Anniversary!

Today is our 5th wedding anniversary! It's amazing how quickly the time has flown. We've had our ups and downs, and I'm sure we'll continue to do so, but we have been very blessed in the past year. We were able to start celebrating last night with our friends, Brent and Angie, whose anniversary was the 21st... I prepared us a 3 course meal (Italian Wedding Soup, Salad, then Stuffed Steak and Twice Baked Potatoes), and then we all went to the Boise Little Theater to see Twelve Angry Men. After the play, which was incredibly well done, we returned home to enjoy some Strawberry Cheesecake. It was scrumptious! And, a perfect evening with some fabulous friends. :)

Today we've been able to just enjoy one another's company... as the day continues, I can't help but the that I love my husband, and am so grateful for the five years we've been blessed with!

Outdoor Time

Sunday was gorgeous out... it was about 80 degrees, and so we decided to take the kids to the park! We packed a picnic lunch and headed to Camelsback Park. The kids love Camelsback because of the hill we climb - it's not huge, but by the top I have to catch my breath!

Donovan and Audri at the top...



After our first climb, we decided that we wanted to keep going! So, we headed to another parking lot and parked where a number of trailheads meet, and off we went! Donovan and Josh led the pack.

Everyone got too warm! Taylor and Donovan took off their t-shirts, and Audri stripped down to her tank-top.

Of course, coming down is the hard part... Audri and I were afraid of falling. The boys simply ran down the hill, but Audri and I walked slightly sideways and took it slow.

The view from the bottom of the hill.

It was a beautiful day, and we enjoyed our time outdoors together! We're looking forward to doing it again soon... but Sunday was the only nice day in the past week, and it has to stop raining first!

Audri's Birthday

Audri is turning 10! We celebrated today by opening presents...

The birthday card from G.G. Elbert, with her $15 McDonald's gift card.

Her new outfit from us...

Followed by some girl time... fixing hair, doing nails, and even a little make-up! :)

Josh's two pretty girls... ready to go to dinner!

Recognize the sash? It needed more than one use... :)

We arrived at Red Robin, and the police were there for a fundraiser. So, Audri posed with the officer for a picture before going in to eat.

Of course, the best thing about eating at Red Robin on your birthday is the song... our server, starting the clapping after bringing Audri her sundae.

Audri with her sundae, trying not to be too embarrassed by the singing. :)

Happy birthday, Audri! We finished off the evening by letting her pick the family movie (she picked Alvin and the Chipmunks, The Squeakqul) and enjoying one another's company. :)

Potato Chowder

Today was gorgeous outside. However, all week I have been craving potato chowder. So, even though it was 70 degrees outside, I made potato chowder and bread bowls. Unfortunately, I had a slight mishap during the process - after simmering the vegetables until soft, I put them in the blender to puree... one of the buttons was slightly depressed, and I plugged in the blender before I had the lid on.

So, not only did we have a delicious dinner, but I now have a sparkling clean kitchen! :)

Potato Chowder Recipe:
8 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1/2 cup diced onion
2 stalks celery, sliced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 cups water
1 cup milk
6 strips bacon, crumbled
Salt
Pepper

1. Boil potatoes for 8-10 minutes. Drain. Set half of the potatoes aside.
2. Place remaining half of potatoes back in pot. Add onion, celery, garlic, water, and milk. Mix well. Simmer on low for 10-15 minutes.
3. Puree for a thick, but not chunky, broth.
4. Add the potatoes that had been set aside, bacon crumbles, and salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy!

Birthday, and Pictures

My birthday weekend began with the party Saturday night...

When I was picked up, I had to put on my sash and crown. Josh and Taylor escorted me out to the car. :)



Trying to listen to the music playing from a card...

Me, with my friend Tiffany. She was one of the co-planners for the surprise! :)

A group picture from Saturday night... we were missing a few people when we finally thought to take a group shot! We're a bunch of gorgeous women!

Sunday morning - Taylor had decorated for me... happy birthday streamers down the walls, happy birthday posters made for me... he was so sweet!

Dinner at Texas Roadhouse

I had our waiter take a group shot for us. :)

It was a perfect birthday weekend!

Surprise!

A couple of my girlfriends wanted to take me out for my birthday... our plan (so I thought) was to have a glass of wine and an appetizer downtown. They picked me up, made me put on a tiara and a sash that read "birthday girl", and then we took pictures. It was prom-ish. :) I then kissed Josh goodbye and off we went.

We arrived downtown, and as we walked into the restaurant, I was greeted with "surprise" and "happy birthday" from over a dozen co-workers and friends who wanted to help me ring in my 30th birthday! We were able to sit and enjoy a few hours of chatting, wine, and appetizers. I'm still surprised that they were able to pull it off, and so grateful for how many were there to help me celebrate. I feel so blessed!

PS - there were a few cameras, so as soon as I see pictures I will post them! :)

PPS - my birthday weekend is turning out to be FANTASTIC!!!!!!!

Decorating Easter Eggs

Our family activity this weekend was, of course, decorating Easter eggs!

Getting started

A friend stopped by, just in time to take group shot for us!

The kids, obviously loving the experience.

Donovan's favorite egg

Audri's favorite egg

Taylor's favorite egg... he drew Mt. McKinley on it!

A close-up of Taylor's egg

My favorite egg. You can't really see it, but it's pink pin-striped. :)

Our completed project; 36 eggs, brightly and creatively decorated!

Saturdays are made for walks...

Today was a bit chilly, but at one point in the afternoon was just warm enough, with the sun shining, that we decided to go for a walk.

Donovan and Audri, playing tag

Josh and I... self-portrait. :)

The boys

The girls