mother's day break-FEAST

For mother's day I decided to make a big breakfast to celebrate the day. I love watching the Food Network and I saw this episode on Barefoot Contessa once and have wanted to make the breakfast. I will tell you that is was de-lish. We had Challah French Toast (I used Brioche bread), Hashed Browns, Creamy Scrambled Eggs with Cheese and Chives, and Bacon.

Thanks for the being the best mom!

the LASERSHOW

One of the classic things to see here is Stone Mountain which my parents had seen but had not experience what is...the lasershow. They have a bunch of lasers choreographed to music and shine it up on the mountain. It's a pretty good southern time. You can also hike up on top of the mountain which we did almost a year ago or take a tram up the mountain which we did like three years ago. Stone Mountain is claimed by some to be the largest exposed granite 'stone' in the world. Three figures of the Confederate States of America are carved there: Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee, and Jefferson Davis.

Dinner picnic, good 'ole fried chicken
These two could eat popcorn all day...seriously
View of the show

aquarium fascination

So I am still catching up posts from the parental visit and one of the best things here to see is the aquarium. We'd all been before except Kurt so we needed to show him the wonders under the sea. Here are some highlights:

my favorite - jellyfish
the giant aquarium window - the whale shark and me
Grouper, whale shark, balooga whale
icebergs in the arctic

atl botanical gardens

For Kandis' birthday on May 7 she wanted to go the Atlanta Botanical Gardens (a favorite place of mine & I got engaged there) and my parents had never been so it was the perfect afternoon outing. They had a really cool exhibit going on throughout the gardens called Sculpture in Motion.

One of our favorites was the Self Organizing Still Life (‹‹ watch video here) where the balls would stay still if there was no sound, but if you clapped or sang then the balls would move and rearrange themselves.

go to the pool or build a deck

Somehow the Barlows convinced my dad to help build a deck for a day while they were out here visiting. Kurt arrived Monday night just in time, lol. The boys worked on the deck Tuesday while the girls went to the pool. What would you opt for?

family dinner 05.04

Great Family Sunday complements of Mom and her camera
Mom and her girls
Kenedee's amazing strength (hanging from the trellis @ pool)
Mom capturing dinner
Dinner Menu:
Mahi Mahi with Fresh Cilantro Chutney with some Avacado & Grapefruit Salad w/Spicy Lime Vinaigrette, Sugar Snap Peas with Ginger & Garlic, and Lemon-Glazed Sweet Potatoes.

graduation bbq

We had everyone over for a bbq after graduation, the Clarks and the Olsons. It was supposed to be at the pool but it was quite soggy that day so we had it in our house instead, it turned out great. Steve's request for Dessert - cream pies: chocolate, banana, and coconut - and they all were devoured.

illustrate this

graduation DAY

May 3rd - the Big Graduation has come, Steve received his PharmD and MBA, go STEVE!

We did it!
Magna what! no way!
Proud Moment
The two families in attendance

look who's here!!!

The parents and Kate flew in Friday night for 10 days 'O' fun.

DIY KO

Problem 1: Ugly Deck
Problem 2: Husband doesn't think it's worth refinishing
Solution: Put on grubby clothes, add a little KO magic and wall-la! A lovely new deck. (You know you love these rockin' safety glasses - complements of Adam, thanks for the sander)

Dean Day

Steve's Dad Dean had his birthday on Saturday and we all got together for Sunday dinner to celebrate. I was assigned the birthday cake - German Chocolate to be exact. My mom's recipe for the topping is the BEST! It was a triple layer cake.



GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE FROSTING
Topping for two 9-inch Chocolate cakes

2 c. evaporated milk
2 c. sugar
6 egg yolks slightly beaten
2 sticks butter
2 tsp. vanilla
2 2/3 cup coconut
2 c. chopped walnuts

Mix milk, sugar, eggs, and butter in large saucepan. Stir and bring to boil for a few minutes until it thickens. Remove from heat. Add vanilla, coconut & walnuts. Let cool, chill in refrigerator before frosting.

Can garnish with a milk chocolate ganache drizzle and chocolate curls.

boy sleepover

We played host to a manly sleepover this past weekend. Steve's brother Brian and their friend Jeff came down from Chicago to hang out for a few days. The boys played golf, watched movies, slept in, every man's dream right? Thanks for staying over guys, Steve loved the man-time.

the best things in life...