cleanser... Ahi tuna with eel sauce. It was different but good and even spicy. ( I ate Mom's)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMH_-KTw9Izlp06X2sj_ga6TN8cCGkHn0q9vaIJHuNgcZcy34Xr9YCWEJ-fPITXW4OO6IKtLzaiQLtyzfqZrfx4cw3Ca3Lb2IzHgNe7z8Gm0g-c5IINH5JveliZEjlJGWpWizF9-jxC7Q/s1600/Yellowstone!+440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMH_-KTw9Izlp06X2sj_ga6TN8cCGkHn0q9vaIJHuNgcZcy34Xr9YCWEJ-fPITXW4OO6IKtLzaiQLtyzfqZrfx4cw3Ca3Lb2IzHgNe7z8Gm0g-c5IINH5JveliZEjlJGWpWizF9-jxC7Q/s400/Yellowstone!+440.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Then we shared the following entrees...<br />
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Scallops and Shrimp in a truffle butter sauce...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMlgqwU_f7wZesOG2zknyduit85VW5HYX7ikbfOqM3S7F-U_uFv15aRJxob_jM2juCScpdy4TmXtrOvb4Rh8Yk3fYY-J74BLP5JAswLm2wFlTedaBxIqH9QHfvHkbOWPXtGuyzFDOA50/s1600/Yellowstone!+441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicMlgqwU_f7wZesOG2zknyduit85VW5HYX7ikbfOqM3S7F-U_uFv15aRJxob_jM2juCScpdy4TmXtrOvb4Rh8Yk3fYY-J74BLP5JAswLm2wFlTedaBxIqH9QHfvHkbOWPXtGuyzFDOA50/s400/Yellowstone!+441.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Prime Rib with asparagus and truffle oil mashed potatoes...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQazwCLceNDps_VHf0nMN7NUqs7mgGvwqX4lC4VSKBrZkPwCQJaBR9gCouZNmvUQgyqFB2UoIg0jwNBzJ_VFdQsQt8UuEzQfUI-KKcAINTFfs94IovlwUzKYduUbxi4IjQ9PQG49e29vQ/s1600/Yellowstone!+442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQazwCLceNDps_VHf0nMN7NUqs7mgGvwqX4lC4VSKBrZkPwCQJaBR9gCouZNmvUQgyqFB2UoIg0jwNBzJ_VFdQsQt8UuEzQfUI-KKcAINTFfs94IovlwUzKYduUbxi4IjQ9PQG49e29vQ/s400/Yellowstone!+442.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Trout with edamame and brussel sprouts....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQamIf1sNBWf3xjP7drH7qldsLjAjmcLBZ7EFdt4S-cXma8QvD5GclIp78Q4HsvhCQuE17rj42tsbgFWVQxTqGGsbiTdRAAeBRBYvpUw5_e90ufnUVwSR92zIi12RgSuwaUyLcJ8n26U/s1600/Yellowstone!+443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQamIf1sNBWf3xjP7drH7qldsLjAjmcLBZ7EFdt4S-cXma8QvD5GclIp78Q4HsvhCQuE17rj42tsbgFWVQxTqGGsbiTdRAAeBRBYvpUw5_e90ufnUVwSR92zIi12RgSuwaUyLcJ8n26U/s400/Yellowstone!+443.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>OH MY WORD ... the trout was the best piece of fish that I have ever had! It was exceptional!<br />
<br />
Every thing was delicious and you really can't beat eating next to this view....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ekCjw0hUhyiySufGL4OiorS63VUYEJZEjsFcJSYPNpho9I8pIkNvMMfBGGg-_mlnlLeI3NocUDtCgiWGoyiZaBoYWUPJtndP0iqL1Ues_MU0zTITM0joip2m38texUsitcFVFUYvnvw/s1600/Yellowstone!+435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ekCjw0hUhyiySufGL4OiorS63VUYEJZEjsFcJSYPNpho9I8pIkNvMMfBGGg-_mlnlLeI3NocUDtCgiWGoyiZaBoYWUPJtndP0iqL1Ues_MU0zTITM0joip2m38texUsitcFVFUYvnvw/s400/Yellowstone!+435.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Day Four:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/UserFiles/2012-menus/lake/lake-dinner-s12-updated-8-6-12.pdf"></a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-dc7QpIVJgI2_G84RGYVOnwDblNVJL2G8yX8omY_PEYys8UvXV2PCL5cVj3UOsGKeM8jeDyqQv6G6b_WFCeerIQU7xgmBOF3p35jp3u0WKkhwmCwt0RYnSq0UzWowpn8pv8B-w28Am78/s1600/Yellowstone!+514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-dc7QpIVJgI2_G84RGYVOnwDblNVJL2G8yX8omY_PEYys8UvXV2PCL5cVj3UOsGKeM8jeDyqQv6G6b_WFCeerIQU7xgmBOF3p35jp3u0WKkhwmCwt0RYnSq0UzWowpn8pv8B-w28Am78/s400/Yellowstone!+514.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>At this point in our trip, we had moved in to cabins on Lake Yellowstone. We were staying within walking distance of this hotel... which was actually the very first hotel that was built in the park.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeVqcf2BV5TKi6Y_b6XlOnmbwbemPlckmvnPEq_soS9UnW4LAm0JW1kJtoN-J-NRWHP56JOi145LX3y6gby9WIR5HvbBhSmCDkhDCwRm40XI9cca8Lh5iZti3wmyjefCX5RysAl5Fih8c/s1600/lake+yellowstone+hotel+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeVqcf2BV5TKi6Y_b6XlOnmbwbemPlckmvnPEq_soS9UnW4LAm0JW1kJtoN-J-NRWHP56JOi145LX3y6gby9WIR5HvbBhSmCDkhDCwRm40XI9cca8Lh5iZti3wmyjefCX5RysAl5Fih8c/s400/lake+yellowstone+hotel+family.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The hotel was beautiful and very fancy. ( The inside reminded me of a cross between The Grand Floridian and The Beach and Yacht Club for those of you who are Disney lovers). Possibly a little too fancy for us as we were seated in the back in the corner for our meal. I'm not sure if it was how we looked OR if our other servers had called ahead to warn of our behavior. Haha. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQkclDT1c1u1U5Mj7ib_9l0gaTOySm_Wny6n-H11m8YIO4I7ROBt82hjR5YISNc2A5DpWF-YmTsYb5W30tmUGIJPFusxjn7iOfKnDJN5xp_3kAcrgA404Uv7d1-uAkKOmqefb9GM0T07s/s1600/lake+yellowstone+restaurant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQkclDT1c1u1U5Mj7ib_9l0gaTOySm_Wny6n-H11m8YIO4I7ROBt82hjR5YISNc2A5DpWF-YmTsYb5W30tmUGIJPFusxjn7iOfKnDJN5xp_3kAcrgA404Uv7d1-uAkKOmqefb9GM0T07s/s400/lake+yellowstone+restaurant.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This was my first time having goat cheese... I know that's weird. I always thought I wouldn't like it for some reason... but it is my new favorite! So creamy and scrumptious! They served the goat cheese with a basket full of fresh breads. <br />
<br />
We also ordered our own meals here. Mom and I had the salmon and snow pea pasta dish. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3mmvFKIeWHh9ojLLqVfGIXeGNG1FANfuSh9-j6lGb7AGcGgZIt3bz8cXCRhxMtIHmMLLd9sNYY5UQfXKszyjUb7FWmjmwPHiYLUiJ6550aWQzF9seCAqCD21WKgl6_rFjoISmNX7kBVM/s1600/Yellowstone!+555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3mmvFKIeWHh9ojLLqVfGIXeGNG1FANfuSh9-j6lGb7AGcGgZIt3bz8cXCRhxMtIHmMLLd9sNYY5UQfXKszyjUb7FWmjmwPHiYLUiJ6550aWQzF9seCAqCD21WKgl6_rFjoISmNX7kBVM/s400/Yellowstone!+555.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Dad had a chicken pasta dish. <br />
<br />
Mine was so delicious! It had a dill and lemon dressing that I must recreate at home. Kev would love it.<br />
<br />
And, of course, I finished my meal with the Yellowstone Sundae.<br />
<br />
Day Five:<br />
<br />
The Cowboy Cookout. <br />
<br />
I will devote a separate post to that because it was an adventure all on it's own. <br />
<br />
Day Six:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/Lake-Lodge-Cafeteria-7192.html">The Lake Lodge Cafeteria</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQyS2_0rc9j7eyoOpwVJX3n3fl-69U50mlS0NmDOoDI8ppSmcSerlJBbQQSv18rSZ6Qc-JtV6EJW2hyphenhyphen0K0GhsE6340lrs0aBN-2sNliXSU2tJa-TFIzLGjW8Zfvdk4gAeTcFeGB4iMfmI/s1600/Yellowstone!+522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQyS2_0rc9j7eyoOpwVJX3n3fl-69U50mlS0NmDOoDI8ppSmcSerlJBbQQSv18rSZ6Qc-JtV6EJW2hyphenhyphen0K0GhsE6340lrs0aBN-2sNliXSU2tJa-TFIzLGjW8Zfvdk4gAeTcFeGB4iMfmI/s400/Yellowstone!+522.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This was our last night!! We were staying in cabins next door, so the Lodge was the perfect place for us to eat. We had spent the day, once again, on a million different adventures and we wanted to get to just sit back and relax and enjoy our last night at The Lodge.<br />
<br />
Mom made it even better and got us chairs on the porch so we could enjoy the view and the weather during our meal!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBCmkaRuV4H6rQ03F-mJDzKOG9EaJGG3Cmesg5Z7mQanGrlJZwZCXkiIUCAXU79AoOX3bK4yR57MwqOmLeR5CmQJMgrVcwCipi_bZnb8y7eesj_CTWFKdyQQ27YUO_T_OGoe3fJItCto/s1600/lake+lodge+dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBCmkaRuV4H6rQ03F-mJDzKOG9EaJGG3Cmesg5Z7mQanGrlJZwZCXkiIUCAXU79AoOX3bK4yR57MwqOmLeR5CmQJMgrVcwCipi_bZnb8y7eesj_CTWFKdyQQ27YUO_T_OGoe3fJItCto/s400/lake+lodge+dinner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This was one of the nights that I went a little crazy. It was a cafeteria style place, so there were lots of different choices, and my Dad was shocked at what I ended up with. Let's just say I went all out knowing that I was headed home and it was going to be "back to healthy food" time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyMk5O-qAewp8IugdM8FzT63ny_oyZCrnscHK2qkFrZzn9FbOFuBIQ5l4vfKczNGY1fYoRzT50PDziemSauEeUOATbRS3U2V2cSDbKwEJHRr6mRTX3JDbilhMBaqny09PPhSWa25hC0A/s1600/Yellowstone!+840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyMk5O-qAewp8IugdM8FzT63ny_oyZCrnscHK2qkFrZzn9FbOFuBIQ5l4vfKczNGY1fYoRzT50PDziemSauEeUOATbRS3U2V2cSDbKwEJHRr6mRTX3JDbilhMBaqny09PPhSWa25hC0A/s400/Yellowstone!+840.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Mom and Dad got the coconut crusted tilapia. Everything was very good!<br />
<br />
The ice cream shop was closed by the time we wanted dessert. So we settled for popcorn in front of the fireplace and a million pieces of Huckleberry taffy. <br />
<br />
As far as our other meals... breakfasts and lunches....<br />
<br />
Our breakfasts were eaten in the room. Fresh fruit and granola bars. Plus coffee for me.<br />
<br />
And lunches were spent outside... whenever and wherever we felt like eating. We purchased sandwiches each morning from the hotel deli and packed our own snacks like nuts and chips. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiIb_aVpyXJ1_GuCLDZKCESqzbqKQ7Vk_XCCKtt76NYhVkoHxtt1rbGCP2rOnJ0pJGuRebcw0J5hjR5eQ6c_ORuD8I0BsB9IOgGUelk4FmQK_-7q43DfxYX3liI4N79SOI7nLRH7YUlbY/s1600/another+picnic+lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiIb_aVpyXJ1_GuCLDZKCESqzbqKQ7Vk_XCCKtt76NYhVkoHxtt1rbGCP2rOnJ0pJGuRebcw0J5hjR5eQ6c_ORuD8I0BsB9IOgGUelk4FmQK_-7q43DfxYX3liI4N79SOI7nLRH7YUlbY/s400/another+picnic+lunch.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIzuhwC39FApIFc6I-7Q4R_8Q8OEjtIjR2nfVycG69qRNUSu7jat44ASXwwzJHmmGeOweQRcM4OiKpXQlnrzDIhY-vqiwVZzFVZv7XdLYjCiHQR3ESjnj3dzKfZhnGf-euUrtaZPgHwQ/s1600/picnic+yellowstone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIzuhwC39FApIFc6I-7Q4R_8Q8OEjtIjR2nfVycG69qRNUSu7jat44ASXwwzJHmmGeOweQRcM4OiKpXQlnrzDIhY-vqiwVZzFVZv7XdLYjCiHQR3ESjnj3dzKfZhnGf-euUrtaZPgHwQ/s400/picnic+yellowstone.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIVOV1jrSCrQVCCjqaEihRBucjYMjjeyTxitcfdQkE2KQk9G7cdZ2ISZgPsTVkMiV8wXqHpHCXTHpJOFqBhy7BkKs9wtgTGC6byOqW3hkzlVY5bVFoQ3EtdZITidUEFJzZYXX1V9QY74/s1600/Yellowstone!+188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIVOV1jrSCrQVCCjqaEihRBucjYMjjeyTxitcfdQkE2KQk9G7cdZ2ISZgPsTVkMiV8wXqHpHCXTHpJOFqBhy7BkKs9wtgTGC6byOqW3hkzlVY5bVFoQ3EtdZITidUEFJzZYXX1V9QY74/s400/Yellowstone!+188.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I never thought of Yellowstone as being a place for a "foodie", but the food definitely blew me away. Yellowstone is truly the perfect place for me! All of my obsessions... all in one place!<br />
<br />
Up Next:<br />
The Cowboy Cookout!Kim and Kevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04766116484412476009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996747341918355717.post-50941421152554209392012-08-15T23:23:00.002-04:002012-08-16T23:16:16.774-04:00Old Faithful Inn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've decided that my love for log cabins came from my fascination with Little House on the Prairie. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I used to daydream that I would build a house just like Laura Ingall's and I would sleep in the loft area so I could climb a ladder to my room every night.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kev shared my fascination ( not because of Little House) but nixed my ladder/loft idea due to safety reasons and we started looking at house plans for log homes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And then we ended up going the easy route ( at least we thought so at the time) and bought the house we have now because of the log cabin themed room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My point is this: I am in love with log homes and Old Faithful Inn was originally the ONLY reason that I wanted to visit Yellowstone. It just so happens that over time and through research I came to fall in love with the rest of the park.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNU4zEZ0WnIYCa3joygFQm_0UJW-q1geGdxK9CDYdoeWsEKiwpyrpo_4MCMOdtDGrBrmXbQn7fcjTWCO43dlJkTZfa55iv7m7MhJFW3vB23iMeqYGkZbErw5wCsyByMVRGRmjveZYJuo/s1600/Yellowstone!+473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNU4zEZ0WnIYCa3joygFQm_0UJW-q1geGdxK9CDYdoeWsEKiwpyrpo_4MCMOdtDGrBrmXbQn7fcjTWCO43dlJkTZfa55iv7m7MhJFW3vB23iMeqYGkZbErw5wCsyByMVRGRmjveZYJuo/s400/Yellowstone!+473.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The Old Faithful Inn took $140,000 (3.2 million dollars today) and one year to build. It opened on June 1st, 1904.<br />
<br />
The original inn had 130 rooms on three floors all of which are still in place today. We actually stayed in the original part which is considered the "old house".<br />
<br />
Guests ( usually from the East Coast and looking for "adventure") would travel to the North Entrance of the park by train. They then boarded a stagecoach and spent five nights and six days experiencing the park and staying at the five different hotels. The five hotels were built approximately forty miles apart from each other because forty miles was considered the most amount of time that someone would want to spend in a stagecoach. <br />
<br />
This trip of adventure cost $50.00.<br />
<br />
I can't explain why... but riding a stagecoach in my Sunday best and traveling between the hotels sounds like one heck of a good time to me.<br />
<br />
Of course, one of the main attractions to the Inn was right next door......<br />
<br />
Old Faithful. The geyser. Which just so happened to go off ( pretty close to schedule) right after we arrived.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4JTvjoDpoGD27iTegUR9knz1b83Tyyq7HY0cLOmtiZS5jBD05kmU58IRX6oreKWYxiv-b_Lz6auxmuMcIi4xFF2qdYeGRTUDjZDWnG1IXp1tGgM1lqiAvpv0yZJUPRHujbx-JiGgH0Y/s1600/Yellowstone!+066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4JTvjoDpoGD27iTegUR9knz1b83Tyyq7HY0cLOmtiZS5jBD05kmU58IRX6oreKWYxiv-b_Lz6auxmuMcIi4xFF2qdYeGRTUDjZDWnG1IXp1tGgM1lqiAvpv0yZJUPRHujbx-JiGgH0Y/s400/Yellowstone!+066.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>It was amazing and beautiful! And the bird that I happened to capture in the pic was just an added bonus.<br />
<br />
The sign over the back entrance ( which we mistook for the front at first - ooops!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8w2YIfknOVpTN-gcTCKUr6Ve3EOAnJUXKbKsI6p-7Hh5Qa0djQ2-PnERUIEBCgxsjHMa-cSr3N0oH0bvALGGj98NyGgcu8BcGyd4lNITMiUGwrPWMHgz6qUutHveWKFOrTru1m-OpLgw/s1600/Yellowstone!+075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8w2YIfknOVpTN-gcTCKUr6Ve3EOAnJUXKbKsI6p-7Hh5Qa0djQ2-PnERUIEBCgxsjHMa-cSr3N0oH0bvALGGj98NyGgcu8BcGyd4lNITMiUGwrPWMHgz6qUutHveWKFOrTru1m-OpLgw/s400/Yellowstone!+075.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And then we discovered the front doors...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Gzuo3wSsHecPnLPvtmyZQsxlYsplyYYa2Ce5SC-PoqI9yar4H1Jyhy7qX-WIUbqUPcdkn1hI4H7QOauyaoxtNH8l1fk1rBu_3BWCMDSZ5oXALbq3_6V379s3ad2s8g_g8AV8rJ10tr4/s1600/Yellowstone!+080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Gzuo3wSsHecPnLPvtmyZQsxlYsplyYYa2Ce5SC-PoqI9yar4H1Jyhy7qX-WIUbqUPcdkn1hI4H7QOauyaoxtNH8l1fk1rBu_3BWCMDSZ5oXALbq3_6V379s3ad2s8g_g8AV8rJ10tr4/s400/Yellowstone!+080.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>And were promptly AMAZED by the interior. Which may or may not have caused some tears.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKwruKosRZFD_x4_Mnu-6mVukXc0F-juq5vN4R_JLLMil6BEcnxOT5ZFbqMBmHYQSMu0F3f2K63c8GINkKnj-xjtbgNs3vAhWRZbezJw8HnF6EXViJ8XNIU35VkIzH0Ep7Zpsk-DQTCg/s1600/Yellowstone!+089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKwruKosRZFD_x4_Mnu-6mVukXc0F-juq5vN4R_JLLMil6BEcnxOT5ZFbqMBmHYQSMu0F3f2K63c8GINkKnj-xjtbgNs3vAhWRZbezJw8HnF6EXViJ8XNIU35VkIzH0Ep7Zpsk-DQTCg/s400/Yellowstone!+089.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Which we all know means that it did.... because hello! it is me we are talking about.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOP8MB1UAlcW_iDf6-ryVk66l5t6EX-bJkrEKk4_pXo-LxsfV9w8iRxHq3LBTLNqeH_X0zqQoXKr0MmvCJedP_GQwD5c8orbxWPL6rhvqywKiFQ2Lv4r5gLHhkNdEiXOZNFNtJyVcZeX0/s1600/Yellowstone!+127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOP8MB1UAlcW_iDf6-ryVk66l5t6EX-bJkrEKk4_pXo-LxsfV9w8iRxHq3LBTLNqeH_X0zqQoXKr0MmvCJedP_GQwD5c8orbxWPL6rhvqywKiFQ2Lv4r5gLHhkNdEiXOZNFNtJyVcZeX0/s400/Yellowstone!+127.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>The hotel opened with electricity, so the lighting that you see surrounding the columns was original.<br />
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During our tour of the lodge, our guide told us the sweetest story about how a lady had found her great aunt's diary. The diary told about her travels to the Inn and described her room in detail including what she could see out of her window. So, the great niece decided to make the same trip and try to find which room her aunt had stayed in. And based on the details in the diary, the staff at the Inn was able to find the room and let the niece stay in the same room during her visit.<br />
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That story gave me the idea to take a picture of our door number just in case one of my great nieces reads this blog one day and decides to follow my footsteps.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hS_ww-3Eeg7o_tSOTEtEv_-zwZEpla_ubg7XhBTHAnyP0ntr1MA5s0TC_0xrzqop8HGZqZWtRKrNtRH7m96WnERLOQ_ZbyBmvsWZiLPrOowVssPFYo8-JOneTfG5aknV0VxeJ0f902E/s1600/Yellowstone!+460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hS_ww-3Eeg7o_tSOTEtEv_-zwZEpla_ubg7XhBTHAnyP0ntr1MA5s0TC_0xrzqop8HGZqZWtRKrNtRH7m96WnERLOQ_ZbyBmvsWZiLPrOowVssPFYo8-JOneTfG5aknV0VxeJ0f902E/s400/Yellowstone!+460.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>Our room.... Complete with a secret door behind the bed. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmvBNtubpyhvzVUxGzd2Crz3H7yqq2kBJxo_PuHOurXJd83yD6ki2yUnCORLNH31LCXvzNE0h9HhdNd6Yf_2BbloUpa5QHlFGtvvHE4t0iSCLtWiVz1YMLm2wOuc8G0EjsBsNjE1iiXI/s1600/Yellowstone!+086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmvBNtubpyhvzVUxGzd2Crz3H7yqq2kBJxo_PuHOurXJd83yD6ki2yUnCORLNH31LCXvzNE0h9HhdNd6Yf_2BbloUpa5QHlFGtvvHE4t0iSCLtWiVz1YMLm2wOuc8G0EjsBsNjE1iiXI/s400/Yellowstone!+086.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>All of the door hardware ( including the numbers on the front) were created by a blacksmith in 1903.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9t5g4SZ_vFhxFMjA_ZftqAzhRXzWAK-1x9otihzs569hlBZm953x7ZTxDbECCgqiBrnVjVqHu7muSWOIIUjMBiyVbSkxHJ8GbbyNhJxw7qYN2BHMe69W9Ax7LTvEt1tqGs0Pn9ZZ5on4/s1600/Yellowstone!+083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9t5g4SZ_vFhxFMjA_ZftqAzhRXzWAK-1x9otihzs569hlBZm953x7ZTxDbECCgqiBrnVjVqHu7muSWOIIUjMBiyVbSkxHJ8GbbyNhJxw7qYN2BHMe69W9Ax7LTvEt1tqGs0Pn9ZZ5on4/s400/Yellowstone!+083.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The plumbing wasn't installed until 1910. And our bathroom had the original claw foot tub!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfiNecqCFg9jJ-CTAU3oZzUVmdlslQtaW2t3tWwTaFKSImEVBdHl_oMTct7RS6iO9Qn7TkHr5Z1PAVF2IpbmqqMK5VtTwwEJEjq6twbPlIKlRH6MoRqzXCB9TCO2JZX6xoxkskUkN4ow/s1600/Yellowstone!+082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfiNecqCFg9jJ-CTAU3oZzUVmdlslQtaW2t3tWwTaFKSImEVBdHl_oMTct7RS6iO9Qn7TkHr5Z1PAVF2IpbmqqMK5VtTwwEJEjq6twbPlIKlRH6MoRqzXCB9TCO2JZX6xoxkskUkN4ow/s400/Yellowstone!+082.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Taking a "shower" in a tub did prove quite difficult for someone ( me!) with no coordination but it completely added to the charm of the room.<br />
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The Dining Room...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPgi0Bacmyqy8sFlKHVfOXOKiFgM3MEv3zKo-QunMIE9y0DfvEoLFTf1WYaTiw5BrZb-838k9X_3wxa8ZbYazOwkh5vEZtKxo3-45y0IJ2lKKHiW4WOZxC0fvOJs5dpAqiBuUUlggFZc/s1600/Yellowstone!+468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPgi0Bacmyqy8sFlKHVfOXOKiFgM3MEv3zKo-QunMIE9y0DfvEoLFTf1WYaTiw5BrZb-838k9X_3wxa8ZbYazOwkh5vEZtKxo3-45y0IJ2lKKHiW4WOZxC0fvOJs5dpAqiBuUUlggFZc/s400/Yellowstone!+468.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The meals were treated like a ceremony. The guests would dress in their absolute best ballgowns and tuxes and would wait in the lobby for the dinner bell to ring. They would then sit at long tables where their food was served family style..... all eating together and passing large dishes of food around the table to share.<br />
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After dinner, the guests would move to the main room and dance the night away.<br />
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More pictures of the front door. I was a little obsessed due to the iron work and the color red.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKk_AVQNTO5Krkcju8TBuiePFUQDI14GL4iL6474FjGNGn82JTofXRW77uvzYdW-xC5iDT1IxbGY30d7JS2DyfJAF3VEcdzaVt7ZrpO8iv8-CLjpusaEdF7Kq_SC4DyQ9nKaVker8CN_4/s1600/Yellowstone!+457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKk_AVQNTO5Krkcju8TBuiePFUQDI14GL4iL6474FjGNGn82JTofXRW77uvzYdW-xC5iDT1IxbGY30d7JS2DyfJAF3VEcdzaVt7ZrpO8iv8-CLjpusaEdF7Kq_SC4DyQ9nKaVker8CN_4/s400/Yellowstone!+457.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I made friends with a man named Dave ( not my Dad) that worked in the hotel as a guide. He has been working at the hotel every summer since he retired. He closed the doors for me and let me take pictures from the inside so I could capture all of the detail.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1WqJ6XW7XbcQgUfNEq8VQFHOx_U-kM9wyoLOUKSTLfsNvFKLv3DYlLsvmjZQCSrmprwY0FfYNeCMwG6BUQo4WAMWxRoyQfT-JhWsvEKafsKAObwTiZPjIm3RnpCTyPBpsbyCzZ49wy8/s1600/Yellowstone!+133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1WqJ6XW7XbcQgUfNEq8VQFHOx_U-kM9wyoLOUKSTLfsNvFKLv3DYlLsvmjZQCSrmprwY0FfYNeCMwG6BUQo4WAMWxRoyQfT-JhWsvEKafsKAObwTiZPjIm3RnpCTyPBpsbyCzZ49wy8/s400/Yellowstone!+133.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>A little string used to hang off the front of the door that, once pulled, would ring the large doorbell.. pictured below...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg21I5s_PR76aEKZ505bqRRLPWBsdk6BwYsQmgNop3tQWV-Vuibpniei_54Vxv4-GQeqQL9t2VD0ZJ4osN8BKRrvIengfWT9f3BimSike-1lrPiIIZ4esNFyQ1qro0f4FG2w8he0Vgby0/s1600/Yellowstone!+140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg21I5s_PR76aEKZ505bqRRLPWBsdk6BwYsQmgNop3tQWV-Vuibpniei_54Vxv4-GQeqQL9t2VD0ZJ4osN8BKRrvIengfWT9f3BimSike-1lrPiIIZ4esNFyQ1qro0f4FG2w8he0Vgby0/s400/Yellowstone!+140.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>The doorman would have to look through the cage window to make sure that it wasn't a bear before he opened the door. And if all was safe, he would open the door with this large key.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTLj6bhhGuIVFk7MdkhQ8LiEts1CxpUbhdqD8W38X7u56uIjUq-_8u73yox637Vglf-8UWXzw5me8GBdXkvn0iMhGnR7rHF8LrBTOD0DqUkmlviBnWbuozEEED0cX8FeLBgeO45XI8yQ/s1600/Yellowstone!+143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTLj6bhhGuIVFk7MdkhQ8LiEts1CxpUbhdqD8W38X7u56uIjUq-_8u73yox637Vglf-8UWXzw5me8GBdXkvn0iMhGnR7rHF8LrBTOD0DqUkmlviBnWbuozEEED0cX8FeLBgeO45XI8yQ/s400/Yellowstone!+143.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>That is definitely a key that could never get lost. It was pretty heavy.<br />
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The fireplace.... taken first thing in the morning.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48cE0aSoYwe1YRY18MdUywXSVuxAINCa7hJBpJSjBT4FO20RQtXBz1lGIi4Lc6kG13Q_m7MvJw3pUrU8ZDf_TLgD5w81kHd5j2yOhQVrT9YyA2JOLWHCYQL7tOloASB1JXVe74TmRbHA/s1600/Yellowstone!+467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48cE0aSoYwe1YRY18MdUywXSVuxAINCa7hJBpJSjBT4FO20RQtXBz1lGIi4Lc6kG13Q_m7MvJw3pUrU8ZDf_TLgD5w81kHd5j2yOhQVrT9YyA2JOLWHCYQL7tOloASB1JXVe74TmRbHA/s400/Yellowstone!+467.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>The structure is actually four different fireplaces. Our guide told us that after an evening of dancing, the guests would pop popcorn in the fireplace and sing songs around the piano.<br />
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Dad with the popcorn popper...It weighed about thirty pounds.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4aeOEFcpEuBVdqy8RDh9Lh0Mww8nKANOvSc28dqh1Z2muw64Yj_SUpFdYXS3AFBi7xqngP6M2QWibxJPfjqEc0WC1WnkwmyCSp0J_TbJTOMGqzQRSnuWGoyOkhHpuLpfH0fgU4JG1RR0/s1600/Yellowstone!+129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4aeOEFcpEuBVdqy8RDh9Lh0Mww8nKANOvSc28dqh1Z2muw64Yj_SUpFdYXS3AFBi7xqngP6M2QWibxJPfjqEc0WC1WnkwmyCSp0J_TbJTOMGqzQRSnuWGoyOkhHpuLpfH0fgU4JG1RR0/s400/Yellowstone!+129.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>On our last night, Mom bought me some popcorn to take out in the lobby to eat. It was late, my parents had gone to bed, and I just sat on a chair on the balcony overlooking the fireplace and the "dance floor" and imagined what a wonderful experience it must have been to spend a night at The Inn in it's early days.<br />
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As the dining room closed for the evening, the staff gathered around and sang "Home on the Range" before they locked up. It was so cool!<br />
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As you can tell, I was completely mesmerized by Old Faithful Inn. I probably just gave you way more information than you ever wanted to know.... and, believe me, this was the short version! The hotel ended up being my MOST FAVORITE thing about Yellowstone... and that is saying a lot because every single thing in Yellowstone was my favorite.<br />
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After three nights of pure awesomeness, we had to move on to our next home away from home.... Cabins on Lake Yellowstone.<br />
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This is a picture of Old Faithful on our last morning there... taken right before it went off.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jYCsHvokU-RAfj6rQLHgt1z4jFJNHNc2LT8gd11BCgraeUxyxKtMdIeQwk6JgsZFBJBV3-uQ2oI7Nq6buHRgZGFxMGeH4oXuWnSHsPMu7ILhIV-P9r0rtr2ovi065E0Pt4_BbCUlGH0/s1600/Yellowstone!+103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jYCsHvokU-RAfj6rQLHgt1z4jFJNHNc2LT8gd11BCgraeUxyxKtMdIeQwk6JgsZFBJBV3-uQ2oI7Nq6buHRgZGFxMGeH4oXuWnSHsPMu7ILhIV-P9r0rtr2ovi065E0Pt4_BbCUlGH0/s400/Yellowstone!+103.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And this is me waiting for my stagecoach to arrive and carry me off on my next adventure...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lGU-o2diFkajggTP9JBIJgDRgRWj3vTcOj488L7QeknIWwmlPy7IWgebXB7-sUYwg8uy4NYym0OO6VClttstnd-QR2zO3hU6Yc1_8dIkuGJrukCLJltnEqZ1sqPuRctu39g40-M7SIg/s1600/Yellowstone!+479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lGU-o2diFkajggTP9JBIJgDRgRWj3vTcOj488L7QeknIWwmlPy7IWgebXB7-sUYwg8uy4NYym0OO6VClttstnd-QR2zO3hU6Yc1_8dIkuGJrukCLJltnEqZ1sqPuRctu39g40-M7SIg/s400/Yellowstone!+479.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have officially decided what I'm going to do when I retire.... Work in the lobby of Old Faithful Inn. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Kim and Kevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04766116484412476009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996747341918355717.post-6372686668242852262012-08-13T22:43:00.000-04:002012-08-13T22:43:04.367-04:00Wrapped Up in the Olympics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Olympics have completely taken over our lives. In fact, we are STILL watching them even though the games have come to a close.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It seems that I missed quite a bit while I was on vacation and Kev waited for me to get home to start watching some of the main events.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My point is that I have a very hard time typing and cheering at the same time which is why my Yellowstone trip posts seem to be dragging out forever.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The good news is that I have all my pictures ready to go and should have a couple of posts up by the end of the week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To tide you over....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_o1aeeOe8VQsnLApoBE_Xiz0qDasX3ZK4hKF-1qc7xhcDjyDHyqc4C39JHnIwjXryy4tIs1IrS69N-ej2rjfRk7DhxkpR1jpT_m4LMiW9GI_IK6PM0jsSwBeOwHURbemBYfpIufX99E/s1600/lower+falls+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_o1aeeOe8VQsnLApoBE_Xiz0qDasX3ZK4hKF-1qc7xhcDjyDHyqc4C39JHnIwjXryy4tIs1IrS69N-ej2rjfRk7DhxkpR1jpT_m4LMiW9GI_IK6PM0jsSwBeOwHURbemBYfpIufX99E/s400/lower+falls+family.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9dnqT8QOMFxs3s1VeV6huEylpM6IS14ESngOOdUNzVMriwucirTt1o8sUA1mrbEu1DlKLvaxBZ6nye2QgGlfrZNqgioD_bucsnlMMRy3ghx81gR0dvvEYsT4Xa2Em1yHggYhZKJAqQY/s1600/grand+canyon+of+yellowstone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9dnqT8QOMFxs3s1VeV6huEylpM6IS14ESngOOdUNzVMriwucirTt1o8sUA1mrbEu1DlKLvaxBZ6nye2QgGlfrZNqgioD_bucsnlMMRy3ghx81gR0dvvEYsT4Xa2Em1yHggYhZKJAqQY/s400/grand+canyon+of+yellowstone.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGn962dXHVoFJCX9IPNp5lPKRJgOnqb_VCQ8MZ9EcENclFZpU6gK-_ovEOAYbDcqwdfOYB8AMo-6FsHHm4M2J6xuSv1ElRN3q0U2rGeK1U_iQDyuRRwRvEARMuiro7NYvjdLYPLxH6Fd0/s1600/Yellowstone!+758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGn962dXHVoFJCX9IPNp5lPKRJgOnqb_VCQ8MZ9EcENclFZpU6gK-_ovEOAYbDcqwdfOYB8AMo-6FsHHm4M2J6xuSv1ElRN3q0U2rGeK1U_iQDyuRRwRvEARMuiro7NYvjdLYPLxH6Fd0/s400/Yellowstone!+758.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And yes, we are absolutely holding up that tree! Don't let my smile fool you.Kim and Kevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04766116484412476009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996747341918355717.post-57620076521886109082012-08-07T20:53:00.000-04:002012-08-07T20:53:03.537-04:00Jackson Hole<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Before I can tell you about our Yellowstone adventure, I have to tell you about the first place we visited after we got off the plane.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jackson Hole, WY.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is where "a couple of pictures, a great meal, and a couple of tears" that I referenced in my last post took place.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Actually, all of those things happened every single day.....but Jackson Hole was where it all began. ) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm sentimental. I'm dramatic. And I was OVERWHELMED with happiness. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I teared up the minute we landed. This was my dream trip. One that I had been thinking about for YEARS. One that I had been anticipating since last summer when my Mom made reservations.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was my first time ALONE on an adventure with my parents since I was 2 1/2.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was a trip that I knew I was always going treasure.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Those emotions + what I saw when I got off the plane = I can't really think of a word that does it justice... but lets just say that I was blown away.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">BLOWN AWAY.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is taken from the parking lot of the airport.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9RssL9TX0cVUjXQG2dcgjTNAlOgZE_e7yBI_qlt1L-grWvd6XmG70S79p3hNHPQ1tqSdkgxsGhz6Dotlaew7pYUdv_0KKXDIthc1URIJJvmRXFfhr4x7RyYP_y9XochIZUe0Y0Qv6IQ/s1600/Yellowstone!+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9RssL9TX0cVUjXQG2dcgjTNAlOgZE_e7yBI_qlt1L-grWvd6XmG70S79p3hNHPQ1tqSdkgxsGhz6Dotlaew7pYUdv_0KKXDIthc1URIJJvmRXFfhr4x7RyYP_y9XochIZUe0Y0Qv6IQ/s400/Yellowstone!+004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We were surrounded by mountains and clear, beautiful skies as far as the eye could see.<br />
<br />
I couldn't imagine any one ever not wanting to live there.<br />
<br />
Except for maybe because of the harsh winters. But I believe the scenery could help me to forget about the fact that I am freezing to death.<br />
<br />
Right next to the airport was this..... <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKe_J4NO8v4UrArM9KnCUXQ97I0e_hdXPkTbxucTt8IPRr74vAoK9f0yDMEFC6C7xiZ8TfXXNuE1TppgbwDmjzP0goaJ5_oQjK9Hu0GHIU0AQX_ghirjL-4qarcHKqw2V1CpOTbFC8MvU/s1600/Yellowstone!+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKe_J4NO8v4UrArM9KnCUXQ97I0e_hdXPkTbxucTt8IPRr74vAoK9f0yDMEFC6C7xiZ8TfXXNuE1TppgbwDmjzP0goaJ5_oQjK9Hu0GHIU0AQX_ghirjL-4qarcHKqw2V1CpOTbFC8MvU/s400/Yellowstone!+006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>An entrance to Grand Teton National Park.<br />
<br />
I felt that I needed to be pinched to believe this was really happening. But just a regular pinch... NOT a Christmas pinch. I hate those!<br />
<br />
Dad drove by so I could get a picture ( 1 of almost 1000 that I ended up taking during the week) but we were saving the park for another day. <br />
<br />
Because...<br />
<br />
We were on a mission. To visit the town of Jackson Hole, WY and eat at the famous<a href="http://www.worthotel.com/dining-entertainment/"> Silver Dollar Bar and Grill located in the Wort Hotel</a>. It was Dave's suggestion based on the experiences he had while visiting Yellowstone ( with Laura!) during a summer in college.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULj8RZ5uVmZq_euja5QrARsu8y6EhgUObT3w1tTPEzucd-4vi9i5R4wdcMZfn3qdVfUg_2kj2LaCkiWO2W1xyjN9b3ftj_m28LHYNH8U0Wmx166qSDb5LBq0t27AVzwsw6p-31uYQmTs/s1600/Yellowstone!+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULj8RZ5uVmZq_euja5QrARsu8y6EhgUObT3w1tTPEzucd-4vi9i5R4wdcMZfn3qdVfUg_2kj2LaCkiWO2W1xyjN9b3ftj_m28LHYNH8U0Wmx166qSDb5LBq0t27AVzwsw6p-31uYQmTs/s400/Yellowstone!+007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The lobby... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_8sLzGj3KeTBnUfNSBNL4aVC5WpzDtkSz_frCi2iOI5tJ5LteKWe-0YHZBtEmH1h-ZLD5VpEpkArNDL_lCijBcVyGXOnavn39CEgQPYBjloTH0ulpwqy9AGeh0hl7kAYM-Bu3A4_QMAo/s1600/Yellowstone!+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_8sLzGj3KeTBnUfNSBNL4aVC5WpzDtkSz_frCi2iOI5tJ5LteKWe-0YHZBtEmH1h-ZLD5VpEpkArNDL_lCijBcVyGXOnavn39CEgQPYBjloTH0ulpwqy9AGeh0hl7kAYM-Bu3A4_QMAo/s400/Yellowstone!+010.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>The Saloon...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdD4-dWCc1GfXRJnjgtUdmd8In3ISujUwwIzoloRNmlTpVCZjIVssFS7XQcF3djBvTSU4ga3cYbKtjU6KXT1lncXi_h_E3dmf6qHxU81Cg0YvcvywcwIDoD95YbtiY4G9dN5DnYSoE8c/s1600/Yellowstone!+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdD4-dWCc1GfXRJnjgtUdmd8In3ISujUwwIzoloRNmlTpVCZjIVssFS7XQcF3djBvTSU4ga3cYbKtjU6KXT1lncXi_h_E3dmf6qHxU81Cg0YvcvywcwIDoD95YbtiY4G9dN5DnYSoE8c/s400/Yellowstone!+011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>A napkin...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrZZqbC41yEsGlAymysbJAIpt02BFvrYsvu7ndenK0syxnVBI7OLGzxXLR9TBlMlWh7ULWbIzqUrVgEylULy93uZXUCpSoQxCc-KnKk7Jpd9nzzp5VVlPwbZeyiIwUgC0djMomDQEZ8s/s1600/Yellowstone!+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrZZqbC41yEsGlAymysbJAIpt02BFvrYsvu7ndenK0syxnVBI7OLGzxXLR9TBlMlWh7ULWbIzqUrVgEylULy93uZXUCpSoQxCc-KnKk7Jpd9nzzp5VVlPwbZeyiIwUgC0djMomDQEZ8s/s400/Yellowstone!+012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>There was so much history posted all over the walls - in pictures and in stories. Even in the bathroom! <br />
I finally had a reason to enjoy going to the bathroom... even if I had to travel eleventy million miles to experience it.<br />
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The restaurant was set up like a saloon with thousands of silver dollars lining the bar.... which is obviously how it got its name.<br />
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Unfortunately, the only one that moseyed through the saloon doors was my Mom. I was really hoping to be challenged to a gun fight.<br />
<br />
Or kidnapped by a posse of cowboys that needed a home cooked meal.<br />
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Speaking of meals...<br />
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Our meal consisted of:<br />
<br />
Elk Loin Gyro<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6VlG2lA3Gz4rkTp1pGSKM8OrMrF6I3KZbtVnjyxaLWURJBJtFL3eTgx3Q7pjZdvEDswD1MWLztaXpFwnuSrVhHJ3qCxB0z-69n1gP_tfa6IasCjnevEBatZaCf5cQSDunTSb5U0IQGs/s1600/Yellowstone!+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6VlG2lA3Gz4rkTp1pGSKM8OrMrF6I3KZbtVnjyxaLWURJBJtFL3eTgx3Q7pjZdvEDswD1MWLztaXpFwnuSrVhHJ3qCxB0z-69n1gP_tfa6IasCjnevEBatZaCf5cQSDunTSb5U0IQGs/s400/Yellowstone!+013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Cod sandwich with beer battered onion rings.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVILn8-QU4pK_puKM-0tu47LvixWf7Qnrc-X_s8pOhvqWwa8WLhLMqBo66s6PZl8QxxhOWdLL1VDjk-QvbelKek99l1YM_Sxt68d0kQJ-1Qab_Brf3xl-aTUo7s5vwjJ2GHXosQX89vE/s1600/Yellowstone!+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVILn8-QU4pK_puKM-0tu47LvixWf7Qnrc-X_s8pOhvqWwa8WLhLMqBo66s6PZl8QxxhOWdLL1VDjk-QvbelKek99l1YM_Sxt68d0kQJ-1Qab_Brf3xl-aTUo7s5vwjJ2GHXosQX89vE/s400/Yellowstone!+014.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And their signature item: The bison burger with bleu cheese!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwDx6dLTz8cSdypy2j2-DGYn5gHkScuaMPW_1IAKrHvftPj4XON1LtzbIu9loZLNX3AwwKnVLxdXOBRkgN3cAQi7LZsdF2o66riwLb7K7KwjzNcqO1gqtC5cQKsbKXWokcVD4BvU_xBI/s1600/Yellowstone!+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwDx6dLTz8cSdypy2j2-DGYn5gHkScuaMPW_1IAKrHvftPj4XON1LtzbIu9loZLNX3AwwKnVLxdXOBRkgN3cAQi7LZsdF2o66riwLb7K7KwjzNcqO1gqtC5cQKsbKXWokcVD4BvU_xBI/s400/Yellowstone!+015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We shared a little with each other and all were DELICIOUS! The elk gyro was my favorite, though.<br />
<br />
Next up on our to-do list was the Antler Arches...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrNJ4TCsAaIrXHZKyjh_95cPKqh9fk8oegKRXYQd5gUwmC_jB_q-5LhNlq4LB6iv3q79XBWL5dmAFwnOivAPn-Zoi4GMgsNzoJlM6LAGfkXQm7r_6lon_MWesZ80U9rqLtPgxahHcxOhA/s1600/Yellowstone!+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrNJ4TCsAaIrXHZKyjh_95cPKqh9fk8oegKRXYQd5gUwmC_jB_q-5LhNlq4LB6iv3q79XBWL5dmAFwnOivAPn-Zoi4GMgsNzoJlM6LAGfkXQm7r_6lon_MWesZ80U9rqLtPgxahHcxOhA/s400/Yellowstone!+018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IZEXPzuE7z2OomcfhoziCfkBDHWrfh_JjxMiltKxavQfIzZbNtr7Y0E4qZETK_QyaMAFlAIrgqRYoq4ZdOgif-7SYbhSyu5rG_Wha8dQyNYeVj_0TjlzYnkoV-BWbwcIUPaUkoJRP6Q/s1600/Yellowstone!+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IZEXPzuE7z2OomcfhoziCfkBDHWrfh_JjxMiltKxavQfIzZbNtr7Y0E4qZETK_QyaMAFlAIrgqRYoq4ZdOgif-7SYbhSyu5rG_Wha8dQyNYeVj_0TjlzYnkoV-BWbwcIUPaUkoJRP6Q/s400/Yellowstone!+016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>There was an arch located at each entrance to the park - for a total of four.<br />
<br />
The town was full of people! There were so many things to do and it looked like a fun place to even stay for a couple of nights.<br />
<br />
Especially because of this...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuizzyn0r4EzH2aUGX8PQ178En9ITa7BgLqZXchzEw2_wS82-ccxPTGYJyPojB_6pTOhFFi_Yn5PelVThfqezZ9mBpdH9pOm2bMKPRU2-ovYCsS805_DvIKycWJ9pQYIRRSe1szmToK0/s1600/Yellowstone!+020+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuizzyn0r4EzH2aUGX8PQ178En9ITa7BgLqZXchzEw2_wS82-ccxPTGYJyPojB_6pTOhFFi_Yn5PelVThfqezZ9mBpdH9pOm2bMKPRU2-ovYCsS805_DvIKycWJ9pQYIRRSe1szmToK0/s400/Yellowstone!+020+-+Copy.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I'm sure it was full of amazing things. Specifically cowboys!<br />
<br />
Has any one picked up on my obsession yet?<br />
<br />
We walked around for a minute or five... but we had somewhere we needed to be. The Old Faithful Inn. It was calling our name.<br />
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Back in the car and back on the road we went.... with nothing but this glorious view for the next hour...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCtDP-8SgjbzdDI-_mJki9Ks9FAVbyvKu4hLbXfi9kRugW8yBTS9lVd4wD2vk-W2uNyh3n3EvXwldJUD9OuUpbCk-U-FEXMFOTWoVKkTK9A0J4KdG5bD_Fu_iLj23x3fr5E6s0DJkOWjk/s1600/Yellowstone!+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCtDP-8SgjbzdDI-_mJki9Ks9FAVbyvKu4hLbXfi9kRugW8yBTS9lVd4wD2vk-W2uNyh3n3EvXwldJUD9OuUpbCk-U-FEXMFOTWoVKkTK9A0J4KdG5bD_Fu_iLj23x3fr5E6s0DJkOWjk/s400/Yellowstone!+026.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had been up since 3:30 a.m. at this point but I was too excited to sleep. I didn't want to miss a second.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Up Next: The Old Faithful Inn.</div>Kim and Kevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04766116484412476009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996747341918355717.post-89575032721489934982012-08-04T15:11:00.000-04:002012-08-04T15:11:04.467-04:00The Trip of a Lifetime!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I arrived in Jackson Hole, Wyoming with no clue of how amazing the next week would be.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLc82Q9ZhN69RapilOuI3s63YFsJTEAr-tALIlS_g9JO9klatVp6KTl4BjBdaov4IqWq8ZMuBsqrys-QmP2jG9ser_fMeWgXZ9DwDWC3PrQDwo22mqW7xh-QXx3p2c6l8CWVFRIt6U8yI/s1600/Yellowstone!+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLc82Q9ZhN69RapilOuI3s63YFsJTEAr-tALIlS_g9JO9klatVp6KTl4BjBdaov4IqWq8ZMuBsqrys-QmP2jG9ser_fMeWgXZ9DwDWC3PrQDwo22mqW7xh-QXx3p2c6l8CWVFRIt6U8yI/s400/Yellowstone!+002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> I also arrived, per usual, with more accessories on than should be allowed. ( 18 bangle bracelets and earrings as big as Texas - unnecessary!)<br />
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A couple of pictures, a great meal, and a couple of tears later.... I realized that I had just discovered my new home away from home.<br />
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I still had NO idea what an incredible adventure I was about to take. Physically and mentally. <br />
<br />
I also had NO idea how refreshing living without a watch and a cell phone would be.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUTjhn9sQkZ3XgunjztKyl8Ln97hw9d2i6MUCGqoevltqTSgEx26LCrZ3n040TeOhOoin0Wf2MjlyTEApmnSYqyAzC0bk2NuDxQI0rY4ngdDgC-0LdKZSWshtIKJYCUQPbPyZAzMwTCs/s1600/Yellowstone!+818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUTjhn9sQkZ3XgunjztKyl8Ln97hw9d2i6MUCGqoevltqTSgEx26LCrZ3n040TeOhOoin0Wf2MjlyTEApmnSYqyAzC0bk2NuDxQI0rY4ngdDgC-0LdKZSWshtIKJYCUQPbPyZAzMwTCs/s400/Yellowstone!+818.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>My parents absolutely went above and beyond to make this experience spectacular! And for that I will always be so grateful!<br />
<br />
I'm still going through pictures and working on completing my trip journal.... but I think I've decided to blog about the trip in categories. The food, the scenery, the wildlife, the adventures, and, most importantly, The Old Faithful Inn.<br />
<br />
(I'm also in the process of planning my next trip. I just can't help it.)<br />
<br />
So, stay tuned for the details of my trip. I can't wait to tell you all about it!Kim and Kevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04766116484412476009noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996747341918355717.post-36190373306028359012012-07-24T22:28:00.000-04:002012-07-24T22:28:59.778-04:00Two More Sleeps<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That is all that is standing between me and my DREAM trip to Yellowstone National Park!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I cannot believe that the time is here! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have read and studied and googled and watched every thing that I can think of to make sure that I am prepared. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have packed enough outfits to cover any possible event that we might get involved in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've memorized restaurant menus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have even practiced taking pictures. Of running water. To make sure that I can get some good shots of waterfalls.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2AlWtIakeXGUYsvJZjoNwN_ZYT-GPq_VXbiLo3EOMrvTMdHRF5Ctl7qowmXOwMLUU6yJgy70eUb7WVjLedXLtvlZSUq8KZjovV_E53tNINLA_6qdY_Uk_GAoiM-_-VkDFAJHhQhJOUk/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2AlWtIakeXGUYsvJZjoNwN_ZYT-GPq_VXbiLo3EOMrvTMdHRF5Ctl7qowmXOwMLUU6yJgy70eUb7WVjLedXLtvlZSUq8KZjovV_E53tNINLA_6qdY_Uk_GAoiM-_-VkDFAJHhQhJOUk/s400/009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I am SO ready for this trip! I'm ready to make some great memories with my parents and have a ton of fun!</div><br />
And don't worry... I will be sharing the details upon my return.<br />
<br />
As for Kev, he will be holding down the fort, working hard ( as usual), and probably enjoying a little peace and quiet.<br />
<br />
Before I sign off for a while, I thought I would leave you with two memorable meals that we have had this week.<br />
<br />
Thai Chicken Pizza. I made a combination of <a href="http://annies-eats.com/2012/03/07/thai-chicken-pizza/">this one</a> and <a href="http://www.closetcooking.com/2012/02/thai-chicken-pizza-with-sweet-chili.html">this one</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAK5onzjTVi9o1h_tAux-sG5FZix8bHPZnEP3V4vCNZ4Hop_6th00H8TVhqptSJkh19MwEqE-S-9dKCfU7svYWDc5UFxAzUWaxWSFZAOG0oYJpmE2RKA2h58BzGjEtCP-cTP0q1B1vbXg/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAK5onzjTVi9o1h_tAux-sG5FZix8bHPZnEP3V4vCNZ4Hop_6th00H8TVhqptSJkh19MwEqE-S-9dKCfU7svYWDc5UFxAzUWaxWSFZAOG0oYJpmE2RKA2h58BzGjEtCP-cTP0q1B1vbXg/s400/011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> And<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.branappetit.com/2012/07/12/creamy-avocado-rice/">Creamy Avocado Rice</a>. Served with flank steak, roasted broccoli, and caramelized onions.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UbSPs0L8Lr6RvcRb-F1gnNHkKGNotR9s31w_3t1u0V7G1CQ6n1pu-y6-n5Tku3PaHkAYYJ1Q43TgH899K8l6of-MOH0GEVstmkn6U4Na8zSb-i0uSAJvKzhIfsxlFGxz3qNZr4Vz4ac/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UbSPs0L8Lr6RvcRb-F1gnNHkKGNotR9s31w_3t1u0V7G1CQ6n1pu-y6-n5Tku3PaHkAYYJ1Q43TgH899K8l6of-MOH0GEVstmkn6U4Na8zSb-i0uSAJvKzhIfsxlFGxz3qNZr4Vz4ac/s400/017.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Both were excellent!<br />
<br />
And now I'm off to finish getting ready for my greatest adventure. It is going to be AMAZING!Kim and Kevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04766116484412476009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996747341918355717.post-34609629659823072272012-07-20T15:27:00.000-04:002012-07-20T15:27:36.618-04:00Ladies' Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On Mother's Day, I told my Mom that I wanted to take her to lunch. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And two months later, we finally made it happen. Our schedules are ridiculous.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had to come up with a new place due to our favorite lunch spot going out of business. So, after asking around for weeks, I decided to go with the place that just about every one suggested.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.dipratos.com/">Di Prato's</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPQ89YR-0EVhteKLx0KqwFEjrwth-3baO07n9BVxtepYwJN_S2KHNj_tvL-FEqWFwR3h_MNaNiIbAd7uZycaCBP3eJhdYDhAoIlxX9JZKWopgvqByG3sHK4D5KaUWHiygwTRuF4nBR-I/s1600/Dipratos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPQ89YR-0EVhteKLx0KqwFEjrwth-3baO07n9BVxtepYwJN_S2KHNj_tvL-FEqWFwR3h_MNaNiIbAd7uZycaCBP3eJhdYDhAoIlxX9JZKWopgvqByG3sHK4D5KaUWHiygwTRuF4nBR-I/s400/Dipratos.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I was looking for a place that offered salad plates and sandwiches with Southern flair. Think food that would be served at a ladies' luncheon. It is our favorite kind of lunch and what we always used to order at Cinnamon Hill. <br />
<br />
Di Prato's was exactly what we were looking for.<br />
<br />
An added bonus: the pimiento cheese. For goodness sake, THE PIMIENTO CHEESE. It was to die for! Just as every one had told me it would be. And don't even get me started on the pita chips. I have never had anything like them and am officially and forever in love! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_binK9R1-l-_17JLt71uoV29Z5UlxM8PHthOK2lrDPyLjGbJSjx5FV6CKcLu0b8VWx-q1uT5guX4VEusjDrCzps_mZSamZuc_d9vQJkO-Rvfno9jJdsgOspr7ZQnXhqxriidbjV9xBg/s1600/073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_binK9R1-l-_17JLt71uoV29Z5UlxM8PHthOK2lrDPyLjGbJSjx5FV6CKcLu0b8VWx-q1uT5guX4VEusjDrCzps_mZSamZuc_d9vQJkO-Rvfno9jJdsgOspr7ZQnXhqxriidbjV9xBg/s400/073.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The next time that we go, that is all that I will be ordering. It was the best! <br />
<br />
I also had a chicken salad sandwich with pasta salad on the side. And Mom had a salad plate with chicken salad, tuna salad, and broccoli salad. <br />
<br />
All was delicious!<br />
<br />
We got there at 11am because we were warned that the lunch crowd can get pretty big. And it did. Just about the time we were leaving. <br />
<br />
Leaving to go get some dessert!<br />
<br />
Di Prato's did offer dessert and had multiple cheesecakes in the bakery section... but I had been wanting to go back to Nonnah's ever since we had my sister-in-law's bridal luncheon there. <a href="http://www.nonnahs.com/">Nonnah's</a> is known for their desserts and if you are going to go all out, you might as well go for the biggest and the best!<br />
<br />
And we did....<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyWtZpChtCaFaRmBc60gzfdIaUhtCF6VgINhmLnTcd7Ii_o6XkhjHNu9t6sUOiH1FEzWQ-6WtGBBjxTVZgyEMf-VUcO6uDqdGFzu9MuxqKLQh0jhHTWrtioAo96Q4IjECFnxtUaS1IKI/s1600/Nonnah's.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyWtZpChtCaFaRmBc60gzfdIaUhtCF6VgINhmLnTcd7Ii_o6XkhjHNu9t6sUOiH1FEzWQ-6WtGBBjxTVZgyEMf-VUcO6uDqdGFzu9MuxqKLQh0jhHTWrtioAo96Q4IjECFnxtUaS1IKI/s400/Nonnah's.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Look at the size of my Mom's cake! She got the Chocolate Temptation and I got the Peanut Butter Pie.<br />
<br />
Mom didn't even have to think about what she wanted. And I don't blame her because I tried a bite and the cake was exceptional! And that is a HUGE compliment coming from a non chocolate cake fan. I could have totally eaten the entire piece and loved every second. <br />
<br />
My peanut butter pie was not an easy decision, though. I had to stare at the bakery case and quiz the waitress about the different flavors. I really wanted a piece of cake - but the coconut was infused with strawberry liquor and the carrot was frosted with white chocolate. I'm sure that both were absolutely delicious but I was really in the mood for a good basic dessert. So, I went with the pie. Peanut butter is in my top five favorite foods, after all. And the crust was made with crushed peanut butter cookies! Very light, very fluffy, very peanut buttery, very BIG.....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjLRSa8YrUqU7OleyjWRmNpyMavHkYqCmby2EEKmDzv8zhPRPw2ETN4u0vEqgwUTCU6HoDcEeUpcgi5JX10aUoCOuFiEre_crxX4D3mPU3rRMgSbaf7kAv330erI95sucH_pnHzuKmQS0/s1600/074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjLRSa8YrUqU7OleyjWRmNpyMavHkYqCmby2EEKmDzv8zhPRPw2ETN4u0vEqgwUTCU6HoDcEeUpcgi5JX10aUoCOuFiEre_crxX4D3mPU3rRMgSbaf7kAv330erI95sucH_pnHzuKmQS0/s400/074.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Totally worth it.<br />
<br />
I really had such a great lunch date with Mom! It was fun to try a new place, revisit an old one, and just catch up on life.<br />
<br />
And in the spirit of trying new places.... the next day I checked out a new restaurant that opened up across the street from where I work. It is basically a fast food joint but is known for their milkshakes. And milkshakes just so happen to be one of Kev's favorite treats.<br />
<br />
Their specialty is the watermelon shake. Considering that we go through at least one watermelon a week, I figured that would be what Kev would want. But he can't give up his love for the chocolate ones. So, Kev got a Hershey chocolate and I got the watermelon.<br />
<br />
And then I turned on the air full blast and drove 35 minutes home as fast as I could before they melted.<br />
<br />
Let's just say that both were incredible. Very creamy, very thick, and full of flavor. The watermelon one exceeded my expectations. Refreshing and light with chunks of watermelon. Kev drank/ate his entire shake immediately. I tried to savor mine and have a little at a time... but once the shake had been in the freezer for the entire day, it just wasn't as good. More like an icee. Don't worry - It didn't stop me from finishing it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSB2LfX_aaDRAHMPQ1wxV2DN-ntvcJWY-WmAizLOZWMogC3q8J0D2zl_4LBAbBQKgqj48PSqq3y_XsbnjKcV6Y05WXnswKCuWf-HOIwXxetQ4yVTcEGT8tgCJYMB47zwK7_ha0VMyl-4/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSB2LfX_aaDRAHMPQ1wxV2DN-ntvcJWY-WmAizLOZWMogC3q8J0D2zl_4LBAbBQKgqj48PSqq3y_XsbnjKcV6Y05WXnswKCuWf-HOIwXxetQ4yVTcEGT8tgCJYMB47zwK7_ha0VMyl-4/s400/019.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cook Out has 36 flavors of milkshakes - but we are such creatures of habit, we will probably never try any other flavors. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Or have another milkshake for that matter. At least for the summer - not for forever. We have been "treating" ourselves quite a lot lately and even though we are sticking to the same fitness regimen, it is starting to take it's toll. We can tell such a difference in the way we feel. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's all about moderation. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's too bad that sometimes I choose to forget what that means. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It has been such a good summer so far... and still so much fun to be had.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Kim and Kevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04766116484412476009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996747341918355717.post-43642473426635481342012-07-17T17:18:00.000-04:002012-07-17T17:18:57.178-04:00The Garden O' Plenty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My Dad's garden had another successful year! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Which means that we were lucky enough to receive a big bag of produce!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Which means that I had so much fun coming up with recipes to ensure every single piece was utilized.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is just a small portion of what we received:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTMlTtBGOfRvGiXgyIbpMc1YmdYtVtG2rJT6g95AxvthsK573cGxU5RrbBs4k7aAI98W-SlcEHv3LYrh0XKpeNw7UsHLb5CGk6w_lmA8UmhNxaOUWx8LgTZtQztWrVGzcnhumuWiz2Lo/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTMlTtBGOfRvGiXgyIbpMc1YmdYtVtG2rJT6g95AxvthsK573cGxU5RrbBs4k7aAI98W-SlcEHv3LYrh0XKpeNw7UsHLb5CGk6w_lmA8UmhNxaOUWx8LgTZtQztWrVGzcnhumuWiz2Lo/s400/003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Eggplant, Yellow squash, patty pan squash, zucchini, cucumbers, jalapenos, green peppers, and more jalapenos!! Our favorite!<br />
<br />
My first challenge was to come up with a good recipe for the patty pan squash. I googled and discovered this recipe: <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/stuffed-pattypan-squash/">Stuffed Patty Pan Squash</a>.<br />
<br />
Yes, it has bacon in it. Yes, it has cheese in it. No, I haven't stopped eating healthy. Yes, I'm enjoying my summer a little TOO much.<br />
<br />
It was delicious! I believe that any time you get the chance to eat the "bowl".... your meal must have been pretty fantastic.<br />
<br />
Taco salads. Bread bowls filled with soup. Need I say more.<br />
<br />
I also sliced up the eggplant, drizzled it with olive oil, and roasted it in the oven.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KRFg15m2KBkJRhCKqOZiiW5as0hwf2qY-w5YUyh6MbQ_PkJ4XWTcXn1YlLA8cn5kk-s4CS2pjtb-6HcTyn1n0uU18ObBG3h167U2Fu8Tc4fuS-eb4m9dJKHivklcIq7WNd9GRxnWW04/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KRFg15m2KBkJRhCKqOZiiW5as0hwf2qY-w5YUyh6MbQ_PkJ4XWTcXn1YlLA8cn5kk-s4CS2pjtb-6HcTyn1n0uU18ObBG3h167U2Fu8Tc4fuS-eb4m9dJKHivklcIq7WNd9GRxnWW04/s400/007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>AND I made up a squash/ravioli lasagna as a side dish. I basically layered cheese raviolis and squash in a 9 x 13 and covered it with cheese. And baked it, of course.<br />
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I named the meal "Dad's Garden Bonanza"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlToTrWtFQAerVDa0tOGigN8xssyReooxvO9P7qEFf141A3hH_8Ai3wAMFr2Zs0ONsGhCB3FbaxLKsho4AjzQHDpVdJ6q8gbrENYbdE-vD73TY9G6PGNq6T0_0l266uWkWY1A8PYvAPRA/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlToTrWtFQAerVDa0tOGigN8xssyReooxvO9P7qEFf141A3hH_8Ai3wAMFr2Zs0ONsGhCB3FbaxLKsho4AjzQHDpVdJ6q8gbrENYbdE-vD73TY9G6PGNq6T0_0l266uWkWY1A8PYvAPRA/s400/015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I decided to give myself another challenge. Not only did I insist on using every last piece of garden goodness... but I challenged myself to come up with recipes that would utilize the leftover produce from the party on the 4th as well as food that I had been stockpiling.<br />
<br />
I was informed recently that I am a hoarder of groceries.<br />
<br />
And unfortunately ( fortunately?) it is very true.<br />
<br />
I love buying food more than shoes and clothes.<br />
<br />
Sometimes.<br />
<br />
Anyway......<br />
<br />
Another meal consisted of <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2012/06/broccoli-parmesan-fritters/">broccoli fritters</a>, <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/old-fashioned-tomato-pie-50400000122170/">tomato pie</a>, and a salad with Dad's cukes!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-zijJtLja0ghS8YEe2kavYwsbVfBICIeoubZDsOmtx_AfVKXi3BwbdP5T51xojHqXESIrEEt8TlWlR_68wk2LTy_AlvhL84AaNIA7P6Dg-yBZsVALrpY4pkXe3oWnjtPmk5Ecsu6Thg/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-zijJtLja0ghS8YEe2kavYwsbVfBICIeoubZDsOmtx_AfVKXi3BwbdP5T51xojHqXESIrEEt8TlWlR_68wk2LTy_AlvhL84AaNIA7P6Dg-yBZsVALrpY4pkXe3oWnjtPmk5Ecsu6Thg/s400/003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I considered that dinner to be the perfect summer meal! The broccoli fritters are so easy and are quite amazing dipped in Jalapeno Ranch dressing ( which I now consider the nectar of the gods <--whatever that means). And who doesn't love a tomato pie? ( actually, I know a lot of people that don't like tomatoes... but whatever) My sister, Holly, was the first one to introduce me to it.... and I think about her every time I make one.<br />
<br />
I think about her lots of other times, too!<br />
<br />
Pizza night used up a ton of random food items that had been living rent-free in our fridge. Including the Naan bread that had been in the freezer for months ( gasp!).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1YYlqsoki8W3WvVJ8neXy09cRpeMSg_0_lgpzMm1mnjxHC0sHzFwMWiBG_mIL2q-rf-XkaT3QnzHhfS7mtC-K7GDn5YpoL9DUb_nMZmFCpn8PlVZfwars-zsx_y7m6u-84i4Lf4Imu0/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1YYlqsoki8W3WvVJ8neXy09cRpeMSg_0_lgpzMm1mnjxHC0sHzFwMWiBG_mIL2q-rf-XkaT3QnzHhfS7mtC-K7GDn5YpoL9DUb_nMZmFCpn8PlVZfwars-zsx_y7m6u-84i4Lf4Imu0/s400/010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Our pizzas were: pepperoni and jalapenos, green olive ( I'm slightly addicted to them right now), green pepper and onion, and broccoli and tomato.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, Dad's produce lasted until Sunday night - 1 1/2 weeks after he gave it to us. <br />
<br />
Kev grilled the last pieces of yellow squash and zucchini for our side dish. I also had him throw in some fresh okra - YUM! Grilling the okra whole gets rid of the slime. Not that I mind the slime.... but Kev certainly enjoyed the okra more once it was grilled.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-AlAmmG13koM2xyAWO7e1zvcCacJVXNjUGhhKdQiapojV_HuEa5jh0Mfi2T8phOkRPducO36qC0Guh_JBoeSj6f1PH_18cRee78BYKKaZZsh3Ukz1fsjtpmf01Y84Z1-7PWuo6SYalP0/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-AlAmmG13koM2xyAWO7e1zvcCacJVXNjUGhhKdQiapojV_HuEa5jh0Mfi2T8phOkRPducO36qC0Guh_JBoeSj6f1PH_18cRee78BYKKaZZsh3Ukz1fsjtpmf01Y84Z1-7PWuo6SYalP0/s400/024.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Other side dishes for the evening were:<br />
<br />
Coleslaw ( made from the Dinosaur BBQ cookbook that Dave and Laura gave me) I would have to say that it was my favorite coleslaw EVER. But that is to be expected because my meal at Dinosaur was my favorite meal EVER.<br />
Rice- see all of those words above.<br />
And<br />
<a href="http://www.shutterbean.com/2012/baked-artichoke-squares/">Baked Artichoke Cheddar Squares</a>.<br />
<br />
Thanks to my pantry clean out, I found these:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRoXh1AE2-MuU0H2HsLSVCWCdAL2qJ8Qg3Ha44xzzaptEg-t0lMPU0n-EzrfxzUJMKGksGTAg34rVzsu4P5zPNTZp9dE8mHQEEH20I3EGJvxReAfkMpk9g4w3glBMEaT5RJQ04fq_uA48/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRoXh1AE2-MuU0H2HsLSVCWCdAL2qJ8Qg3Ha44xzzaptEg-t0lMPU0n-EzrfxzUJMKGksGTAg34rVzsu4P5zPNTZp9dE8mHQEEH20I3EGJvxReAfkMpk9g4w3glBMEaT5RJQ04fq_uA48/s400/023.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And just happened to have all the other ingredients on hand.<br />
<br />
The squares were very cheesy and rich and perfect. They didn't necessarily go with our meal... but when has that ever stopped me before.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDbXjUkbaNiX_INa6SRq6Q04ZOTrZglewpul6dbABByy7CDHWlVrfiRSDXF9Ec4AmKM6i0MNDYOcqQ3a8CFWmuXODG4rB5p3HMhfKPVtvgFqHZxwy4Pf7KxDiTPCfk8BEKL9UNzCmDTc/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDbXjUkbaNiX_INa6SRq6Q04ZOTrZglewpul6dbABByy7CDHWlVrfiRSDXF9Ec4AmKM6i0MNDYOcqQ3a8CFWmuXODG4rB5p3HMhfKPVtvgFqHZxwy4Pf7KxDiTPCfk8BEKL9UNzCmDTc/s400/027.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The final plate: All sides served with the main course. SHARK STEAK!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhxtTtDCQNvI4GBJfxcM4g272nXmuD6w_tlKO5YIGv8FD11_uASyyMyGYg6eLhXd6ul8ZYxwWzKNB0moNk2-BFvxYxGTlkrB874rEhfRvZYXEGTcqYy6yh9Lsq0ueXdjM5iQm0qFbFu0/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhxtTtDCQNvI4GBJfxcM4g272nXmuD6w_tlKO5YIGv8FD11_uASyyMyGYg6eLhXd6ul8ZYxwWzKNB0moNk2-BFvxYxGTlkrB874rEhfRvZYXEGTcqYy6yh9Lsq0ueXdjM5iQm0qFbFu0/s400/031.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had never had shark steak. I have never seen shark steak. And I have luckily never seen an actual shark. ( Except for that HORRID ride at Universal Studios.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But while shopping for fish on Saturday, the lady behind the counter suggested it to me and said it was delicious. So, I got it. And it was. But it was definitely better the next day for some reason.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our fridge and pantry and freezer are a little bit emptier thanks to last week. Which, unfortunately, causes me to break out in sweats in fear of us running out of food.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And now I'm off to the grocery store.</div>Kim and Kevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04766116484412476009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996747341918355717.post-47634934754096446642012-07-10T17:32:00.000-04:002012-07-10T17:32:54.668-04:00Food for the Fourth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This year was our fourth time hosting The Fourth party. We almost decided against having it this year due to every one's busy schedules and that it was in the middle of the week..... but I'm so glad we didn't!<br />
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How else would I have ever gotten this cute picture! :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgId_T4bfBR9NMcR1qjoggNPWA3cXosAhLBAvnwy8l7p_RGeUMi_xqobuOu3NWSoQLhkau-XOFSbcfUxlxMbp9DCKxwZ5pxgH2cV3_qlRiw6eOMoMORUI77TjVQYL3-jPD5rhgJ-iPC2rU/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgId_T4bfBR9NMcR1qjoggNPWA3cXosAhLBAvnwy8l7p_RGeUMi_xqobuOu3NWSoQLhkau-XOFSbcfUxlxMbp9DCKxwZ5pxgH2cV3_qlRiw6eOMoMORUI77TjVQYL3-jPD5rhgJ-iPC2rU/s400/038.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Or gotten to spend some fun, relaxing time with family. Or gotten to eat so much ( TOO MUCH!) good food all in one day.<br />
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Here is most of the food - linked to recipes where possible.....<br />
<br />
Appetizers:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/blueberry-strawberry-jicama-salsa/">Blueberry, Strawberry, and Jicama Salsa</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjqo1V1Dq8JTon8zg7nQFMknrIPAXni3WFh0GDeB73qF9mxv6YFuBT1-FtLPsCxedh2u98yI6DNSNvMYFbqJAuj80R_uX7KLq_2CaFPR2cZHyr-Xeg0LICB-4ztqAVjrzaEs0ZRX_-0wI/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjqo1V1Dq8JTon8zg7nQFMknrIPAXni3WFh0GDeB73qF9mxv6YFuBT1-FtLPsCxedh2u98yI6DNSNvMYFbqJAuj80R_uX7KLq_2CaFPR2cZHyr-Xeg0LICB-4ztqAVjrzaEs0ZRX_-0wI/s400/030.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>It had a little bit of jalapeno in it ( which I loved) to balance out the sweetness from the fruit. I served it with chips. If it didn't have the jalapeno, I would probably serve it with cinnamon pitas.<br />
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<u><a href="http://annies-eats.com/2012/03/19/baked-tex-mex-pimento-cheese-dip/">Baked Tex-Mex Pimiento Cheese Dip</a></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxveiRcWEwrZ9h51HToJIxHmdPteRwsp0nCjSbJK9gVQmuFJQwnj-OEpaSMIVqpfyibuvjz33tQOSOobO2d8igatWukagFKa55Q3TmA4IwELTzxQ6-Y-d2aFv7eDnZQVzV1hjWEyyM1g/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWxveiRcWEwrZ9h51HToJIxHmdPteRwsp0nCjSbJK9gVQmuFJQwnj-OEpaSMIVqpfyibuvjz33tQOSOobO2d8igatWukagFKa55Q3TmA4IwELTzxQ6-Y-d2aFv7eDnZQVzV1hjWEyyM1g/s400/046.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Wow! This stuff was incredible! And addictive! It definitely has a kick, though, and I cut the amount of hot peppers in half based on the dainty taste buds of the people attending. <br />
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I plan on making this dip a lot. You have been warned, family!<br />
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For appetizers we also had mini quiches brought by Shannon and Mary. Shannon's quiches were made from the fresh eggs that her chickens produced in her very own back yard.<br />
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The Sides:<br />
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<a href="http://annies-eats.com/2012/05/21/mac-and-cheese-bites/">Mac and Cheese Bites.</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdUQ4QF5VTXLldQTYfKD5e4n-Cf0lFU2502g2ar8tqYXOEuS-LxZpF1-N-s8e3TZvpIqTRVa4WawoeVIqJ1GmFRpyPjv9xcagOHVZW6Wk81e1R0x8e1_Mb3t3LkmGbjryd2LN1u5Sidc/s1600/059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdUQ4QF5VTXLldQTYfKD5e4n-Cf0lFU2502g2ar8tqYXOEuS-LxZpF1-N-s8e3TZvpIqTRVa4WawoeVIqJ1GmFRpyPjv9xcagOHVZW6Wk81e1R0x8e1_Mb3t3LkmGbjryd2LN1u5Sidc/s400/059.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Your eyes are not deceiving you! These mac and cheese bites were made in cupcake tins. And were so incredible that they put me in a state of euphoria for the past seven days.<br />
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They are the perfect addition to a cookout, a picnic, a road trip, a bubble bath. No utensils needed. Just pick it up and go. In fact, some of the kids were caught swimming around with them in their hands ( above the water, of course). <br />
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I was worried that mine wouldn't turn out because I am famous for trying "different" techniques and failing. But I followed the recipe and they turned out perfectly. I even made them the night before and was able to reheat them at 250 degrees for 20 minutes right before the party. <br />
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You can also make them in mini muffin tins! Perfect for little hands at a birthday party! Or you could fill up a popcorn bucket with them and call it a movie snack.<br />
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Grilled Corn.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwAQ55q5aB533Nkg69WdQEV8-lZ_agCJeEaVPikDh0pa4mBDoxFmXO1g9xt1N0TEVOkiLg3mwht28Q1_66eewYI9LzdLA0ZQpCQtgP2yXIHiPw9tF8YZrUga3f3RPsEzRMBYB9bXLBNo/s1600/060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwAQ55q5aB533Nkg69WdQEV8-lZ_agCJeEaVPikDh0pa4mBDoxFmXO1g9xt1N0TEVOkiLg3mwht28Q1_66eewYI9LzdLA0ZQpCQtgP2yXIHiPw9tF8YZrUga3f3RPsEzRMBYB9bXLBNo/s400/060.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Other sides not pictured: <br />
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Potato salad and watermelon ( from Mom and Dad)<br />
Fried squash chips ( from Randy's garden)<br />
<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/broccoli-salad-recipe/index.html">Broccoli Salad</a> ( minus the raisins)<br />
<br />
And then the Main Course:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/10/crockpot-bbq-beer-chicken/">Crockpot BBQ Beer Chicken.</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEc8UT_eVQ0FxU1AeyzIHsHDNt4j0Oz2hl3J5xM76MBrsm_D9azzIXPXfP7R8fCU736utzFyAwtHr793QRvojDdOlTYlDHW3pBkz-6pNejDZo1joGe-CTWLyU7pIlKqv0JJEDqVktIpf8/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEc8UT_eVQ0FxU1AeyzIHsHDNt4j0Oz2hl3J5xM76MBrsm_D9azzIXPXfP7R8fCU736utzFyAwtHr793QRvojDdOlTYlDHW3pBkz-6pNejDZo1joGe-CTWLyU7pIlKqv0JJEDqVktIpf8/s400/033.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Ham and Swiss sliders ( from Shannon)<br />
Meatballs ( from Mary)<br />
Burger sliders<br />
Hawaiian Pork Sliders... recipe from this book...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5aepFMf5CD2HzkVqy215yoCR7k7tytaGT4dn0asPz1Z_a_Y9HQGOUUu0W44rouLb-xrdeK_OY3ahG3VAnHxzAkJUOUfeFOJefCIBnqNxo_tBuc7mtGj2_2Ydp27g6U_dkC0MMWRBaP5E/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5aepFMf5CD2HzkVqy215yoCR7k7tytaGT4dn0asPz1Z_a_Y9HQGOUUu0W44rouLb-xrdeK_OY3ahG3VAnHxzAkJUOUfeFOJefCIBnqNxo_tBuc7mtGj2_2Ydp27g6U_dkC0MMWRBaP5E/s400/035.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Trader Vic's is a restaurant we ate in last year when we went to Atlanta for a short vacation. Kev happened across the cookbook and had just given it to me. The recipe was for two pork loin that marinated over night and then roasted in the oven for an hour.<br />
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I sliced it and served it on Hawaiian sweet bread with grilled pineapple.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YhAkZD0_2M8jCZvklID76uRxqVc1PyR2vrgZN0cHtm2_rYFDkHM43Yfc5uCi1X_bhfNjSjxpgzVVwaqMb1182M6Fv21yQK_8HHnKHy9IyheS38X6M6Js52iumAdeihIxMi15azKmy0Q/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4YhAkZD0_2M8jCZvklID76uRxqVc1PyR2vrgZN0cHtm2_rYFDkHM43Yfc5uCi1X_bhfNjSjxpgzVVwaqMb1182M6Fv21yQK_8HHnKHy9IyheS38X6M6Js52iumAdeihIxMi15azKmy0Q/s400/042.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The pork sliders were definitely my favorite sandwich of the day... with Shannon's ham and swiss sandwiches coming in a close second.<br />
<br />
The Desserts.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.letsdishrecipes.com/2012/03/chocolate-peanut-butter-no-bake-dessert.html">Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Dessert</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz6Bst61GJeoFn2DDn8pn0rxBMJ_vVvJZ8gJ7s2_5wymkGJycFA9BJTmysMkRgXLxi2H2Wfe8CYV6G07eooT1ZLeyuxte08l5VKPxVjY0KKiN04bDulsxOZO1V9czsSzvLsvgDdW7Xlrw/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz6Bst61GJeoFn2DDn8pn0rxBMJ_vVvJZ8gJ7s2_5wymkGJycFA9BJTmysMkRgXLxi2H2Wfe8CYV6G07eooT1ZLeyuxte08l5VKPxVjY0KKiN04bDulsxOZO1V9czsSzvLsvgDdW7Xlrw/s400/054.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This dessert really deserves a better name! Like Heaven or The Greatest Dessert on Earth. It is just amazing. And just like the last time I made it... it was already partially gone by the time it got served.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigR7QLzYRNy0tRLGQBIcq_VQSYdfg1egqpqMm3fszhwtTnzSnIJb5563YATSZ_sSVN5koS8NUSfKog_6yHGyIAQ8gl-rz52ELMf6JFF4x0CV0fNkiBWyws5L6aP9f04Homt1WLwRLktLc/s1600/057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigR7QLzYRNy0tRLGQBIcq_VQSYdfg1egqpqMm3fszhwtTnzSnIJb5563YATSZ_sSVN5koS8NUSfKog_6yHGyIAQ8gl-rz52ELMf6JFF4x0CV0fNkiBWyws5L6aP9f04Homt1WLwRLktLc/s400/057.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Shooting fireworks is exhausting! ;)<br />
<br />
I also made <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/09/single-serving-pie-in-a-jar/">mini cherry and blueberry pies in mason jar</a>s! And I completely forgot to get a picture! It was also SO EASY and something I will definitely do again. I made the blueberry ones sugar free and used regular cherry pie filling for the cherry ones. The possibilities are endless. I also used the pint jars that are tall and skinny - mainly because I couldn't find the ones pictured on the recipe - and they worked out just fine. In fact, they had room at the top for a scoop of ice cream! Which would then melt a little on the warm pie and seep down in to the jar.<br />
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My FIRST plate....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsj-1e19v1L_mO0z9pCTuiD9QuIyML-cOfMXPXSLLl-C5fFOsEJ-WgXr9KocNh2ED2nHlqwFlN4XEBP_uTm5quJ5JV7vKSJV-ZJN0hYkdNSk8AviUUqH1TonKbYy5A34ecI2dtt1Nw4uk/s1600/067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsj-1e19v1L_mO0z9pCTuiD9QuIyML-cOfMXPXSLLl-C5fFOsEJ-WgXr9KocNh2ED2nHlqwFlN4XEBP_uTm5quJ5JV7vKSJV-ZJN0hYkdNSk8AviUUqH1TonKbYy5A34ecI2dtt1Nw4uk/s400/067.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>All healthiness and restrictions out the window!<br />
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I ended up eating ALL DAY. And the next day woke up with a hangover! A food hangover. My body was just blown away by what I put in to it. <br />
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It was all worth it, though!<br />
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Little Abby sporting her patriotic bikini...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdWYw4v0xm6QEOk0Q3pBR4GpJC1jvCcIg1YTkAo-51huEqR6eKsibQUuciBq8XBTzwH7CYxgGZR7ZjxOgEmY5XQiOrjZpxFmqY7kGd41I7XGBaDw9rLbCx71Pmrq98qngClF0kEDeBTo/s1600/090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdWYw4v0xm6QEOk0Q3pBR4GpJC1jvCcIg1YTkAo-51huEqR6eKsibQUuciBq8XBTzwH7CYxgGZR7ZjxOgEmY5XQiOrjZpxFmqY7kGd41I7XGBaDw9rLbCx71Pmrq98qngClF0kEDeBTo/s400/090.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The party attendees... minus Mary and Glenn who were sitting on the porch in the shade.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFYQfuoH7LPvDfNc0YwtGcXt1wi6Yo_w3oKYfTJ2b1H_FtZwKbjKdSvcAaAt7w19DT3on-2d_cAJVrwNkCCT1QOFyOdALs9Ygk_QLjDzYwr77kECYloZKGjMJ8_ZestFsOqqBk3S3DrE/s1600/086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFYQfuoH7LPvDfNc0YwtGcXt1wi6Yo_w3oKYfTJ2b1H_FtZwKbjKdSvcAaAt7w19DT3on-2d_cAJVrwNkCCT1QOFyOdALs9Ygk_QLjDzYwr77kECYloZKGjMJ8_ZestFsOqqBk3S3DrE/s400/086.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was such a fun day and we really enjoyed spending it with our family!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We hope every one had a great Fourth of July!!! </div>Kim and Kevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04766116484412476009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996747341918355717.post-49853407034644417022012-07-08T18:23:00.001-04:002012-07-08T21:41:29.067-04:00Uncle Kev<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On July 3rd, we had "the kids" come over to spend the night. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We began the evening with a nice, calm, uneventful dinner...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieIzOUtXP6PBfQNxdBkkY2beou9jUtglRLbW9hBSCAyAPJ48tXjxv5hMADsftrPg-R7JmQgHZgEnuZw6OjP9w5K87Ag2rc5PDQxcLtTrHSyrR8vQnukGH6lkwSJt4l6RIRMQoF8WFm1c8/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieIzOUtXP6PBfQNxdBkkY2beou9jUtglRLbW9hBSCAyAPJ48tXjxv5hMADsftrPg-R7JmQgHZgEnuZw6OjP9w5K87Ag2rc5PDQxcLtTrHSyrR8vQnukGH6lkwSJt4l6RIRMQoF8WFm1c8/s400/004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The Subway sandwich of choice: Ham + Cheese + Mayo + Bread. ( Boring!)<br />
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I spent the next 15 minutes giving them the food speech about how there are so many amazing foods out there and that they don't know if they don't like them until they have tried them.... blah blah blah.<br />
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It never works, though.<br />
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Little did they know that Uncle Kev ( aka 4th of July Santa) had acquired a RIDICULOUS amount of fireworks for their evening surprise.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHkMroHbk4AvehrHikJc9faPIUxi0b8VKzrZOoj5HikzCGaXmDQW-Dz0I904YqCHVMKkhDQct3dRMjoQN3BYZw415f6IJcBJKlklOx5uCJMQdW9MCN8nrmLvAwLmgHPEyXQbL5w9-ZEE/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHkMroHbk4AvehrHikJc9faPIUxi0b8VKzrZOoj5HikzCGaXmDQW-Dz0I904YqCHVMKkhDQct3dRMjoQN3BYZw415f6IJcBJKlklOx5uCJMQdW9MCN8nrmLvAwLmgHPEyXQbL5w9-ZEE/s400/001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And then this happened:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hmWY9zWh601yQxPUqwjs8lKZhDAJ8iO6owuRlapVTEc3v2Rub1dkigOG-gHwNp1xkgKrIFDoQ9oLol-clYhcpLNaaQpuueh8myw0sRIR-JbqVUjIN2R9emUbc6sNG2c7l7XxopV0TBU/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hmWY9zWh601yQxPUqwjs8lKZhDAJ8iO6owuRlapVTEc3v2Rub1dkigOG-gHwNp1xkgKrIFDoQ9oLol-clYhcpLNaaQpuueh8myw0sRIR-JbqVUjIN2R9emUbc6sNG2c7l7XxopV0TBU/s400/007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And the crowds went WILD.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijseMKD9ej0L3dKKKkcaCHNfwzGSpeLf6MPSbv_ipGeFZcUQ0fHcFUqhcVaW-G6XYg-bMiOtaW44SjO1MgAEefqcul1mDP_ywIi5rUa2o9fK0i92L6awLrJgBtJ-5VekSUZfvpFzVbTDg/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijseMKD9ej0L3dKKKkcaCHNfwzGSpeLf6MPSbv_ipGeFZcUQ0fHcFUqhcVaW-G6XYg-bMiOtaW44SjO1MgAEefqcul1mDP_ywIi5rUa2o9fK0i92L6awLrJgBtJ-5VekSUZfvpFzVbTDg/s400/009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I have never seen two boys change in to their swimsuits so fast and jump in the pool. Uncle Kev was in rare form and ready to play.<br />
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And then the teenagers got involved.<br />
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They played in the pool for hours! And only came inside when they were in need of a towel or a timeout to recuperate.<br />
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I love that I can see in to the back yard from my kitchen... it was almost like I was actually outside except I didn't have to be a part of the shenanigans.<br />
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The fireworks started at 10:30pm. Kev even set up a special viewing area for me. But even though I was a decent distance away, I still had my hands over my face and watched through my fingers in fear that debris would fall in to my eyes.<br />
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Dramatic much?<br />
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The show was spectacular! Especially when some neighbors came out and joined in on the fun! No one wants to be out done in Gaston when it comes to fireworks. No one.<br />
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The evening ended perfectly. I was able to get the majority of my party food prepped and the kids were entertained until they were so exhausted that they went to sleep.<br />
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Unfortunately, the next morning we woke up to a mess.<br />
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVmb84b58Bj0ICvpFtoMVs0tPg4mCY2tNpHso-qlkngtgGU2zi4v5hps17XpyfZA1uW2xL6NyAI3jbc2NK3iKLmkdpkNEF7uNGSfXfBwHbkPgcd8Rf_QiOtvQlfuVxx-PUxAD6pu31ta8/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVmb84b58Bj0ICvpFtoMVs0tPg4mCY2tNpHso-qlkngtgGU2zi4v5hps17XpyfZA1uW2xL6NyAI3jbc2NK3iKLmkdpkNEF7uNGSfXfBwHbkPgcd8Rf_QiOtvQlfuVxx-PUxAD6pu31ta8/s400/024.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>It seems the wind blew all of the fireworks debris in to the pool and on the pool deck.<br />
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Not to mention the pool party aftermath...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYh_vJ4u9AARnFvlKOpfTkwFZTZva24yCNzNGICO3kvhI3lPoyhcVUBeMNRzf1YxL9w0FObp2OfbXVDw5K_Fi-nrNrgJDynzlwJDxamAgjEEOKfqMjuI5Pnm239Ii6ooYNY7WOCDZrp4/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYh_vJ4u9AARnFvlKOpfTkwFZTZva24yCNzNGICO3kvhI3lPoyhcVUBeMNRzf1YxL9w0FObp2OfbXVDw5K_Fi-nrNrgJDynzlwJDxamAgjEEOKfqMjuI5Pnm239Ii6ooYNY7WOCDZrp4/s400/026.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>But it was nothing that Kev couldn't quickly fix.<br />
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It was totally worth it to him. In fact, I'm not exactly sure who had more fun - him or the kids.<br />
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Up next: The Food for the Fourth... and my kitchen helper....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3QiBPER9P81UBNPSZ7P_4rOZifxssoOiepsDKKl3j0xWBRETSUcPRuIlXflS5r2wj7Ka9ZN5WcDfgXTMf5kYxCg0JXHvINlzHq86uNe-XNkk8LMy2asfhTRMN_KNFm6uUgG_-Yw0-ZI/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI3QiBPER9P81UBNPSZ7P_4rOZifxssoOiepsDKKl3j0xWBRETSUcPRuIlXflS5r2wj7Ka9ZN5WcDfgXTMf5kYxCg0JXHvINlzHq86uNe-XNkk8LMy2asfhTRMN_KNFm6uUgG_-Yw0-ZI/s400/036.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Kim and Kevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04766116484412476009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996747341918355717.post-32135963118372273552012-07-07T11:02:00.000-04:002012-07-07T11:02:44.060-04:00June<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The recap:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Actually this recap begins with the very end of May. After I returned from my (first) visit to Pawley's Island.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1. My nephew, Michael, graduated high school.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pAIraBbM2xfq1IOoOltX0TTN6u_woWGHtpZG8EWGT-GU4RCElcefXAiqWGspcvzuOoGB3QAz4NmxFpPiktGNK530BGw7ufJDO5NZw8LqpRFD-Fzt8qrk9-6_2ChI7TGytu6DPAzdULA/s1600/Beach+and+Graduation+143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pAIraBbM2xfq1IOoOltX0TTN6u_woWGHtpZG8EWGT-GU4RCElcefXAiqWGspcvzuOoGB3QAz4NmxFpPiktGNK530BGw7ufJDO5NZw8LqpRFD-Fzt8qrk9-6_2ChI7TGytu6DPAzdULA/s400/Beach+and+Graduation+143.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Seeing all of the graduates gave me flashbacks to my graduation... when I thought I was SO grown up and ready to take on the world. But I really had no clue. <br />
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I actually felt scared for them. <br />
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Or maybe I was just feeling delirious because I chose to wear a maxi skirt with a jean jacket on the first super hot day of the year.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHdMAo37EEtDi9o3Ms6yztFSduorlDyrbozP4v_XyR3pKW8gVSioPxydb5FWB2yQA5LgGF2HnSP6hgsFLFKB5pqTWK2bBa3J0xfE-eWyU3BAgDCd64DDRjaqFfyxJ2FubyZrxgQNryXA/s1600/Beach+and+Graduation+155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHdMAo37EEtDi9o3Ms6yztFSduorlDyrbozP4v_XyR3pKW8gVSioPxydb5FWB2yQA5LgGF2HnSP6hgsFLFKB5pqTWK2bBa3J0xfE-eWyU3BAgDCd64DDRjaqFfyxJ2FubyZrxgQNryXA/s400/Beach+and+Graduation+155.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And then I climbed seventy billion stairs while helping Laura carry a stroller full of Caroline.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZZkPzXhI2dHGVwGEFsgLpr03VcKuIar1kR5DOaLvYVfmBicwyxFiJrmY8TuK6IIrP8ZKxM9nTAHlcUte52H4EJyq4oEkK-CoqsG8xcsqFsbjXQYVinicNZqAfgCTQE71kb8qMmZvoek/s1600/Beach+and+Graduation+162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZZkPzXhI2dHGVwGEFsgLpr03VcKuIar1kR5DOaLvYVfmBicwyxFiJrmY8TuK6IIrP8ZKxM9nTAHlcUte52H4EJyq4oEkK-CoqsG8xcsqFsbjXQYVinicNZqAfgCTQE71kb8qMmZvoek/s400/Beach+and+Graduation+162.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>You better believe I counted that as my workout for the day.<br />
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And my tank top has the sweat stains to prove it.<br />
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2. Another nephew, Austin, graduated from fifth grade (on the same day).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0GWWaWLTCf04Ewengb1nFZbtA_kyb0UpP1mvA2sxIGkjKRHC4W1TXG0SLqfBNvqFvaH3u8aiRmwowkL327sE6O8dffs7qTnkv-doJUAqpnMk05zQgGVnIIoK3ei9aa5Ge2XF39vtDZc/s1600/Beach+and+Graduation+080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0GWWaWLTCf04Ewengb1nFZbtA_kyb0UpP1mvA2sxIGkjKRHC4W1TXG0SLqfBNvqFvaH3u8aiRmwowkL327sE6O8dffs7qTnkv-doJUAqpnMk05zQgGVnIIoK3ei9aa5Ge2XF39vtDZc/s400/Beach+and+Graduation+080.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>He won all sorts of awards! It was very exciting!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9g7TMIdMp2JJMOwDdkrsQsbHSiYTzjX0I96IwjX9EHIr4a2CrxncxPEFdKLKeHZljRITGqbN8RG6de-YpN82RD83m5JAt02hbg2R40WEX0GSfOV9l2DSd04uxGVqj0b6rMtrT0R1XAgk/s1600/Beach+and+Graduation+083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9g7TMIdMp2JJMOwDdkrsQsbHSiYTzjX0I96IwjX9EHIr4a2CrxncxPEFdKLKeHZljRITGqbN8RG6de-YpN82RD83m5JAt02hbg2R40WEX0GSfOV9l2DSd04uxGVqj0b6rMtrT0R1XAgk/s400/Beach+and+Graduation+083.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>3. I got to experience lots of cousin love. ( But not in the Alabama kind of way! haha)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGhQRZ2tFNiaFiz3x3kqMIqlfLQnRglU8m7COquZkMUfTyW8JxlSpDJf_vUHu8gXrlbHfETTVwDDCJrCqzMAVaLu6YJ0f-g-TvreAdSZsJnRc8eyh2YLUduOOYLk8YprAyh79xx8vL-s/s1600/Beach+and+Graduation+095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGhQRZ2tFNiaFiz3x3kqMIqlfLQnRglU8m7COquZkMUfTyW8JxlSpDJf_vUHu8gXrlbHfETTVwDDCJrCqzMAVaLu6YJ0f-g-TvreAdSZsJnRc8eyh2YLUduOOYLk8YprAyh79xx8vL-s/s400/Beach+and+Graduation+095.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>4. Laura and Caroline were actually home for five weeks! So, I was extra lucky to get to spend lots of one-on-one time with them.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTuMfheBptZTxBe1yAh01MQgQWMJZthfNDbvM2LlMbuDOzvK1qZrGQKdFtJaVl6KBWbKDoEr-vKgmkAQSuvLiXoLBx9NqDvR93ihGLQWgQzSbazdhyVWw6h4S1wW3q9vqaAnF6euujIdI/s1600/Beach+and+Graduation+182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTuMfheBptZTxBe1yAh01MQgQWMJZthfNDbvM2LlMbuDOzvK1qZrGQKdFtJaVl6KBWbKDoEr-vKgmkAQSuvLiXoLBx9NqDvR93ihGLQWgQzSbazdhyVWw6h4S1wW3q9vqaAnF6euujIdI/s400/Beach+and+Graduation+182.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>5. Kev and I watched multiple seasons of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0773262/">Dexter</a>.<br />
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6. We also watched the first season of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0903747/">Breaking Bad</a> and <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0944947/">Game of Thrones</a>. Who needs Showtime and HBO when you have Netflix?! <br />
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I'm hooked on all three series, by the way!<br />
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7. I started attending classes at<a href="http://cityyogasc.com/site/"> City Yoga</a>. Such an incredible experience! Not only for the wonderful instructors and amazing classes... but also because it is across the street from Pawley's Front Porch.<br />
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8. <a href="http://www.pawleys5pts.com/"> Pawley's Front Porch</a>. We FINALLY got to try it. The restaurant has been on Diners, Drive ins, and Dives and is famous for it's burgers and fish tacos.<br />
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And fried pickles...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEdkAFYK3vVQkbd2tFlzldw2N4oCfSfXCedUfo2C2EerHREVXHNRRPwKZMwl9xufxy4iWqqysz0-8e0aMWTtQJOfNbcCCGHt5JqJy3rhXB5HxMTzyNnkzHW83WgO3Ffo3Bib7pU0phR8/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEdkAFYK3vVQkbd2tFlzldw2N4oCfSfXCedUfo2C2EerHREVXHNRRPwKZMwl9xufxy4iWqqysz0-8e0aMWTtQJOfNbcCCGHt5JqJy3rhXB5HxMTzyNnkzHW83WgO3Ffo3Bib7pU0phR8/s400/012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>It was our first time trying them and they were pretty spectacular. Even after sitting in the car for 30 minutes on my drive home.<br />
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I also ordered every fish taco that they offered so we could have a taste testing.<br />
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This grilled mahi mahi was definitely my favorite! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLdvwwmN0Ntm_KqOaroHAeF4KlyO94EycopBOFRgBL1yd8DJC6tpWrwwgYHGhOYe71uP-Ukk5ZKZgw9vUDZLPwJzDfFjIW63ejYpUbPvZXMa6HZjoPSYX0lH55pLKzQYS1HPZ_HGkXygc/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLdvwwmN0Ntm_KqOaroHAeF4KlyO94EycopBOFRgBL1yd8DJC6tpWrwwgYHGhOYe71uP-Ukk5ZKZgw9vUDZLPwJzDfFjIW63ejYpUbPvZXMa6HZjoPSYX0lH55pLKzQYS1HPZ_HGkXygc/s400/013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Kev's favorite was the buffalo shrimp taco, then the tempura fish taco, and lastly the grilled mahi. <br />
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It was an excellent meal!<br />
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9. More Caroline lovin' time....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyuEfWc8fTk8h1528xQrQGsdEb700KVM6oaZUdOA-35ec-a53KV0JX0Dda-v-eNi8GzcGShJ_NV60e4MkINpLazgsbizeZqHa-AxhwNxk42Avoj3LUqpdjTcgRhLE7BCdv9v4hrT_evc/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyuEfWc8fTk8h1528xQrQGsdEb700KVM6oaZUdOA-35ec-a53KV0JX0Dda-v-eNi8GzcGShJ_NV60e4MkINpLazgsbizeZqHa-AxhwNxk42Avoj3LUqpdjTcgRhLE7BCdv9v4hrT_evc/s400/003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Laura and Caroline came out to our house to spend the day.<br />
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10. Pawley's Island visit #2. <br />
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Laura's family got a house at the beach for a week and invited me up for a night.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7Vxz5eF3k7xbR6stiavMIHdLA0jVJl-feDyBlJAM-54sFPm7BwT15jI8OAg0m0qnZljrXl01M5zhvIzYNABAQQObPm1y4CIAPm4N1yHnlDSVa_xsaedaiDIyPaZnoFS5stM697wUZKI/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7Vxz5eF3k7xbR6stiavMIHdLA0jVJl-feDyBlJAM-54sFPm7BwT15jI8OAg0m0qnZljrXl01M5zhvIzYNABAQQObPm1y4CIAPm4N1yHnlDSVa_xsaedaiDIyPaZnoFS5stM697wUZKI/s400/021.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>It just so happened to be the same beach house that we "family reunioned" at a couple of years ago. The house where Dave and Laura became more than just friends. <br />
<br />
My Mom and Dad came for a visit too!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Ylrfqq0uTCucndwacsZtHHcO3CZ8EfJTc7eNMqqmLQA7KKzsGhbzgJ_CXxj_8SY_A_Z3XCj16WkHZeLFxAU_V8h4050w6Dz2sjCKeKq_U3ru3nrvBtEp05eUBLff8NWFNRJD7lwjeYE/s1600/043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Ylrfqq0uTCucndwacsZtHHcO3CZ8EfJTc7eNMqqmLQA7KKzsGhbzgJ_CXxj_8SY_A_Z3XCj16WkHZeLFxAU_V8h4050w6Dz2sjCKeKq_U3ru3nrvBtEp05eUBLff8NWFNRJD7lwjeYE/s400/043.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>"I caught a fish THIS BIG!"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEsTHJUNeC9lsQnVO8Hh8MH_3ZugnXS8T1SZWAw18tsxss78nz7DHVv46Lfukj4NK1R8yvh5jtR8VrBWmIFofxxGF7fACiBM8vyA-xLtqHwZmmpiyeQNqUW6aeC7RKeJ4xfZpF2YuuuY/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLEsTHJUNeC9lsQnVO8Hh8MH_3ZugnXS8T1SZWAw18tsxss78nz7DHVv46Lfukj4NK1R8yvh5jtR8VrBWmIFofxxGF7fACiBM8vyA-xLtqHwZmmpiyeQNqUW6aeC7RKeJ4xfZpF2YuuuY/s400/038.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I also got a little playtime with this sweet girl... my second cousin, Lillian! She taught me the secret to playing paddle ball is to "hit the ball gently". If she only knew that "gently" is not something I'm good at :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQ-7dGBk_XuMtu-lgGR1W5sWfVamQzcsvQwPMSD2NfIsfsmhzUAU3Nd6kIDuXwzZOhR_O6FLib9Rc57ELN5xkNULVTpqzVmVPmxlxdouYsAEqxe9A5PcoR9ayGi8qvSA6AuK2n8XMYqU/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQ-7dGBk_XuMtu-lgGR1W5sWfVamQzcsvQwPMSD2NfIsfsmhzUAU3Nd6kIDuXwzZOhR_O6FLib9Rc57ELN5xkNULVTpqzVmVPmxlxdouYsAEqxe9A5PcoR9ayGi8qvSA6AuK2n8XMYqU/s400/027.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJYuZ-dVZcUIi6WnnwX50khK9dNuDXH4Lpg-pqr-y-iiPqHKE5z9Hjid0XX_GbkQEZijDN-DxNO0ndMSbEY_kVmTDWpKYWSOVSBgEcwftsK8oWWG2P2hH8pBxk5eIhAEgg0XTIgUWqFs/s1600/061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJYuZ-dVZcUIi6WnnwX50khK9dNuDXH4Lpg-pqr-y-iiPqHKE5z9Hjid0XX_GbkQEZijDN-DxNO0ndMSbEY_kVmTDWpKYWSOVSBgEcwftsK8oWWG2P2hH8pBxk5eIhAEgg0XTIgUWqFs/s400/061.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>11. I busted out my new<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-Woman-Cooks-Food-Frontier/dp/0061997188"> Pioneer Woman cookboo</a>k and tried a couple more of her recipes. One of them using this...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztCt471lof-M5RItZWU9V5aFNUAu2N2iaQfJ89iHhTBWhsARt13D8nCUFsBEV1Qdijabl0FhVa9-qkQTMjmn2KfGKMVDsYcbkEo2N_Fv-4WYY2rdJv9qyEe208gGVvTpQC98Sr6FJfzQ/s1600/065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztCt471lof-M5RItZWU9V5aFNUAu2N2iaQfJ89iHhTBWhsARt13D8nCUFsBEV1Qdijabl0FhVa9-qkQTMjmn2KfGKMVDsYcbkEo2N_Fv-4WYY2rdJv9qyEe208gGVvTpQC98Sr6FJfzQ/s400/065.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>to make this: Peach Whiskey Chicken. It was delicious! I can't link to the recipe because it is only in her book...so, you will just have to go out and buy it. It is totally worth it, though!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyz8X_H9mrzgyXoj-7rlUo1OqryJTvg5Quz2rspAbCJp3LUWtKfIkyxDFY1j9_Fa8Ps52eCZWck7QOn80eLv8rSmghkzIoENlmAYVC6JzXM8mDDS2zNr4V4rZGKkq7XsQF456u4-oIMo/s1600/069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyz8X_H9mrzgyXoj-7rlUo1OqryJTvg5Quz2rspAbCJp3LUWtKfIkyxDFY1j9_Fa8Ps52eCZWck7QOn80eLv8rSmghkzIoENlmAYVC6JzXM8mDDS2zNr4V4rZGKkq7XsQF456u4-oIMo/s400/069.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">12. I started getting extra-super-duper excited about my upcoming trip to Yellowstone!! It is now less than a month away and I CANNOT wait!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And that, folks, pretty much sums up June. Along with chores, working out, chores, and eating lots of good food.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">July has already started off with a BANG <- literally! (Wait until you see the amount of fireworks Kev acquired.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is turning out to be a pretty fantastic summer!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Kim and Kevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04766116484412476009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996747341918355717.post-55548199122804763532012-07-07T10:12:00.000-04:002012-07-07T10:12:14.775-04:00We're Back!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDS7RLNL7BnRnZIRLZ3Lb1o08TofGcDW4V3O9vSJNUjWmexo3R3N8FHssRZNLNIgz4DsnEwLyrZehnIkyC_2lF0z9M_xZ4c9oukE0BZUWNIwDrxRVHdtmfcUJXW3BXjuhfFJYXwCrM3Nk/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDS7RLNL7BnRnZIRLZ3Lb1o08TofGcDW4V3O9vSJNUjWmexo3R3N8FHssRZNLNIgz4DsnEwLyrZehnIkyC_2lF0z9M_xZ4c9oukE0BZUWNIwDrxRVHdtmfcUJXW3BXjuhfFJYXwCrM3Nk/s400/039.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And (surprisingly) matching!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Or at least as close to matching as two super heroes can get. ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I realize that I have been the slackest blogger on the planet. And I realize that I have promised multiple times that I would get back on track. I don't know what it is about this year. The days seems to move faster and faster and I just get so behind on documenting my life. ( Not to mention that most of the time my life is pretty much routine and oh so boring.) The problem is that documenting my life is pretty darn important these days... especially because I am starting to get even more forgetful and I might need these posts to remind me what my name is in a couple of months.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, bottom line is that I may not be consistent but I will make every effort to update... starting with a recap of June.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Which will be coming soon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">( I love it when I accidentally rhyme.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Kim and Kevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04766116484412476009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996747341918355717.post-25256845513657815552012-06-07T16:38:00.000-04:002012-06-07T16:38:43.337-04:00The Beach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had forgotten how much I love it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Even though I reminisce about it often. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There is something about sitting in the sand and watching the waves that is so calming. Especially when you have the opportunity to disconnect from the rest of the world and spend time with family.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_9vWeiIJoHupMADeWuOA-JR4ljv5FEUBQ5XoFFKOYU63XiUXzwI6u1vjmvCdDgrM0WGBcPhoauuh5x-zNhXK3yX8OOSDwAPFLduT7jCc3hQJvvPkBssPFxPpCwaCTKLmiBPi64SGYn2Q/s1600/Beach+and+Graduation+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_9vWeiIJoHupMADeWuOA-JR4ljv5FEUBQ5XoFFKOYU63XiUXzwI6u1vjmvCdDgrM0WGBcPhoauuh5x-zNhXK3yX8OOSDwAPFLduT7jCc3hQJvvPkBssPFxPpCwaCTKLmiBPi64SGYn2Q/s400/Beach+and+Graduation+025.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>My Aunt Sandi and her family have been going to the beach every year for as long as I can remember. They get together with my family that lives in Pawley's Island and rent a house for the week.<br />
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We were fortunate enough to be able to go this year. Even if it was for only a couple of days.<br />
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The weather ended up being perfect considering that there was a threat of a tropical storm headed our way. Heavy winds were the only issue and even that ended up being a highlight as it helped me run my fastest mile.<br />
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Ever. <br />
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Note to self: run races on windy days with the wind at my back.<br />
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I felt like the Bionic Woman.<br />
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Kev got some much needed man time with my cousins. These guys are hilarious and we just loved spending so much time with them!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQE4OaBE1Bel6HwkBfKn7FHWqC3fae52iClik1NSX9JP6ZU9GxJQzRPMVNGJFOzTz3zBJMvo86qVQ04j2IV-j98yt4nnZgkbrbRBgJsnplJborEQiCMzAbSmw1rTSz3kmUrpX85H2rki4/s1600/Beach+and+Graduation+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQE4OaBE1Bel6HwkBfKn7FHWqC3fae52iClik1NSX9JP6ZU9GxJQzRPMVNGJFOzTz3zBJMvo86qVQ04j2IV-j98yt4nnZgkbrbRBgJsnplJborEQiCMzAbSmw1rTSz3kmUrpX85H2rki4/s400/Beach+and+Graduation+022.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I know that I have mentioned this several times before... but I just LOVE watching my siblings and cousins as parents. I love watching their interactions and seeing their families grow.<br />
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The children were absolutely precious and so much fun to be around.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbbatqSUrpEq2HpMcugsVsjV378rJWN0Xd4GLHJYXNw6t51Lf5nHmsqTQxirO_xHY5PuhX5tm65CpbLW71KwYi_YR_dE85PoBaMZT1wLzfr_vMajGt4izi1wkoxo7HhsGTFdDppPwI_A/s1600/Beach+and+Graduation+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbbatqSUrpEq2HpMcugsVsjV378rJWN0Xd4GLHJYXNw6t51Lf5nHmsqTQxirO_xHY5PuhX5tm65CpbLW71KwYi_YR_dE85PoBaMZT1wLzfr_vMajGt4izi1wkoxo7HhsGTFdDppPwI_A/s400/Beach+and+Graduation+019.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I was so paranoid about getting sand in my camera that I only had it out on the beach for an hour... and even then I had it wrapped up in a towel to protect it from the wind.<br />
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I ended up missing so many great pictures of the family. And so many pictures of bizarre sea creatures that happened to wash up on the beach. It was like a two-day long episode of National Geographic mixed with a little Sci-Fi.<br />
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I assumed that this "jelly ball" that Jackson found was going to be the creature highlight.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5PY7ghleIehK3FdGHwHbgwKBmrtGdBPWsFrI5JfmFBVCUTly_-x7HDIcI5tuo9jk5tbYg5VtpVSB8-M_jBRuYvyjnq9Qx3ZS9Wf97KVmlrQmsIf1kfBOpiHM-4fWKk_JOGe3Ku5UyhY/s1600/Beach+and+Graduation+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5PY7ghleIehK3FdGHwHbgwKBmrtGdBPWsFrI5JfmFBVCUTly_-x7HDIcI5tuo9jk5tbYg5VtpVSB8-M_jBRuYvyjnq9Qx3ZS9Wf97KVmlrQmsIf1kfBOpiHM-4fWKk_JOGe3Ku5UyhY/s400/Beach+and+Graduation+032.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Even this little sweetheart, Elizabeth, was brave enough to hold it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLuyMM5VDw7mvy70ppdr-f4KWkB3n4ODlMwWNVeydIDkx7U5KnBnJxs8Vm1AphV_UDUtioEcSg4GBV6XASlOqoNkd87bNEjb7HlpHkem-4S_BrXiSMfFjJfLCKt7nCyG90r_BZT6WhVDs/s1600/Beach+and+Graduation+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLuyMM5VDw7mvy70ppdr-f4KWkB3n4ODlMwWNVeydIDkx7U5KnBnJxs8Vm1AphV_UDUtioEcSg4GBV6XASlOqoNkd87bNEjb7HlpHkem-4S_BrXiSMfFjJfLCKt7nCyG90r_BZT6WhVDs/s400/Beach+and+Graduation+036.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>But the "jelly ball" was no match for what was discovered the next day..... I believe it was something prehistoric. And I'm not joking.<br />
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One of the highlights of going to the beach - besides sitting in the sun all day and spending time with family - is the food! Each family is scheduled to cook for one night during the week. <br />
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Saturday night was assigned to<a href="http://cagallup.blogspot.com/"> The Gallups</a>. They made Frogmore stew.<br />
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I almost passed out from happiness. The shrimp. Oh my goodness, the shrimp. It was to die for.<br />
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Clay had caught it himself. HIMSELF. <br />
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It was incredible! We have been eating frozen shrimp for so long that I had forgotten what fresh shrimp tasted like.<br />
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I claimed not to know how to peel fresh shrimp. It was my tactic to ensure that I was able to eat as much as my belly could hold. While Kev was busy peeling... I was busy eating.<br />
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It was delicious!<br />
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Let's just say that I met my protein quota for the year.<br />
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Sunday night was designated for The Wilsons. <a href="http://kimandkevsnyder.blogspot.com/2011/11/wedding.html">Remember their beautiful beach wedding in November?</a><br />
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We didn't know if we would be staying... based on the weather... but not only did it end up being gorgeous, but The Wilsons were serving BBQ.<br />
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Need I say more.<br />
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While waiting for dinner, we got cleaned up... which means Kev took a nap and I took pictures of the kids.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKX4mHCuWJMSftkDdQ00_eymDk-YGAfZ2sqApESnCCl0oiGtLwwfPA3OHsLUpnFGhmw6TPvFxO74e8zbx-OdTEd4sbGcwcRypw5jCBCMARYvuEFCUxhauiAOGfVPCeQRykOxkGGA5V5ZE/s1600/Beach+and+Graduation+048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKX4mHCuWJMSftkDdQ00_eymDk-YGAfZ2sqApESnCCl0oiGtLwwfPA3OHsLUpnFGhmw6TPvFxO74e8zbx-OdTEd4sbGcwcRypw5jCBCMARYvuEFCUxhauiAOGfVPCeQRykOxkGGA5V5ZE/s400/Beach+and+Graduation+048.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I love these girls!!! Such sweethearts! <br />
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The hostess of the meal... my cousin, Carrie.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhTOlWoc4x3PmT44eWG2XNmR5Cf_wfNzA8NEzJts1TyzDO68WurIXsmncGs2KWRznhjVaSgQRhQFQbZ71ntAEZQuhxKxBkNV6vKfYEPhc0obskrCWzqBcntPnJg4lzLPGXymfXB5bryo/s1600/Beach+and+Graduation+063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwhTOlWoc4x3PmT44eWG2XNmR5Cf_wfNzA8NEzJts1TyzDO68WurIXsmncGs2KWRznhjVaSgQRhQFQbZ71ntAEZQuhxKxBkNV6vKfYEPhc0obskrCWzqBcntPnJg4lzLPGXymfXB5bryo/s400/Beach+and+Graduation+063.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>BBQ + Carrie's mac n cheese + green beans + peach pie + ice cream.<br />
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Amazing.<br />
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Carrie and Lorenzo introduced us to a new BBQ sauce. Sweet Baby Ray's. I found it at Publix yesterday and bought three bottles. It was just that good.<br />
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We had the pleasure of sitting across from this little princess both nights!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9HBZ4QjNiWf5c0Z2ZKxtAhB57fE7hc7pmpyfgQr9FYVCF_QmINk3jYRPW01ssKhAbw5dT6r2nu6wJsvAhrP__xwXPPMxcuSdpQ_O1o_4tWwYgxm2WMZU9qx4i0jeUJVHeYho5uY12YE/s1600/Beach+and+Graduation+072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9HBZ4QjNiWf5c0Z2ZKxtAhB57fE7hc7pmpyfgQr9FYVCF_QmINk3jYRPW01ssKhAbw5dT6r2nu6wJsvAhrP__xwXPPMxcuSdpQ_O1o_4tWwYgxm2WMZU9qx4i0jeUJVHeYho5uY12YE/s400/Beach+and+Graduation+072.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Lillian is so precious!!! I love her sweet voice and her personality. Too cute for words!<br />
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These two are a perfect match! My uncle Bud and his grandson, Nathan.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSq-HqXUOD5aRwcmAL-xTp3okU-ZLkEigw1ZUJltn3JA7fDwZ0Y8H8bNnbxyLfE7Du5gaHtj6WrXPllqGZojnmzaK-uzY8GNMDR-6MO8ErPmPuiuFMrbZ5vtKGfPDfoIzp-PzdtNb2Xk/s1600/Beach+and+Graduation+065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSq-HqXUOD5aRwcmAL-xTp3okU-ZLkEigw1ZUJltn3JA7fDwZ0Y8H8bNnbxyLfE7Du5gaHtj6WrXPllqGZojnmzaK-uzY8GNMDR-6MO8ErPmPuiuFMrbZ5vtKGfPDfoIzp-PzdtNb2Xk/s400/Beach+and+Graduation+065.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Nathan was asleep within minutes of sitting in his Grandad's lap.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Time spent with family is so important to me. I try to savor each moment and enjoy every minute. I do not take one second for granted.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We really had the best time. And it was such a pleasure getting to see everyone!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thank you so much Aunt Sandi for inviting us! It was so much fun!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Kim and Kevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04766116484412476009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996747341918355717.post-7299104580567326072012-05-17T21:36:00.000-04:002012-05-17T21:36:46.307-04:00Mother's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Celebrating Moms is ALWAYS a great way to spend an afternoon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And fortunately that is what we did this past Sunday.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our Mother's Day celebration was held at the usual place.... my sister's house. The place where family members can come from miles around and have plenty of room to hang out and socialize and eat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And even if you are not a family member - you are still welcome. Because that is just how hospitable my sister and her husband are.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They always have plenty of love (and food!) to go around.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I ended up having to go in to work at 7am ( grrrrr) but was still able to make it to the party by lunchtime.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Nana ( my Mom) and Abigail...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_pENbgeGbCR-z76MgIgfOZUcGLDvgBPwni6yQas0FIFEeHHYBJbpUQSDdN397hyphenhyphenzgo6AxMNkbrk0vrD92NzYjTSKCq2YfPzfc6UrPRlt3rfHAsvHCOYPxOD8hhuivkHO8NlGjbzvLoU/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_pENbgeGbCR-z76MgIgfOZUcGLDvgBPwni6yQas0FIFEeHHYBJbpUQSDdN397hyphenhyphenzgo6AxMNkbrk0vrD92NzYjTSKCq2YfPzfc6UrPRlt3rfHAsvHCOYPxOD8hhuivkHO8NlGjbzvLoU/s400/026.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The hostess with the mostest... my sister, Shannon...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7-Y51mr3WKhFkcZWq-uNqlj9kG0rbqq0AEO4s0g6j5bbce4RmzlZmfHTbrxryUMLEjh9eFbJgs_4CB-tV48tGworMPNl9y1gnQyc6YnH9_PEc0u4zChBXAYWblCEhCT1fqcMYAvMcdk/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7-Y51mr3WKhFkcZWq-uNqlj9kG0rbqq0AEO4s0g6j5bbce4RmzlZmfHTbrxryUMLEjh9eFbJgs_4CB-tV48tGworMPNl9y1gnQyc6YnH9_PEc0u4zChBXAYWblCEhCT1fqcMYAvMcdk/s400/024.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I've probably mentioned this before... but Shannon came up with the best idea to make holidays less crazy and more enjoyable. She just invites every one. We have been doing this for a couple of years now and it gives us the opportunity to spend time with both of our families in one place.<br />
It also makes sense because Kev's parents have pretty much adopted Shannon's children as their grandchildren - so, they really look forward to this time together.<br />
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Kev and his mother, Mary....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYvVidrERi5Tqb2-Way002-FSTGhSH8pF7PqTH5druJGXOUEjCjTpkmv7nEnp9_435Y0Q8iPputzLnWXKgZbqkzM_HE3vGoxOa7WKp0auG9WI6JpA95WO6uKuFRynaap4BK9B4aSSZrI/s1600/049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYvVidrERi5Tqb2-Way002-FSTGhSH8pF7PqTH5druJGXOUEjCjTpkmv7nEnp9_435Y0Q8iPputzLnWXKgZbqkzM_HE3vGoxOa7WKp0auG9WI6JpA95WO6uKuFRynaap4BK9B4aSSZrI/s400/049.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Nana and five of her many grandchildren...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tI9fQXbw3OVWT78NmIugW34xgNWp_V_m66hvzwpzpjYMYglTVe8Iwtmt71lkao479cmtqRRdQ5SSnOOXy-ihXT3AgKx4vregPIC8lZf52acMZChmVDW47uY9v7VR3erkgXhif6_2gDk/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tI9fQXbw3OVWT78NmIugW34xgNWp_V_m66hvzwpzpjYMYglTVe8Iwtmt71lkao479cmtqRRdQ5SSnOOXy-ihXT3AgKx4vregPIC8lZf52acMZChmVDW47uY9v7VR3erkgXhif6_2gDk/s400/023.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Shannon and Randy prepared an unreal amount of BBQ chicken. All different sauces and sides and fixin's. They really know how to do it right!<br />
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And I spent an unreal amount of time just taking photos of this little angel....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi4LbkjBleBMpq-lOMw4iaVe3ai01L_faBpGMQFgPmNyFB0MgVjgeZfaAUbaOHT3xnxKuBjPOaf828Y_CaNlIStBWf0fwfMroeRegTV05-TaXNvDQXYWNp28pWTKpF0EKaaldm-JKAft0/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi4LbkjBleBMpq-lOMw4iaVe3ai01L_faBpGMQFgPmNyFB0MgVjgeZfaAUbaOHT3xnxKuBjPOaf828Y_CaNlIStBWf0fwfMroeRegTV05-TaXNvDQXYWNp28pWTKpF0EKaaldm-JKAft0/s400/027.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>In fact, for some reason when babies are around... I forget to take pictures of anything else.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9SsjSdx-6kaeJr6jhpTBROqx2B43RZmB2b4Ed6OmzSG4MBEQ73742SK8duxqdfW2LIq9vQyZ2FUxKvCKksLwN_0DvHQllVI_nMcspxknlL_Nt5tRIR2gFb_aRy1uFxXxai73dytF309A/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9SsjSdx-6kaeJr6jhpTBROqx2B43RZmB2b4Ed6OmzSG4MBEQ73742SK8duxqdfW2LIq9vQyZ2FUxKvCKksLwN_0DvHQllVI_nMcspxknlL_Nt5tRIR2gFb_aRy1uFxXxai73dytF309A/s400/035.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Can you blame me?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKIS0mnTo9h8ehv_MuCk5J5QZM4SlSPxZ0YAC88maDT3KJ9wXE-GGzqpZkeu6evCVIZEK445odn2i9cbOJjbkwKExYF-ujbBeSQ_A23h_p6iBd3apg_UkIDYjv70z3BeSfuRgBDCUqDw/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKIS0mnTo9h8ehv_MuCk5J5QZM4SlSPxZ0YAC88maDT3KJ9wXE-GGzqpZkeu6evCVIZEK445odn2i9cbOJjbkwKExYF-ujbBeSQ_A23h_p6iBd3apg_UkIDYjv70z3BeSfuRgBDCUqDw/s400/038.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>At least until the adults start acting out to get the attention of the camera back...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2sjXBqvLfOKxc6MXbmU2S4OTng6zIzkRCPpGJuT7VS1O7A6vERS871jT521ExTM7WODPETwfjq9CaLRjFrGwDryy_akRPXQcdP0gmAv7KnSkFbFANisGp8hud40BsVDp_TxXxKOo1pk/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2sjXBqvLfOKxc6MXbmU2S4OTng6zIzkRCPpGJuT7VS1O7A6vERS871jT521ExTM7WODPETwfjq9CaLRjFrGwDryy_akRPXQcdP0gmAv7KnSkFbFANisGp8hud40BsVDp_TxXxKOo1pk/s400/047.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Our day ended with a torrential downpour.<br />
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Which ended up being the highlight to Abby's day.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcDizHbIwizaaOpEkSr487_t6PIL2m0jpdWc_CnOItiiWSUvmnUzx1rePZTp0FnlPHPEPAtNuITzPLFPnnGkAmjorLmBlx9Uf1zDysXo4BvUN_vFN17LGP4fBKcY7ukMMblHN1EGLbfY/s1600/052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcDizHbIwizaaOpEkSr487_t6PIL2m0jpdWc_CnOItiiWSUvmnUzx1rePZTp0FnlPHPEPAtNuITzPLFPnnGkAmjorLmBlx9Uf1zDysXo4BvUN_vFN17LGP4fBKcY7ukMMblHN1EGLbfY/s400/052.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This Mother's Day was especially awesome because there are two NEW mothers in my family - Happy first Mother's Day to <a href="http://craighead-craigheadandone.blogspot.com/2012/05/stomp.html">Holly</a> and <a href="http://switzersheadnorth.blogspot.com/">Laura</a>! And Happy Mother's Day to all of you other mothers out there!! I am in awe of you! I hope your day was amazing!</div>Kim and Kevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04766116484412476009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996747341918355717.post-9524438883035863232012-05-15T16:54:00.000-04:002012-05-15T16:54:10.570-04:00Recipe Roundup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last week's highlights....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tuesday night was set aside for Kev's special request. As you know, Kev is VERY easygoing when it comes to his meals - so, the fact that he mentioned something he would like to try made me make it a priority.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He got the idea/recipe from The Today Show. And even though I ended up not finding the exact one he saw, this was pretty darn close.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/42909327/ns/today-food/t/what-do-professional-chefs-cook-their-kids/">Tomato Bruschetta</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now I have made bruschetta before, but this recipe used a little different technique - not to mention fresh tomatoes instead of the canned/jarred that I have used in the past.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was easy, very tasty, and light. In fact, Kev said that he would be happy to eat it as the main part of his meal with just a salad on the side... which would be perfect for summer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I ended up serving it with roasted eggplant, soba noodles, and spicy marinara from Trader Joes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnNnvsFhuEtjxezvR1jKkDRoCl5UnRTemmIzVksrotp642P6OmoG-Q9h7hh1RCIewsFprzJAFyB34Tar8cki643bSbpUwB9Z8pyxeFRO07Ejzfg9BfAxvy07VX1Xf_bZxXY2MVKmT3pM/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnNnvsFhuEtjxezvR1jKkDRoCl5UnRTemmIzVksrotp642P6OmoG-Q9h7hh1RCIewsFprzJAFyB34Tar8cki643bSbpUwB9Z8pyxeFRO07Ejzfg9BfAxvy07VX1Xf_bZxXY2MVKmT3pM/s400/054.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And then I was reminded why I do NOT serve bread often! It is my downfall times 1000.<br />
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I love me some bread. And I will never eat it in moderation. In fact, I believe that the more I eat, the less that will be sitting around for me to snack on.<br />
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See, I'm doing myself a favor by eating an entire loaf in one sitting.<br />
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At least that is what I would like to believe. <br />
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On Thursday, we tried out a new restaurant.... Cafe Caturra.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0ghfBu8U2agH1hq_BsPugsLoBDJ-gXdppQ-i26PsycrCc45YWEY88qrc9mSrF26p27IpEW8myrSHTM_LzFkk7fQzrCK6tWKMqrGCC36vELyJqsGEJn1MRlBhZENISokArLyU-Hw0ejY/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg0ghfBu8U2agH1hq_BsPugsLoBDJ-gXdppQ-i26PsycrCc45YWEY88qrc9mSrF26p27IpEW8myrSHTM_LzFkk7fQzrCK6tWKMqrGCC36vELyJqsGEJn1MRlBhZENISokArLyU-Hw0ejY/s400/007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>It opened in my center recently and I have heard nothing but rave reviews!<br />
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The place was packed for a Thursday night. Luckily, I was just getting takeout. I was able to sit and study the menu for a little while and was impressed with all of the different options.<br />
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They even let you create your own fruit and cheese plate to go along with your selection of wines. I love that idea!<br />
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For our first taste testing, I went with what I had been told was good. It seemed like a good starting point.<br />
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Pimiento cheese appetizer....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-dUSXEYjHFSbAtkvbfzQycFwji42ecc7auwUFMpvnunSA1a57QmTHb_tSzq8St8GJL1JxCW5ES9FbnXwdiWotijIrrDC-QLFlv8THedsfEy8eeNbyip6XpGRNx-up9-Fq_MQble3ab_c/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-dUSXEYjHFSbAtkvbfzQycFwji42ecc7auwUFMpvnunSA1a57QmTHb_tSzq8St8GJL1JxCW5ES9FbnXwdiWotijIrrDC-QLFlv8THedsfEy8eeNbyip6XpGRNx-up9-Fq_MQble3ab_c/s400/003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I am a huge lover of pimento cheese - and this cheese did not disappoint. It was creamy and rich and had a little kick. I wasn't crazy about the bread, though ( even though I just said that I am bread fiend). It would have been better toasted. I just ended up eating the cheese on pita chips that I had at home.<br />
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Tuna +white bean + Basil salad.....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkW2Q3jYuHgIPMZekLhrop1QTHA3wamf3tyekdu4xTTcWkKXUL88j1loM-VlhOV1hffSA7gn6pxeX8TnNq13KidBFMALMT9UVIXDwpJ3y7y4Ea05v3tObEwN1rtpdLQ5Oky1lugAPW3g/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkW2Q3jYuHgIPMZekLhrop1QTHA3wamf3tyekdu4xTTcWkKXUL88j1loM-VlhOV1hffSA7gn6pxeX8TnNq13KidBFMALMT9UVIXDwpJ3y7y4Ea05v3tObEwN1rtpdLQ5Oky1lugAPW3g/s400/005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Interesting combination but one that I will be making again at home. Loved how light it tasted, the health benefits, and the fact that it is packed with protein.<br />
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Blackened shrimp tacos....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkZtQIBvCCXWDMY9oQ-hjwoMlhCYt0Nr0u5qmmWtrLMicTUMDYUGP61cODqG8997sbv6RVwQY58r1GyD54np6EIi0Iqj37t3RcXzxyDaUcVtscT7fmxMQmWTJ7O0u_fzJlY53N4eHG_0/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkZtQIBvCCXWDMY9oQ-hjwoMlhCYt0Nr0u5qmmWtrLMicTUMDYUGP61cODqG8997sbv6RVwQY58r1GyD54np6EIi0Iqj37t3RcXzxyDaUcVtscT7fmxMQmWTJ7O0u_fzJlY53N4eHG_0/s400/008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>These were good - but probably would have been better had we eaten them as soon as they were made. That's the problem with takeout... once I get it home and we eat it, it is not always at it's best.<br />
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And then there was the margherita pizza... that I accidentally deleted the picture of. It was, hands down, the very best part of the meal. It was wood-fire grilled, thin crust, fresh mozzarella, perfection. <br />
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The margherita is my favorite pizza so it is imperative for me to try it whenever it is available.<br />
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Overall, I was impressed. The atmosphere is great. The food options are great. And I can walk to it from work. We will be back.<br />
Our last meal highlight was on Friday... <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/04/quiche/">The Pioneer Woman's quiche</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLd7j1rnzlDMprANEA2pAcrSWQRSIjFMbFVnkkyuPdzasFAts15jYznFaZKW7FjuasOLdXq406KPxSv2Si3R3uvzCJc9cLQETOx2PvWskBY_DQg6U9t_6V0gpUmsYQ36gxTau8-2zJN2A/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLd7j1rnzlDMprANEA2pAcrSWQRSIjFMbFVnkkyuPdzasFAts15jYznFaZKW7FjuasOLdXq406KPxSv2Si3R3uvzCJc9cLQETOx2PvWskBY_DQg6U9t_6V0gpUmsYQ36gxTau8-2zJN2A/s400/015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The recipe that I used is out of her latest cookbook. Unfortunately, I could not find it online but linked to another one of Pioneer Woman's quiches. It is basically the same thing except that I used proscuitto instead of bacon.<br />
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The recipe says it makes ONE 10inch quiche - but as you can see, the mixture was enough to make two. And I followed the recipe perfectly.<br />
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No worries, though. More for Kev to eat.<br />
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He said it was amazing and could quite possibly take the place of the breakfast casserole that I make him from time to time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi270XrEJktiK61Ii0eMGA1kV5QUhe-ekOAq3NgVWpabtOLnc70dkK88LoIckxfi4E6AmV6tzA3q1B3dFcN0CM4q8ir4KMt3jGsesp8hgBTYdlbxahsrvrLyD83pLD5Ad7IQ5iJKAAJ4E4/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi270XrEJktiK61Ii0eMGA1kV5QUhe-ekOAq3NgVWpabtOLnc70dkK88LoIckxfi4E6AmV6tzA3q1B3dFcN0CM4q8ir4KMt3jGsesp8hgBTYdlbxahsrvrLyD83pLD5Ad7IQ5iJKAAJ4E4/s400/021.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It took him four days to finish it.... with a little help from me!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This week's meal plan includes chicken gumbo, Asian noodle salad, and fish sandwiches.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That is if Kev finishes all of the Mother's Day leftovers. ;)</div>Kim and Kevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04766116484412476009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996747341918355717.post-50583485723375284712012-05-09T12:19:00.000-04:002012-05-09T12:19:39.348-04:00Recipe Roundup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My busy season at work is almost over. It pretty much ends with Mother's Day and doesn't pick back up until the Fall.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm looking forward to it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm also looking forward to using some of these Groupons that have been stacking up lately.... yoga, Crossfit, kettle bells, mud run training, spin, and boot camp.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Somebody, please make Groupons harder to purchase! Good grief.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I actually got up extra early and went to the gym this morning. You know.. the place that I'm a member of until September ( which is when I will probably renew). Sometimes, I get so focused on all of these other fitness places that I ignore the place that helped me get in to shape in the first place.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My mission was boot camp. A new ( to me) class that is only taught once a week. I wanted to check it out and see how it was compared to the other boot camp that I attended back in March. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Um. It was harder. WAY HARDER!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At one point, my arms were shaking so bad from SPRINTING with 20 lbs of weights in my hands that I could barely do the 100 crunches I was forced to do. Believe me, it is difficult to stay focused on form and working your abs when you have the "jimmy" arms.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm sure I will be feeling it by tomorrow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If not tonight.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was a GREAT class!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway, since this post is titled "Recipe Roundup", I suppose that I should give you some recipes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These were our winners from last week ( in addition to the quesadillas that I posted about yesterday)...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/pasta-kale-walnut-pesto-00100000079770/index.html">Pasta with Kale and Walnut Pesto</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I got the recipe from Real Simple magazine. It was very easy to make if you have a food processor.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipibjf428_IuNgc5Q4sBjjRZiojYfRGhEaRi_3sZZ59-k3vyBJP4GueTNlC5RcnT8i2-r3EjbiTh5gHqnPLu5FBrGtszOrxf379ItG_KyyBqVXnKj0TU_ofIy94NmHtS9ms78IDYF-6yI/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipibjf428_IuNgc5Q4sBjjRZiojYfRGhEaRi_3sZZ59-k3vyBJP4GueTNlC5RcnT8i2-r3EjbiTh5gHqnPLu5FBrGtszOrxf379ItG_KyyBqVXnKj0TU_ofIy94NmHtS9ms78IDYF-6yI/s400/002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The pesto is basically cooked kale + walnuts + garlic + olive oil. ( I skipped the cheese in the mixture but added parmesan to Kev's before I served it.)<br />
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I also added in some shredded chicken for more protein.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqa2eC1lg-SLGanPWgIK1OCr07kHk_nN1ytog7pJDwzgRDH9BiAjgDTgQwbrK2hAoCqzyLNnBrGt6CkMzhhGgXw-AF21qRe8GLLkF74rvEDxnALpjSX-WJuSj6Iq_HDdfpwlbPxjmwyg/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqa2eC1lg-SLGanPWgIK1OCr07kHk_nN1ytog7pJDwzgRDH9BiAjgDTgQwbrK2hAoCqzyLNnBrGt6CkMzhhGgXw-AF21qRe8GLLkF74rvEDxnALpjSX-WJuSj6Iq_HDdfpwlbPxjmwyg/s400/007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was very "green" tasting ( if that makes sense). Fortunately, "green" is something we like. However, I will probably add in tomatoes and peppers when I make this again.... just to give it some other flavors.</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And on Sunday night we had....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Salmon with horseradish hummus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A couple of weeks ago, I went a little crazy at Trader Joe's buying hummus. It is something that we eat just about every day and they have so many unique flavors. The problem is that their hummus has no preservatives - which is awesome - but it means that we don't have much time to eat it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Really the problem is that I went too crazy buying it! And also the fact that we don't have a Trader Joe's close by so I can buy the delicious hummus at my leisure!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had seen a recipe for lemon-pepper salmon that called for a horseradish-sour cream "sauce" on the side and decided to try the horseradish hummus instead.</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3roYi5N2l7xiq-MiglqUR0Wm0jQp7_CZHnMzy8BAwkeJqQz7ogpj6Q8LbiMfhZD3O9NDG5D_brJyqEstWe_R17HWQnmTYmc9ByxPpxPCd9w6rifn25iWaaXMhc0pAmShK8RiMmjQhE28/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3roYi5N2l7xiq-MiglqUR0Wm0jQp7_CZHnMzy8BAwkeJqQz7ogpj6Q8LbiMfhZD3O9NDG5D_brJyqEstWe_R17HWQnmTYmc9ByxPpxPCd9w6rifn25iWaaXMhc0pAmShK8RiMmjQhE28/s400/047.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It.was.incredible! In fact, I ended up mixing the salmon, brown rice, and hummus all together causing a taste explosion!<br />
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It added a ton of flavor without being too spicy for the meal.<br />
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Kev declared his love for it so much that I suggested that he marry it.<br />
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I even caught him giving me the "stink eye" multiple times when I would reach for another spoonful.<br />
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It was nerve wracking, to say the least.<br />
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To start this meal - I seasoned the salmon with a lemon-pepper spice rub and then Kev threw it on the grill.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL2MWqMGq1mb8rh6yk7Ur_cn0TmHWa9J14X4rTmmM7wKNHo_bBDNnY5vgzwqJtLShmCgC2Rk7EoX74tax4M8wItng6997Y3aQ-BAS_AnhV0s6Cy2SFZNobLEKnWsFNxUNm6lPg2lQLpvw/s1600/049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL2MWqMGq1mb8rh6yk7Ur_cn0TmHWa9J14X4rTmmM7wKNHo_bBDNnY5vgzwqJtLShmCgC2Rk7EoX74tax4M8wItng6997Y3aQ-BAS_AnhV0s6Cy2SFZNobLEKnWsFNxUNm6lPg2lQLpvw/s400/049.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Kev also grilled squash, zucchini, onions, and many little sweet peppers.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgL0Cosi81qa6bY1Jd9ADYeYYPz9XcExjgf3R5MQte5xHkYc0CLvmtae8j_ufXe020S6BCbH0wdDBawDSDKOatK0u0ybuCc-MafFQNhQZXWGw0cFd1vz-D0PThQ4HTyp9CNbjsIPL4Lc/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgL0Cosi81qa6bY1Jd9ADYeYYPz9XcExjgf3R5MQte5xHkYc0CLvmtae8j_ufXe020S6BCbH0wdDBawDSDKOatK0u0ybuCc-MafFQNhQZXWGw0cFd1vz-D0PThQ4HTyp9CNbjsIPL4Lc/s400/053.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now imagine every thing in that picture all mixed together. Yum!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On a side note, the sweet peppers were incredible! I have been buying bags of them for us to eat raw as snacks. But just a little olive oil, salt and pepper, and some time on the grill and it took them to a whole new level. Plus, they are so easy! No chopping or cutting involved.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was a great meal to end our weekend!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This week on the menu, we have a special request by Kev, a taste testing of a new restaurant, and a quiche... in addition to our same (sometimes boring) healthy foods that we eat on a weekly basis.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stay tuned!</div>Kim and Kevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04766116484412476009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996747341918355717.post-68668621925469293212012-05-08T13:01:00.000-04:002012-05-08T13:01:12.506-04:00Another Saturday Night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That just so happened to be the 5th of May.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Perfect timing for a Mexican food celebration if I do say so myself.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hadn't really put that much thought in to it this year. I mean, I thought about it. And I planned a meal. But I didn't go all out with sombreros and pinatas and margaritas and overflowing bowls of chips like I used to do.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our celebration was to consist of guacamole and vegan enchiladas.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And a lot more guacamole.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But Kev had a better idea. He surprised me on Friday night with this....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV5BVJwdF_rh9SxBeuUZzTa4keq33_C6UrcGBV0Y-BKntRtRYYfwxMf_VHSbXRg-UmVD2hSxIRzdtQY_803pm77IKDZhnlRTDSh9Lmlwo3AshJkF5_bwJ_sSuvbFr0uXp25KNmmcoxg48/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV5BVJwdF_rh9SxBeuUZzTa4keq33_C6UrcGBV0Y-BKntRtRYYfwxMf_VHSbXRg-UmVD2hSxIRzdtQY_803pm77IKDZhnlRTDSh9Lmlwo3AshJkF5_bwJ_sSuvbFr0uXp25KNmmcoxg48/s400/039.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> And my simple dinner turned in to a fiesta!<br />
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It is no secret that we love a quesadilla around here. They are easy and filling and delicious and can be made all different ways. The problem is that I always struggle with flipping them over in the pan - which causes them to either burn or fall apart. <br />
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And yes, I realize that my problems are mainly due to overfilling the tortillas. But I can't help it.<br />
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So, Kev bought this little gem in hopes that my quesadillas would be perfected and I would have less time over the stove and more time to stuff guac in my mouth.<br />
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My only stove time consisted of veggie sauteing... peppers, onions, and mushrooms....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMz_2o2S22xaqwHvw30ABDN2ft3SJnDpSZ0Td0uyF8TExE_OYW-2CcHg0Jye8-p7gAMJV0SXomsHsAS-TSSRJSalrD8xmg_t_TQCJL3JcGdEu-WdDCSf3vxrpjX2EibBeO9g1neqnZ8I/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMz_2o2S22xaqwHvw30ABDN2ft3SJnDpSZ0Td0uyF8TExE_OYW-2CcHg0Jye8-p7gAMJV0SXomsHsAS-TSSRJSalrD8xmg_t_TQCJL3JcGdEu-WdDCSf3vxrpjX2EibBeO9g1neqnZ8I/s400/042.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And then it was time to put my quesadilla maker to work.<br />
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Not surprisingly, one of the main rules of "the maker" was to NOT overfill the tortillas.<br />
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It is easier said than done.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiif4XaRsZqVPMg99LPJkez5z8blxKMXvkyR5SO9Rchgt73Wnmf_Ypgql8JYAxW6FgWvIZlOcQ2Af2p3Qp1ti8f0Vz81CVkdFF59Fnt80cuiNj3W_VQ30wtuOtZaz0U_1Zkk-ZyMMNFNnE/s1600/043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiif4XaRsZqVPMg99LPJkez5z8blxKMXvkyR5SO9Rchgt73Wnmf_Ypgql8JYAxW6FgWvIZlOcQ2Af2p3Qp1ti8f0Vz81CVkdFF59Fnt80cuiNj3W_VQ30wtuOtZaz0U_1Zkk-ZyMMNFNnE/s400/043.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The positives were that they ended up much healthier because I didn't need to cook them in oil. Just a little non-stick spray did the trick. ( I used <a href="http://www.foodforlife.com/product-catalog/sprouted-grain/ezekiel-49/whole-grain-flourless-tortillas">Ezekiel tortillas</a>)<br />
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And they also tasted great!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW10_Y6u-bU6Z-emmJKRSDpfDwRzMz2IiufX-rKMsskSEQ4HrrMlt_IABpZSZxwnKcvOQ8nGyJtpH1-3hRwEKwtjGuNtuberFsVweGhT3FKZFngwBZM6cqmcPM27Mp8D-2KdYKVer8ZzM/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW10_Y6u-bU6Z-emmJKRSDpfDwRzMz2IiufX-rKMsskSEQ4HrrMlt_IABpZSZxwnKcvOQ8nGyJtpH1-3hRwEKwtjGuNtuberFsVweGhT3FKZFngwBZM6cqmcPM27Mp8D-2KdYKVer8ZzM/s400/045.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The negative was that they took a little longer than expected. So, while I was stuffing my face, Kev was waiting on his to finish. <br />
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I get impatient when I'm hungry.<br />
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Therefore, we decided that next time we will share the first one while the second one is cooking.<br />
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I'm sure that you are completely blown away by our problem solving skills. :)<br />
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I had also forgotten to buy jalapenos ( I know - it blows my mind, too!) and had nothing to spice up the guacamole. That is until I noticed a jar of banana peppers in the pantry. We had forgotten how much we love banana peppers and they made the guacamole incredible!<br />
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It was a little sweet without being too spicy ( I've been told my guac is a little too spicy from time to time) and was the perfect addition to the veggie quesadillas.<br />
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So, while it wasn't the wildest Cinco that we have ever had, it was a good one! Especially because I was able to wake up feeling good the next day!Kim and Kevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04766116484412476009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996747341918355717.post-61086937931983798492012-05-01T23:15:00.000-04:002012-05-01T23:15:49.942-04:00Making the Most of May<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, April ended up being an embarrassment. I only managed to post three times even though I had a month full of family, fitness, and fun activities.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And really great food.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, I figured I would start this new month off right with a post and a vow to keep up with our May adventures.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And that post just happens to be about last weekend.... how we wrapped up April and got ready for May.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With food, of course.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Saturday night involved "burgers". Meatless ones. Portobello mushrooms for me and Boca burgers for Kev.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had put these on our meal plan almost a month ago with no rhyme or reason... but they ended up being the perfect meal to welcome in summer. Or at least welcome in our summer-like weather.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmqAqKNbTsb3B5zIykYFpUnUnmoVZfeY0iy4LCRhziKme4yzRTdzhZ6gsGX7FW3-ofxNLrdJBVR089zQoIaGILNupnUlhoYcVvHZoaYProEV8TtrFcezsz47FCg0W7ysBg5NGOmXJzpE/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmqAqKNbTsb3B5zIykYFpUnUnmoVZfeY0iy4LCRhziKme4yzRTdzhZ6gsGX7FW3-ofxNLrdJBVR089zQoIaGILNupnUlhoYcVvHZoaYProEV8TtrFcezsz47FCg0W7ysBg5NGOmXJzpE/s400/012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The mushrooms were the perfect size for the Ezekiel bread buns and made a pretty good sandwich. On the side I served Trader Joe's organic/vegetarian baked beans, potato wedges, and deviled eggs.<br />
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I have always made my deviled eggs plain and simple. Mayo, mustard, salt and pepper. But during a spin class, I was daydreaming about how much I love eggs and how much I love spicy mustard ( I eat it on just about everything these days) and this recipe was created.<br />
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I realize that I am probably the last person on Earth to make deviled eggs this way... but I'm so glad that I finally figured it out. We will never be able to go back to basic eggs again. <br />
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They were fantastic! <br />
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And yes, I spend spin class daydreaming about food. It's my motivation.<br />
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On Sunday, I held a taste testing of dark chocolate coconut water. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzC9Uf6-dts_xFZ12VzWUjVgF5pLCQYw5HR0fVAcwEGL79jo9KaQzR19fKGUaL0AlTybflohdS-RhBM3K8SimGvlwTT0BRIguiXrL3Rwm1-IL9GnNytCKm4CQht4SXff2SHw2kmrAjis/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzC9Uf6-dts_xFZ12VzWUjVgF5pLCQYw5HR0fVAcwEGL79jo9KaQzR19fKGUaL0AlTybflohdS-RhBM3K8SimGvlwTT0BRIguiXrL3Rwm1-IL9GnNytCKm4CQht4SXff2SHw2kmrAjis/s400/033.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>( You can read about how awesome coconut water is<a href="http://store.zico.com/product/Chocolate__span_class__size__14_oz_span_/22940.aspx?gclid=CIGU2d3F4K8CFUyb7QodBWau-g"> here. )</a><br />
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I love the flavor of coconut and I love the benefits of coconut water but I wasn't necessarily sold on the chocolate flavoring ( especially after a workout) until I read that it was similar to a <a href="http://www.drinkyoo-hoo.com/">Yoo-hoo</a>.<br />
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Kev was raised on Yoo-hoos. And he can't talk about them without grinning from ear to ear.<br />
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It is quite a sight to see.<br />
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So, I knew we had to try it - even if I do have to ration it out because the drinks are so expensive.<br />
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It was pretty darn good. But as for tasting like a Yoohoo... Kev says it tastes like a healthy version of one.<br />
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I guess that is a pretty good review.<br />
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My snack for the day was eaten pool side. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4d2XaKGyL4ALp85BKZACG9vZP2LFi_gp2SWRRJ6_6ANqUVITpqlqEKJGTTH3M03c2VqoVZNC8tqU5jBfBRE_qsnJGeNN4Ro0kQ5DAob29S54NbCs4K6HIDNOrgVoTk2dLbjTb9byG2w/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_4d2XaKGyL4ALp85BKZACG9vZP2LFi_gp2SWRRJ6_6ANqUVITpqlqEKJGTTH3M03c2VqoVZNC8tqU5jBfBRE_qsnJGeNN4Ro0kQ5DAob29S54NbCs4K6HIDNOrgVoTk2dLbjTb9byG2w/s400/034.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>That's right, folks. Our pool was (forcefully) opened for business. <br />
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Let's just say that it got pretty hot working in the yard in the direct sun.<br />
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And despite Kev's warnings that the pool may be a little cold, I bravely (and slowly) climbed in to the 78 degree water.<br />
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It was too chilly for swimming but good for floating on a raft and cooling off.<br />
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My snack was more coconut water... but in the form of a La Croix sparkling water with coconut flavoring. Plus an apple with raisins and sesame cashews. Such a great snack mix!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7VdLDoO8j0fOxs2pS2lbgbQz2J-rc8ZxK9bCI_3gE3l8yQzyxbBVkvL96tcLz_Q6pWHESyqv_IkJIFUwC__Aoqt-yidDs1Wj5HzA_V-elRrLoVbhHF_m3ptfT4yxCWwdGU7OCiGr5TI/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7VdLDoO8j0fOxs2pS2lbgbQz2J-rc8ZxK9bCI_3gE3l8yQzyxbBVkvL96tcLz_Q6pWHESyqv_IkJIFUwC__Aoqt-yidDs1Wj5HzA_V-elRrLoVbhHF_m3ptfT4yxCWwdGU7OCiGr5TI/s400/035.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>And then came the best part of the weekend. Dinner. At least it was for Kev.<br />
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My dinner consisted of soup....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdBErz823x_Rj9BCEeKSfNu-IULUi_Wpn5RU771tXzXUenDqQKRUmuFKvSXJ_6rBtkTfPfbrXKS-nLeSKt0FYupPmiAo3eQd8dcGBxbd7uDGeMjxlQgUz-n0tRKuaDZrhEN5S6K6V320/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdBErz823x_Rj9BCEeKSfNu-IULUi_Wpn5RU771tXzXUenDqQKRUmuFKvSXJ_6rBtkTfPfbrXKS-nLeSKt0FYupPmiAo3eQd8dcGBxbd7uDGeMjxlQgUz-n0tRKuaDZrhEN5S6K6V320/s400/042.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It was actually very good - especially for a boxed soup. I ate it cold mainly because it was so hot outside and I wanted something refreshing - but also because I don't really care for hot soup.<br />
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I don't have the patience for it.<br />
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I have the same issue with coffee. I only drink it iced.<br />
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And don't even get me started on hot chocolate. Ick. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMC4GSwMbAjdt-0qEgsUtHEEvGjyztkf5iK5E5KXbSM6e1f1SgD4HZD20PUokcq_8lb082THA97eINkupVrfNcJAShZSmTmnX9lHJseFTG6_7zVv1EAhTWI32kpvOoJp-0mvDbfUMsS4/s1600/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMC4GSwMbAjdt-0qEgsUtHEEvGjyztkf5iK5E5KXbSM6e1f1SgD4HZD20PUokcq_8lb082THA97eINkupVrfNcJAShZSmTmnX9lHJseFTG6_7zVv1EAhTWI32kpvOoJp-0mvDbfUMsS4/s400/050.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Anyway, as I was saying... Kev's dinner was pretty much the highlight of the weekend. It was chicken and waffles.<br />
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The first time that he had eaten them and the first time that I had made them.<br />
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We now know what the big deal is! Incredible!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNJSNQ4t-Cw6PVvsEJ84MG7cdmEIwCi5Cgh46WCw8S9cwD0-Eut4ktzp5thwWZw-KRTrklOOrkJDmsg0CPXhjx1Bf_qGNh5IyHlkbfwIK1rDX_NKrkj5hqDV1od042X_dxTnEOHc6jGQ/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNJSNQ4t-Cw6PVvsEJ84MG7cdmEIwCi5Cgh46WCw8S9cwD0-Eut4ktzp5thwWZw-KRTrklOOrkJDmsg0CPXhjx1Bf_qGNh5IyHlkbfwIK1rDX_NKrkj5hqDV1od042X_dxTnEOHc6jGQ/s400/047.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We had been unsure about the flavor combination... but once I researched some recipes and Kev recorded a cooking show where the host was making them, I knew we had to give it a try.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I kept it super easy: I purchased breaded chicken fingers and frozen waffles.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I realize that doesn't make them authentic but I don't know how/don't want to fry chicken and the first (and only) time that I tried to make waffles they ended up being a huge disaster.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Basically, the only thing that I did was cut and saute the peppers and onion. And then piled every thing on a plate and drizzled it with syrup.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I figured if Kev didn't like it then I didn't spend a lot of time on it and it wouldn't be a big deal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But then I tried a bite - one big bite with all of the flavors - and I knew that it was a winner!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What on Earth took us so long to try this?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I didn't even see Kev's face for 20 minutes straight because it was in the plate. He sounded like a pack of hungry wolves scarfing down a crate of fresh meat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was ridiculous.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And then he put some hot sauce on it and proclaimed it amazing!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It will definitely be making an appearance in our kitchen again. Maybe as soon as next week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I can't even imagine what he will do when he gets a chance to eat the real thing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It might be best if he is alone.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And that pretty much wraps up our weekend. A great way to end the month of April.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As for May, it is going to be another busy one. Plenty of celebrations and family fun times.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I can't wait!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Kim and Kevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04766116484412476009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996747341918355717.post-56916398013453830502012-04-29T23:24:00.000-04:002012-04-29T23:25:28.684-04:00Busted Budget<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was inevitable.</div>
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I could only maintain my grocery budget for so long.</div>
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Once I opened my last jar of sunflower seed butter from Trader Joe's, I knew my penny pinching was over.</div>
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I eat some version of nut butter every single day...so, I consider it pretty good that 10 jars lasted me almost five months!</div>
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A trip to Greenville was planned.</div>
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And after a three and a half hour round trip car ride, all is right with my pantry.....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGvr4wS5S1hAANFmyn6l-PGoMj7qPND48ZOM2ff3_s5fLxqgSW23btw6YU_dO4Qgxu57veNddHJgMKK0MCnuzoYwIHceXNJIYiY5QSLTWEMVqePegaxVT2kZ6czcCpGUGe2VytNIeifYE/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGvr4wS5S1hAANFmyn6l-PGoMj7qPND48ZOM2ff3_s5fLxqgSW23btw6YU_dO4Qgxu57veNddHJgMKK0MCnuzoYwIHceXNJIYiY5QSLTWEMVqePegaxVT2kZ6czcCpGUGe2VytNIeifYE/s400/037.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
And then some.<br />
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I hate that I feel the need to completely fill up my shopping cart to make my trip worthwhile.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpp7H_VNUBF2dXTcX7dNyABVp_NxMv13b5eyx4pHMQYC1Prm73PKYyJGk9UvJS_nuNG0wox_EmlTDr2DoeCYSI12Wy7AycfWIAsKBTtamx5DMZC2VWTCQTeWxxl4V0tv3tYa3A7ahN2pY/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpp7H_VNUBF2dXTcX7dNyABVp_NxMv13b5eyx4pHMQYC1Prm73PKYyJGk9UvJS_nuNG0wox_EmlTDr2DoeCYSI12Wy7AycfWIAsKBTtamx5DMZC2VWTCQTeWxxl4V0tv3tYa3A7ahN2pY/s400/040.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
But I love all the delicious food that I get to bring home with me to eat over the next couple (hopefully five!) months. <br />
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I also made a quick stop at Whole Foods (we are getting one in September!) to get a couple of pre-made items for a quick dinner.<br />
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My inspiration was the TJ's Vodka Sauce.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7v4UZ-sTKSytfxgU9UwtmRSfOffnTv2CcN5Hi42zq90bghQbXeM9OJzEk6Dzfm9vcyc6PHw9Fm9bv39iKsaQHUwlK-ow42M_S_8S-WcFl0h77XxNubYmP3XXFTYvEeszlCeAvhyphenhyphen8OTN0/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7v4UZ-sTKSytfxgU9UwtmRSfOffnTv2CcN5Hi42zq90bghQbXeM9OJzEk6Dzfm9vcyc6PHw9Fm9bv39iKsaQHUwlK-ow42M_S_8S-WcFl0h77XxNubYmP3XXFTYvEeszlCeAvhyphenhyphen8OTN0/s400/001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I purchased some FRESHLY made pasta ( our first time to have it!) and some freshly made bread. It was called Prairie Bread and was full of whole grains, nuts, and seeds.<br />
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Once home, I added shrimp to the sauce, cooked the noodles, and dinner was served.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNMr8SYMsyK8V2wchJaRBrGbSZlOHnFGx7zBsyJ1l3mijEU82dUp0JO4wwnhdEae2R-Izb9EJD-8kWAnMEBqybcaft8d7H1JGc6aArT9np2nQmGDTCTgDLF5bIZUCEbo0htQUrScYzCWM/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNMr8SYMsyK8V2wchJaRBrGbSZlOHnFGx7zBsyJ1l3mijEU82dUp0JO4wwnhdEae2R-Izb9EJD-8kWAnMEBqybcaft8d7H1JGc6aArT9np2nQmGDTCTgDLF5bIZUCEbo0htQUrScYzCWM/s400/004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
It was divine!!<br />
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Every single part of it.<br />
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In fact, I believe Prairie Bread has just been added to my list of favorite foods.<br />
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Forever and ever.<br />
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(side note: Prairie bread with avocado and egg... I die.)<br />
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And for an appetizer.... Shrimp and veggie rolls from the sushi section. <br />
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Fresh and flavorful and crunchy and incredible.</div>
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It's pretty safe to say that once September arrives my budget will be busted forever.</div>
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But good food sure does make us happy!</div>
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</div>Kim and Kevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04766116484412476009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996747341918355717.post-61373977407938436722012-04-25T23:23:00.001-04:002012-04-25T23:23:53.823-04:00In the Last 25 Days....1. We didn't win the eleventy billion trillion dollar lottery.... despite my strategic ticket purchases. I bought two from two different gas stations. I was feeling lucky. And clever.<br />
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We spent the evening discussing what we would do with the money.<br />
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Me: laser hair removal.<br />
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Kev: bill paying, investments, plans for retirement - lots of boring stuff. Oh.. and an expensive car or two.<br />
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Then the numbers were posted.<br />
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And I was forced to invest in more razors.<br />
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2. The University of Kentucky won the National Championship!!!! GO CATS!!! <br />
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And my Dad hasn't stopped grinning since.....<br />
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3. I discovered (on Pinterest) and made the <a href="http://www.letsdishrecipes.com/2012/03/chocolate-peanut-butter-no-bake-dessert.html">most delicious dessert EVER</a>....and then quickly turned against it, declared my hate for it, and hoped that I would never see it again.<br />
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After I ate four bowls of it.<br />
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It is what my dreams are made of.<br />
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Especially when it is layered multiple times in a trifle bowl.<br />
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4. My sister bought some chickens. <br />
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<br />Chickens mean FRESH EGGS! <br />
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Unlimited fresh eggs meant that I debated on moving in to a tent in her back yard.<br />
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But then I visited. And smelled the chickens. Saw how much work they were. And decided that I would stay put and wait for the eggs to be hand delivered.<br />
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Which means that I will just keep buying them from the store.<br />
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4. I celebrated Easter with my family. <br />
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<br />And got to see sweet Abigail hunt for eggs...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsIdnWicIwWcdUnKKEn1Mei2JsKEuXABIzmEivrdBF4guQtBER0fT3bZtiK1pZwXp3XH7kgX-UHojFwcgukmLKBTWRQ1w0VuXYwDxvDeaokqRk9eXFcyS2F3U_Qq6EL-keuPen1pIrEg/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsIdnWicIwWcdUnKKEn1Mei2JsKEuXABIzmEivrdBF4guQtBER0fT3bZtiK1pZwXp3XH7kgX-UHojFwcgukmLKBTWRQ1w0VuXYwDxvDeaokqRk9eXFcyS2F3U_Qq6EL-keuPen1pIrEg/s400/028.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
5. We had visitors at our house....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzut2V4M7YDbpPf6NQmq_zDDTHg1T97CkU6cX8mqXv4siVQdLNbTnq2lrz_LQCDRx8-KaikHkM0KDO0L-OQcR_ACbgrKm2F7T_fT0JlFiRB5NoFevGJ9XTn56f7mzYd0a5X2FeUj9EKs/s1600/067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzut2V4M7YDbpPf6NQmq_zDDTHg1T97CkU6cX8mqXv4siVQdLNbTnq2lrz_LQCDRx8-KaikHkM0KDO0L-OQcR_ACbgrKm2F7T_fT0JlFiRB5NoFevGJ9XTn56f7mzYd0a5X2FeUj9EKs/s400/067.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And were able to spend the day by the pool.</div>
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Only ONE of us was irresponsible and got burned. And that "one" just happens to be the "one" that lives in Florida!</div>
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Go figure!</div>
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But it was nothing that #3 couldn't fix. #3 can fix anything!! </div>
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In addition to a ton of aloe.</div>
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6. I got blogger's block. I struggled and struggled to come up with stuff to talk about.... even though there has been plenty.</div>
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I've been getting used to a new Blogger layout. And a new (to me) computer. And days that are filled with work and chores and projects.</div>
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But I'm still here!! I'm still working out and cooking and laughing and planning adventures. And, most importantly, I'm still blogging!!</div>
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Thanks for your patience and support and for wondering what the heck happened to me!!</div>
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It feels good to be back!</div>
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</div>Kim and Kevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04766116484412476009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996747341918355717.post-88768916117185061042012-04-01T22:36:00.003-04:002012-04-06T23:06:18.097-04:00Working For The Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It has been non-stop this weekend. Non-stop with work and working out and chores.. and then more work.</div>
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Oh. And also nervously anticipating the day that I ALWAYS get fooled.</div>
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By my Mom. </div>
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She gets me every year ( except last year when she took a "break") and there is nothing that I can do to prevent it.</div>
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The minute I woke up this morning I started repeating to myself over and over... "Do not believe any thing that your Mother tells you".</div>
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She fooled me in the afternoon. Via text.</div>
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I blame the heat. And the fact that she is just so darn good at coming up with believable ( to me) stories.</div>
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Good job, Mom. Good job.</div>
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And just as I foreshadowed in a previous post... I got "fooled" again today and did not get the chance to grill at our house... even though Kev did get to eat food off a grill!</div>
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We went over to Kev's parents' house tonight to celebrate Glenn's birthday. His birthday was this past Thursday - but due to busy schedules, today was the first chance that we were all able to get together. </div>
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It was such a fun evening and an excellent meal. Kev said the steak was one of the best he has ever had!! It was an inch thick and smelled amazing!</div>
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My contribution to the meal was a <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/aarti-sequeira/massaged-kale-salad-recipe/index.html">kale salad</a>. I loved the mango and kale combination - but wish that I hadn't forgotten to add the seeds. It was definitely missing some crunch.</div>
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It was also the second time this weekend that we have eaten kale. </div>
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<a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/03/baked-parmesan-kale-chips.html">Kale chips</a> were on the menu for Saturday night.. along with <a href="http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/main-courses/spicy-grilled-fish-tacos/">fish tacos</a> and black bean salad. </div>
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I had originally planned to grill the fish - or at least have Kev grill it - but our propane tanks were empty.</div>
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Literally and figuratively.</div>
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And it was all I could do to get the meal on the table by 9pm. ( Which is why the lighting is so bad in the picture!)</div>
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Let's just say that our evening was spent building furniture and kickboxing.</div>
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It is up to you to figure out who did what.</div>
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Our weekends are just too wild and crazy for words. ( Typed while rolling my eyes.)</div>
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Which is why it is good that I am heading to Florida tomorrow for work. For the week.<br />
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It will give Kev a chance to rest up before next weekend..... when we (Kev) will be pulling weeds and repairing the driveway.<br />
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The fun never ends around here!</div>
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<a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/03/baked-parmesan-kale-chips.html"></a></div>Kim and Kevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04766116484412476009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6996747341918355717.post-42571102413062752522012-03-29T22:10:00.002-04:002012-03-29T22:10:28.058-04:00Red Hot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The best way to describe my face after a session of spin class in an UNairconditioned room. ( It was broken last week, too!)</div>
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And a better title than what I have been coming up with lately. Did I really start my last post off with "Chips + Cookbooks + Fitness"? </div>
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Yikes. </div>
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And, most importantly, it was the star of our dinner tonight.</div>
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<a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/05/baked-buffalo-chicken-pasta/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnrW7ZwF216Voh0nGv_r06VJ2BavUhsEseWq6r9JeUAJoI4-_KXqq4jieZm9A7x5eSy3FVRVUsyXLHjil_X_lCdIzthHyCSdnQ9Uy9t4bCo9s0VD9jrv9AMpf3gd1IkcWmOVfCdaUgwc/s400/005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
In <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/05/baked-buffalo-chicken-pasta/">Baked Buffalo Chicken Pasta.</a><br />
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I got this recipe off of Pinterest and was pleasantly surprised to see that it was one of Jessica's from <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/">How Sweet It Is</a>. She is one of my favorite food bloggers and her recipes never disappoint!<br />
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This meal was easy to throw together and will be easy to pack for lunches for the next couple of days.<br />
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Or weeks. It made an entire 13 x 9. <br />
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I ended up buying two rotisserie chicken breasts ( our Fresh Market sells rotisserie pieces instead of the whole chicken) to keep it simple. And left out the Gorgonzola cheese ( not sure if Kev would like it). I also tripled the amount of buffalo sauce because I'm a jerk and I love to see Kev's head sweat when he eats my meals.<br />
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A big salad with Ranch dressing would be the perfect match to a plate of this chicken extravaganza.<br />
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(Of course, we believe that Ranch dressing is the perfect match to just about anything.)<br />
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Along with a handkerchief or three to wipe the sweat off your brow.<br />
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Tomorrow is my last day at boot camp. It has been a very hard but fun month. Now it is time for a new adventure with another Groupon.<br />
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I've also been challenged to complete 500 ab exercises every day - indefinitely.<br />
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Ow.<br />
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I could only get to 300 today before I threw the towel in. It looks like I'm going to have to split the 500 between morning and night.<br />
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Or lock myself in the attic and hope no one notices.<br />
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</div>Kim and Kevhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04766116484412476009noreply@blogger.com1