Chris' Pork and Beer Surprise

Chris turned 4-0 in May so naturally I threw a surpise birthday party for him Sunday---June 3rd.  Makes sense, right?  Actually, it kind of does.  He was deep in the middle of Anatomy finals during his birthday week and finished up his last final this Friday.   And, you have to admit it added to the "surprise" element of the party.

Earlier this year when we were in Atlanta over Spring Break we had some incredible meals.  One was at Abattoir where we feasted on meat, had lots of nice beers and enjoyed the old fashion feel. Another was at Empire State South where we feasted on something called In Jars.  It was an assortment of incredible southern spreads.    There lies the inspiration for Chris' celebration.  I knew immediately after I saw (and tasted) the In Jars that I had to recreate this for his birthday party. 

An old fashion Pork and Beer Party!   

I found the perfect pig invites.  Mel of the Elsmo Four eagerly jumped on board and created an amazing and unforgettable menu.  Brian got Chris out of the house on Sunday morning which was a bit difficut because ....let's just say Chris was being a little difficult about the late start to the day.  Ang put together the menu and did her creative thing which she does best.  Even Chris' school co-workers helped contrive a plan to throw him off the party scent when inadvertently an email was left up for Chris to see at school.  Man, a lot goes into creating a surprise...actually keeping the surprise.

In the end it was a success.   The party was one for the books, Chris was surprised and we all had a blast.  Perfect!  We have some really wonderful people in our lives.  Now...... I'm out of the surprise business.

In Jars- served alongside assorted charcuterie from Publican Quality Meats and homemade breads, toasts and crackers

• Pork Rillettes
• Apricot Mostardo
• Whipped Feta
• Salmon Rillettes
• Pimento Cheese
• Bacon Marmalade
• Sweet & Sour Cucumbers

Passed

• North Carolina Style Gwa Pao (pulled pork and pork belly)
• Kale Chips
• Rosemary Potato Skewers
• Brussels Boats

Beer Tasting--assorted varieties

Carrot Cake Cupcakes

(I can't pick a favorite!!! )

My Little Fish

ARose wore her swimming suit every day last weekend (literally) in anticipation of the pool. "Can we go to the pool now"; "Is the pool open yet?"; "Ready?"---that's what she asked me every hour or two. I'm not sure she really remembers the pool from last year but lately when we drive by the pool she asks when it opens. I think M put her up to this. Last weekend was a scorcher here and, alas, our little fish hit the pool. Looking forward to many more of these summer days ......I can't quite lounge at the pool yet.....but I can see the future!!

M's Black Eye

This is what can happen when throwing a frisbee straight up in the air....it must come down!  Unfortunately, on M's right eye!  She was a trooper though.  It's already healed (this happened last week).

Chris Turns 40

We had a really quick celebration last night since Chris is neck-deep in anatomy studies right now (pun intended).  Brazilian take-out and carrot cake, yummy.

Happy Birthday my love!  Salt and pepper hair suits you:-)

Irving Sun

M's school celebrated Earth Day with daily events for the entire week.  The big event was on Thursday when kids wore  a colored shirt for a unique photo taken of the whole school out on the blacktop. It was part of a Solar-bration for the Schoolyard Project!  Really neat!

Summer

M comes home from school each day with some really great stuff —art projects, short stories, math problems, reading comprehension worksheets, notes from her classmates, etc.   They are all pretty cool to see from a first grader, but sometimes some of her work really makes me stop and think….”that’s so awesome!”  For me, this is one of those stories (misspellings and all).   This is Summer through the eyes of a first grader.  I  don't know about you but I'm ready for the summer she is dreaming about!

SUMMER

It is hot outside.

Hot, scorching, sunny.

The pool hase lots of peopple.

Water, drop slide, lifegards.

In the summer it is fun.

Happy, camp, fantastic.

A Little Girl Pampering

We even managed to squeeze in a little girl's only pampering with Mom Mom, Aunt Cat and Aunt Fran.  This was M's first mani/pani and she loved every minute of it.  And, both of the girls' first department store lip gloss application.  Chris just rolled his eyes with fright. Me, on the other hand--I can't wait to have more pampering days with my girls in the future!!!

Abattoir

Our first night in Atlanta was an adults only dinner.  And, I selfishly admit, I like starting out a vacation like this.  Especially, when at a restaurant like Abattoir!  Given the name, you probably guessed it is pretty much meat, more meat and a bit more meat.   So it makes sense that the menu is based around “whole animal cuisine” or "tip to tail cooking".  It certainly does not disappoint us carnivores, but it certainly does not forget about the non-carnivores either and has plenty of options for the less adventurous eaters.  I loved its cooking philosophy of farm-to-table.  I loved that it put a contemporary southern spin on the dishes.  I loved the look and feel of the place.  I simply loved this restaurant....period!  And, the company was the cherry on top of the ice cream sundae!!!

Boiled Peanuts

crispy ceci peas

spicy veal sweetbreads

pretzel with pimento cheese foam

lamb sausage

charcuterie

georgia chicken schnitzel

cheese platter

abattoir dessert sampler 

Spring Break in Atlanta

A couple of weeks ago, we spent Spring Break in Atlanta with Chris' family.  We all had a blast but I think the girls especially loved their time with cousin N!  It was a very laid back, relaxing vacation...just what the doctor ordered.  Speaking of doctors, we ended up taking ARose back to the doctor while visiting with the same symptoms.  A record high 9700 pollen count didn't help her breathing that's for sure, but I think we are on top of it now.  We visited Stone Mountain which M really loved (ARose was a little scared), Lego Land, a children's museum, played in the parks, went swimming, played with the new puppies and ate A LOT of ice cream.   Oh, and did I mention that M started reading the newspaper...the funnies that is.