Recap the week

On Monday, Madison started gymnastics at Edge Gym in Liberty. When class started, they had circle time (ring around the rosy), but M had nothing to do with the little boy (see her arm behind her back).She enjoyed the bouncing and tumbling. The class was 45 minutes and about every five minute she did a check-in, by yelling, "hey mommy..hey daddy.." with a wave. Parker watched his big sis do lots of somersaults. On Tuesday, Madison "tried" soccer. CernerKids offered a demo for Happy Feet soccer. She seemed to have fun, but still talked about gymnastics. On Wednesday, I took Parker to his pediatrician, his cough and drainage was back...yes another ear infection. Our doctor referred us to an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor to consider tubes for Parker. On Thursday, we went to Darin's dentist office as they had a celebration of being in business for four years. The kiddos had fun and enjoyed getting some balloons. Here we are to Friday, Parker had his ENT consultation. After meeting with the doctor for only a few minutes and one look at Parker's ears, he thought surgery would be a good idea. I'm nervous, but surgery will be Wednesday, July 20.

Happy belated 4th of July!

Sorry for the late post. Darin, I and the kiddos headed to Nebraska for the 4th of July. We left on Friday more to beat the traffic knowing it would be a longer route with all of the flooding. Our drive took an extra hour than normal and the kiddos did great. Darin kept Madison busy with watching Phineas and Ferb episodes. I think Darin and I have all the episodes memorized. While in Nebraska, Darin and I had a date night, we went to supper then headed to our cousins house to plan for the Nebraska tailgate season. We also headed to the Children's Zoo in Lincoln. It was not crowded at all the kids enjoyed the animals. Madison pet a snake, goat, llama, rabbit, and stood like a flamingo. We headed back for home on Monday, which always seems like a longer ride than normal. Happy Belated 4th of July.

The BigTen Network

Last weekend, Nebraska officially moved to the BigTen.  I was able to watch several of the shows over the weekend that highlighted Nebraska's success on the football field and on the volleyball court.   It was great to watch old games, see many of the interviews with players who were involved with the championship seasons and watch how the BigTen celebrated Nebraska.   The 1 hour introduction/welcome show was a great advertisement for the University. 

As I watched it I couldn't help be become excited about the new conference.   They really rolled out the red carpet for the huskers.   The games this year will be new and exciting.  I can't wait to visit Minnesota or return to Michigan for games this fall.   I also couldn't help but notice the exposure the BigTen is going to give Nebraska when it comes to recruiting and general knowledge of the program.   But mostly, I can't wait to see what it means to UNL from an academic perspective. 

The fall can't come fast enough..

Happy Father's Day!

We had a very special and eventful Father's day weekend. My parents came into town on Friday, so Darin and I had a date night. We had some drinks and appetizers at 54th street Bar and Grill. It was nice to have some time together. Then on Saturday morning, all of us went to Deanna Rose Farm. My parents had never been there and were amazed at all of the fun and activities available for families. If my parents had more time they might consider building or owning something very similar. Thank you Grandma and Grandpa.

So Saturday evening, Darin and I had another date night in honor of Father's Day. We had reservations at Capital Grill on the Plaza, one of our favorite places to dine. Our favorite course is dessert and the coconut cream pie is a must!

Sunday we woke up and the kiddos were delighted to have Dad's pancakes. They are such a hit and Darin makes special pancakes as requested. We love you Darin!

smoking

Last weekend I tried a new approach to smoking pork tenderloin.   It worked out great. 

I took the loin and instead of cutting it to stuff it, I opened it up like a pinwheel. It basically unrolled to fit onto a cookie sheet. Once flat I added my favorite cheddar and bacon brats (2 of them). I took the casing off the brats, flattened out the meat and then added it as a layer on top of the loin. I then added some yellow mustard, garlic, some baby food applesauce, ground peppercorns, chipotle flakes and then rolled the loin back into a loaf. I then added a rub to the outside of the loin and wrapped it in smoked bacon to hold it together.

I let it sit for 3 hrs in the fridge and then put it in the smoker for 3 hrs at 240. It came out perfect. Kids (1 yr old and 3 yr old) couldn't stop eating it. The meat was tender and had great taste.
 
I think my next project is to either smoke prime rib or try making a smoked cream of tomato soup.

Crazy Hair Day at school

Team didn't want their picture taken

Parker wanted Red Hair

Still wants red hair

All giggles

looking for trouble

New Closet

The last few weeks we have been in the process of tearing out our old closet, having a new one put in and then putting back all our stuff (and getting rid of things at the same time). You can see our transformation... and all our stuff.