Will's Birthday Celebrations

This weekend was filled with celebration. In addition to Father's Day, Will had a birthday on Friday. He and I are similar in that we both don't care too much for celebrating our own birthdays. But I still like to show him how much I love him and that I love that he was born! So we had a get together (of sorts) anyway!

Friday night we had dinner over at his parents' place, and well, he just got spoiled well.

His parents were lovely and cooked up a feast, featuring some of Will's favorites. We munched on yummy cheeses and veggies and wine. At one point we decided to open a bottle of champagne that was as old as Will. It was not good, haha. Dinner included giant oysters, fresh salmon, steaks, and red potatoes. A food coma ensued, of course.

^food coma faces^

I winged a whole wheat, egg-free, and butter-free chocolate cake and Will's mama prepared a chocolate frozen greek yogurt for dessert.

We all settled down at the end of the night to watch Tremors 2, at which point I took the opportunity to pass out on the couch until we were ready to go home :) I was so tired! Saturday we celebrated a bit more and went shopping for a felt hat (which Will looks so classy in) and had some Cafe Rio.

Not a bad way to spend a birthday, if you ask me. Tomorrow I'll share a little something I made and gifted to Will.

Dad Day

Happy Father's Day, yesterday!

I am one lucky little lady to have such a fantastic father. We don't get to choose our parents, but I'd like to think if I was given the chance I'd still go with mine every time. As I grew up I also saw my parents grow so much as people. And I love that. I was taught such valuable lessons in courage and openness because of that. I get my sense of humor from my father. My dark hair, pale skin, big brown eyes, and introverted tendencies as well. He taught me the value of learning, the thrill of adventure, and how to be a great, loving listener. He is the best bear huger in the world and a perfect father to four crazy, unique, now grown-up kids.

My dad spent his father's day pretty well, I'd say. Jenica took him out for a hike early in the morning and then we had breakfast together.

Later in the day my brother Aaron took over grill duty and cooked up some pesto salmon, habañero pineapple chicken, brats, and grilled veggies. I made potatoes rustica and a green salad. My sister Bee made some delicious Texas sheet cake for dessert. We were all rightfully stuffed after.

I hope you all had a great day celebrating the good fathers in your lives.

 

Alfredo's Vinyl Party

My friend Alfredo . . .

. . . hosts the best parties. I have been to a number of his gatherings and they have yet to disappoint. This weekend Alfredo invited us over for a Vinyl Party to kick off summer. It was very simple; people brought over their favorite vinyls and a selection of them were played throughout the night. There was BBQing, eating of so many yummy foods, great people, music listening, dancing, great conversation, games (Cards Against Humanity, anyone?) and plenty of pictures.

Will and I had fun learning of some new bands and chatting with everyone. I brought balsamic quinoa salad (recipe tomorrow!) and it seemed to be a hit. I'm ready for more summer nights with great friends. I'm now craving some live outdoor music, too. Thanks again, Alfredo, for always being lovely and putting together equally as lovely parties.