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.

Two on a cruise..

On April 29 to May 7 Darin and I took a Princess Cruise to the Mexican Riviera, which included stops in Los Angeles, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas. Our cruise departed from LA on April 30, however we always like to travel the day before to ensure we have all of our luggage and necessities for the cruise. So, on April 29 we stayed at the Terranea Resort (http://www.terranea.com/).

When we arrived, we anticipated a hotel guest room and we were going to request an ocean view. The individual checking us in stated we have been upgraded to a Casita. (Darin and I both looked at each other and smiled, not really knowing what this was.) Well once we arrived at our Casita, we realized it was a one-bedroom suite with a residential feel (full kitchen, laundry, patio (front and back), living room, and private entrance. It was amazing. Once settled, we went to Nelson's (for some comfort cuisine) located at the resort. The BLT dip, crab sliders and shrimp taco's were a hit. We had a wonderful day and evening and preparing for our next week of adventure on the Sapphire Princess. For the first two days of the cruise we were at sea, so we had some massages, slept and read by the pool and hot-tubs and navigated around the ship. Our balcony room was great L304 (Lido deck) next to the pools and food, just what we needed. =) On day three (Darin's Birthday), we celebrated in style by going on a zip line adventure in Puerto Vallarta..I was so scared. Darin did awesome. It was fun and I'd do it again. It was about a 45 minute drive to the jungle (see our yellow vehicle we rode in). Then on day four and five we were in Cabo San Lucas. We took a Sea of Cortes Yacht cruise to do some snorkeling, on our way there we were stopped by Mexican officials (yes guns pointed at us) for about 20-30 minutes. We were not sure what they were wanting...in the end, they were checking for vehicle licenses and fishing permits..thank goodness as we watch NatGeo and History channel...Locked-up Abroad. We enjoyed snorkeling, however the water pictures were not really clear. We enjoyed spending time eating, walking and shopping in Cabo. Then day six and seven were sea day...more massages, pool and hot-tub time. May 7 it was back to reality. Darin and I had a wonderful time...and look forward to our next trip...next month...just kidding mom and dad...well am I? =)