This America lady had one long birthday weekend!

It has been the longest weekend ever. I am exhausted, I can't wait for work. Today we did an easy BBQ with my parents, spent the afternoon napping in a clean house, and then did a last minute trip over to the Gershik's house where we met up with Melinna, Steve and Sara. Melinna was my first San Ramon friend, in fact I met her over the phone through a network from work. We talked for 2 hours having never seen each other.

Her son Sam just had his Bar Mitzvah Saturday so Mazel Tov to them and thank you for being so welcoming to us at a time you were probably exhausted!

From their house we walked along the Iron Horse Trail to an elementary school where you could see the San Ramon show perfectly. Annie LOVED it. She called out the fire works colors each time one exploded. We enjoyed strawberry margarita's made with strawberries they grew in their yard, Country Music, and a park full of people. And all of this and NO traffic, lines or crowds. Best of all worlds.

The only thing missing for me was Lori. This is our Holiday and it never feels right when we arent together! Miss you Jeegs, hope you had fun in NYC!

Not a lot of pictures to see b/c well, it was dark, and frankly, I was sick of taking them!

Walking down the trail.  Actually really beautiful and a lot of fun seeing the families with bikes, wagons, dogs etc.

Sara is a master hula hooper.

Annie being shy.

Sara being shy.

Happy 4th of July!

As American as Apple...errr..Peach Pie!

 Daddy what do you think we should make for dinner today?  We have Auntie Rupal and Anaya coming over.  We need to show those Brits what America's birthday is all about.

 Hmmmmmmm.  How about pork chops with mustard and peach glaze, homemade slaw, cornbread, potatoes, and a peach pie?  I know they say nothing is as American as Apple Pie, but that's so overdone.

 This picture cracks Mommy up, I feel it's the beginning of what will be many awkward school photos.

 Grammy getting in on the Dr. Evil pose.

 Fresh peaches from the Farmers Market.  I think next BBQ I am going to do a tart.

 Ingredients for pork chop glaze.

 This flower arrangement grew every day.  First I added some hydrangeas from the yard and then Rupal brought us some amazing flowers.  I really love summer out here.

 Today was my favorite day of cooking in our new house.  Not because the food tasted any better than any other time, but, because Adam and I turned on some music and cooked every dish together.  It was a really special family time for me.  Thank you Adam!

 Chef's hat and all!

 First time taking the skin off peaches.  First you boil for 50 seconds, then submerge in ice water and then it slides right off.  Worked like a charm.

 So I had to use 3 tablespoons of Bourbon.  I didn't want to spend the money on a bottle of Jack - that's how low my standards are.  So I found a good old bottle of Evan Williams for 9 bucks.  I want to know who Evan Williams was and who stole whose label, Jack or Evan.  As you can tell on Adams face it was NOT smooooth.

 Cooking the glaze.  It looks gross, but it was really quite good.  I'd give it an 8/10.  I would DEFINITELY do the chops again but I would like to try more of an Asian glaze next time.

 Oh Grammy you love on me too much!

 Our masterpiece!

 Annie and Anaya playing with the new toy Auntie Kelly sent Annie.  SHE LOVES IT!  Thank you Aunt Kelly, you know how to pick the best gifts.

 All done.  So I we think we got the flavor of the crust right, and the texture was light and flaky but the bottom wasn't as crisp as I would like it.  Pie crust is tough, but I am going to keep trying! The filling part I think I have a handle on.

 These were some thick chops!

 Adam doesn't like mayo in his slaw, this was an Emeril recipe and it got high marks all around, and actually quite healthy, no mayo at all.

 Adam cooked these chops to perfection.  They were so tender and juicy there was not one person who did not eat them down to the bone.

 The girls having their own dessert.

Tomorrow's meal will be awesome because it's hot dogs and we are eating them on paper plates and that means.... NO DISHES!!!

No description needed!

It's America's Birthday

I felt really sick this last week so my parents, being as kind as they are (read: not wanting to let anything get between them and their Annie time) agreed to come see us, which was really nice of them.  My Mom had already bought all the food for the meals so she just brought it over to San Ramon and she cooked it here with my Dad.  Also a very nice treat.  

I think that real ticket for Adam and I is to get a bigger house so we can have Grammy Wendy and Grammy Cathy at the same time.  Grammy W likes to cook and Grammy C loves to do dishes (I kid you not) so as far as I can see it's a win win for Adam and I!

 Getting ready for our Saturday tradition, the Farmers Market.

 We were definitely the most patriotic family there.

 Grammy Cathy and Mommy were on a hunt for outdoor wine and cocktail glasses for the yard.  I am pretty picky and wanted a big red wine glass and plastic that wouldn't turn white.  I did some research and the ones from William Sonoma are great ones.  They are not a cheap as target or costco but they are guaranteed for 2000 dishwasher runs not to turn white or crack.  No downside to give them a try!  And even better they look really nice!

Dahlias are my new obsession.  Spring was Hydrangeas.  Dahlias are for summer.  I have a bunch from last year coming back up and 3 new plants to add to the family this year.  It's really funny, our yard is like the size of a postage stamp (bay area for ya) and I love every inch of dirt I have.

 I thought I had a green thumb but then I saw my Cousins Matthew and Allison's garden and I am drooling with envy.  They grow lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, cumbers, it's truly amazing.  They eat from their yard.  I was happy I made a lemon turn yellow, they have a full 3 course meal in their garden!  Really beautiful guys!  I am now plotting ways to use the back half of the side yard to grow some herbs at the very least.   We can't wait to go for a visit so they can show me the tricks of the trade.

 Our little fire cracker!

Loving on Grammy!

Dinner was Margaritas, Fish Tacos (Amazing) Chicken Tacos for those who don't like fish (Annie) and all the fresh fixins.  It was delish! Thanks Mom and Dad for such a nice treat!

 I love these plats but apparently we don't eat fish that often b/c I have only gotten to use them twice.

 Better battered Halibut!

My Dad's super awesome new camera.  Its the size of a point and shoot *the body with lenses half the size of a true SLR, but it has AMAZING quality pictures.  It can shoot 7 pictures a second and you can attach a plethora of lenses to it.  Genius. My mom, brother and I got it for him for his Birthday/Fathers day.  I think its a really awesome gadget.

 Annie, Daddy and Uncle Todd worked on Faces last week.  Sad, happy, angry, scared, Dr. Evil.  We put them to use today during cocktail hour.

 Scary!

 Nervous!

 Dr. Evil

 The downfall is now that we tell Annie to make her happy face and smile for a picture it comes out, errrr, a bit exaggerated.

 I made my taco Uncle Mike Style.  So full of the veggies and toppings you can't close them.  They were divine!

 I know I have problems (but dont really care) when my child asked me not once, but twice today to take a picture of her food before she ate it.  LOL.

 Todd we were thinking of you, my Mom made her Cobbler for dessert!

Annie again showing me her food.

Once again telling Annie to smile came out a bit theatric.  I can't stop laughing at this one.  I do however love the earrings my mom is loaning me for an event I have with my fellow MOT moms in a week.  I think I might never take them off!  Thanks Mom!!!

See you all tomorrow!