Introducing Baby Jane

 

Been Practicing

I've been practicing my photography...

Christmas Conclusion

Harry Potter World- Be still my beating 14yr old heart!

Agenda

Drink Butterbeer

Ride Dragon Coaster

Ride Hogwarts Ride- (Try not to cry with how amazing it was!)

Drink Butterbeer

Visit Zonkos

Ride Hogwarts Ride

Explore Honeydukes

Buy a Chocolate Frog

Drink Frozen Butterbeer

Ride more rides

Test out Pumpkin Juice

Look at wands in Olivanders

Drink Butterbeer

Dinner at the Three Broomsticks

Ride more rides

DRINK BUTTERBEER!

Christmas Part 2 - DisneyWorld

Disneyland/Disney World is a place that never gets old for me. I love it! It is truly one of the happiest places on earth. The castle, the fireworks, the music, the rides, the food, the princesses, the memories. It's a place where magical things happen and dreams come true. This trip was no exception. I have wanted a family photo for years now and I have never had one. Even my wedding family photos were complete because my brother-in-law, Tyler was unable to come. So my goal was to get a family photo...AND I DID! It was nothing short of a miracle as many of my family members hate candid photos being taken, however the Disney magic worked and I got my family photo. (Zack, next time you need to look at the camera!)

  

I don't know who spent more time holding Zack, Nichole or Annie! 

Grandpa making faces at Baby Zack!

Zack was so good in his stroller! He is  so smart, he learned a new trick. How to open the snacks!

Christmas Part 1

I am woefully behind on blogging! So catch up Part 1 here we go. Brendan and I went to a live nativity at a local church near our townhome. When they said live, I had no idea they meant live animals in the church and everything! I got to pet the animals! My favorite part was the shepherds who were rowdy!

I then got busy getting gifts, finishing work, and baking Christmas treats. Blue Raspberry Sugar Cookies. They turned out beautiful and delicious!

December was also my month to host Optometry Wives Club so we made hair ties! Thanks Mom for the best idea!

It seemed to take forever, but we finally hit the road and made our way south to Florida! Our road trip was spent taking pictures of the cities we hit along the way. We decided to stop in North Carolina to see some friends the Leiningers. We then went to the Tobacco District for dinner at the best pizza place, the Mellow Mushroom, where we happened upon a Christmas Tree show! So after dinner we walked through the park and saw over 75 decorated trees! 

A Year of Food...Ok Just Part of the Year

So I realized as I was going through photos that I have a bunch of photos of the recipes Brendan and I have tried/made up and needed to post!

None of the photos are that great (can I tell you how much I hate how early it gets dark here in the winter so all I have to work with is yellow light), but it gives you a good idea of the fun Brendan and I have been having cooking together.

Broccoli, Rice and  Fish! - Backstory, I tried cooking fish in our second year of marriage and it was awful! So, I refused to cook it again, but having a year to cool off, I decided I would be willing to try again. It turned out pretty good!

Basil and Heirloom Tomato Pizza

Butternut Squash  Stuffed Shells with Lemon Sage Brown Butter Sauce

Potato Nachos- a new staple

Brendan's Birthday Dinner

Pistachio Fish

Stuffed Artichoke

Green Rice

A Huge Mistake- Otherwise known as Chocolate Ice Cream Brownie Pie with Whipped Cream

We learned we should NEVER create a recipe while fasting. 

Butternut Squash and Onion Cheese Tart- YUM!!!

Kale Chips- Failure! Disgusting!

First batch of Chocolate Chip Cookies that actually got big and fluffy! 

One benefit of being lower in elevation!

Tres Leches Cake! Can't go wrong with this one.

Another fish recipe. Almond Roasted Tilapia

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Syrup Frosting- Thank you DC Cupcakes!

Potato Pizza

My first attempt at Marshmallow Fondant and WOW is it sticky. It was worth it to make the cookies below!

Christmas Dinner-

 Roast, Chili Sauce, Potatoes, Carrots and Brussels Sprouts 

(If you would have told me I  would like Brussels Sprouts a few years ago, I would have laughed in your face.)

I am excited for the new recipes of 2013!