cabin time

We went to my parents cabin for our annual May long week end get away. For the fist time ever we sat inside and watched the rain pour down! It's usually much drier than our rainy coastal home. But eventually the rain did stop an we were able to get outside and enjoy the new mondo deck, catch fish, go quading and go for long walks. The kids didn't want to leave.

easy peasy pasta!

There are two things I love about a dinner recipe a) everyone will actually eat it and not make gagging noises and b) only messes up one dish! This recipe does both!

1 cup of frozen (or fresh) peas
1 cup snap peas
1 cup sliced mushrooms (my kids actually like them!)
2 cloves garlic minced
1 red pepper chopped
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups whole wheat pasta
1 1/2 tsp dried oregano and basil
3 chicken breasts cubed
1 small onion diced
4 tsp olive oil, divided
1/2 cup Parmesan

Pour half of the oil in a large skillet over med-hi heat, saute chicken until browned on all sides, about 6 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate. Pour remaining oil into skillet ad saute onion and garlic until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in herbs and broth. Bring to a boil and add pasta. Boil for 8 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed. Add peas and red pepper. Return chicken to pan. Cover and simmer until peas are tender crisp and chicken is cooked through, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle with Parmesan. Serves 4. Voila.

family pictures 2011

Last month we did some long overdue pictures with my favorite photographer. She never disappoints!!! Thank you Rebecca, you are awesome. Because I pay for extra photo storage on my blog and I can't pick a favorite I'll share my top 30! I plan to blow one up on a canvas for the dining room and make a photo book with the rest. * all photos by rebeccabphotography 

end of year field trip

I can't believe this is the last week of preschool! This year has really flown by. Last Thursday was the end of year field trip to Hovander. The kids had a fun time checking out the animals (the baby goat was my favorite), exploring the pond for tadpoles and playing baseball. It's nice to know Amelia will be back with most of the same great kids and teacher next year.

teacher gift

I found this gift idea online this year. It was a downloadable pdf that I printed out and placed in a frame.  There are ton of adorable ideas on this blog http://www.eighteen25.blogspot.com/ .

favorite book

Last week Amelia had bring your favorite book and pillow to school day! Of course, Pinkalicious, was the obvious choice as well as a purple unicorn pillow pet.
* funny story: Last night Amelia had trouble falling asleep so she was cuddled up on my lap on the deck. She spotted the first star of the night. Her wish was for... a unicorn, a car that is all purple and kitties and doggies to live at her house. Adorable.