Firsts

Well the last couple of weeks have brought a few "firsts" to our house. Conner had his first day of 5th grade! Conner is an excellent student and we are very excited for the school year. I just can't believe my little Conner is in 5th grade!!!!

He was thrilled that I was taking his picture. :)

Conner also had his first "official" football game of the year. Conner got the first tackle of the game that even resulted in a loss of yards for the other team! He played an outstanding game.The little ones had their first dentist appointment!

Zack did awesome and was the perfect little patient.

Mason, on the other hand, did exactly what we thought he would. He wanted nothing to do with it! It took me, Victor, and the hygienist to hold him down just so the dentist could get a quick peek in his mouth. We didn't even attempt a cleaning or anything else. Mason is STILL telling me, "I mad at you and dentist!"

Both boys got a good clean bill of health on their teeth.

My sisters and mom share a love of fine food with me so we all decided to join a food group together! We are having so much fun making new dishes and sharing our food reviews. Although we live thousands of miles apart it is something that brings us together. My mom is not big on the computer and she did her first post with no problem! Way to go mom!

Smurf Turf

Although school has not started yet for Conner our summer fun came to an end when football practice started a few weeks ago and we have practice five nights a week! I wasn't looking forward to being tied down until school started in a few weeks, I still wanted to squeeze in a few fun little trips. Oh well, what can I do?

They always kick off the season with a big jamboree on Boise State's famous blue field. Each team gets to play seven minutes of offense and seven minutes of defense. Conner switches back and forth from a cornerback to safety. He loves defense and really went after it! He was an aggressive little guy and did a great job.

Conner is right in the top center of this picture (in white)- facing forward getting lined up.

Lined up and ready to go- Conner is the last man on the far end.

Naturally when Zack heard we were going to Boise State he HAD to wear all of his BSU gear. And it is also a given that anything Zackie does Mason wants to do as well. They had so much fun and were so cute yelling, "Go Conner!"

When we got home and later that day Mason even said to me, "Thanks Boise State today Mommy!" Which he was saying thanks for taking him to Boise State.

We are all looking forward to fun and successful season. Go Lightning!

Visitors

We love having company come visit. Especially when it is someone we don't get to see very often. One of Victor's best Ranger brother's, Brad, came to visit for a few days. He also brought his cute little girlfriend Corrine along this time. This is the third time he has made the trip and as always, we had a wonderful time.

We started the visit out with our trip to the Basque Food & Wine Festival. We did not spot Adam Richman from Man vs. Food there this year, but I think we had even more fun than last time. The food was fabulous, the dancers and music fantastic, and the Basque customs were a blast.

The next morning we hit the Farmer's Market down town and found some wonderful local produce and products. We did find the best ever kettle corn and hand crafted root beer.

We stayed in and BBQ'ed some stuffed portabello mushrooms for dinner. (I am drooling just thinking about them). And I conquered the badminton net. Vic and I ruled in the couples showdown and Corrine and I DOMINATED in the girls vs. boys playoff. Finish the evening off around the fire pit BS'ing and star gazing and you get a great night in!

Victor and Brad spent what felt like all day on the golf course. When they finally made it home we made our way to play on the paddle boats.

Brad and Corine in their love swan paddle boat.



This goose followed Zack everywhere. Zack wanted me to take his picture because he was a "magic" goose and he smiled at Zackie!

What finishes off a hot day like a shaved ice?

Later we had the most delicious dinner at one of our favorites, Cottonwood Grill. We sat on the patio right along the river, it was so nice and relaxing.

It is usually Victor acts goofy in a picture, looks like Brad stepped up and did the job for him.

We made it a late night and grabbed some ice cream at a famous joint called Fanci Freeze. Yum yum is all I can say. And then we went to see the movie The Other Guys (so dang funny).

Til' next year's visit!

Food GLORIOUS Food

Those of you who really know me know my love of food. My favorite date night is trying a new restaurant in town. Be it fine dining or a drive-inn that we heard was spectacular, I just love trying new things-cooking at home or going out. I do have to put out there though that I am not a "chain" restaurant person. I don't mind them, in fact Conner's favorite place to eat in the world is Red Robin, from my experience I have just found the very best places are locally owned and operated. And we are fortunate to live in a city that has outstanding culinary choices.

Food Network is ALWAYS on at our house, I search food blogs in free time, and pretty much subscribe to all the "foodie" magazines. Yep, I am a big food dork. Victor even jokes they need to rephrase the saying "A way to a man's heart is through his stomach" to "The way to Allison's heart is through her stomach". ha ha I have a good time passing love of food, GOOD healthy food, to my children.

Anyway. . . (sorry to babble)when my Food Network magazine arrived this week I was so excited to see they had 50 After School Recipes to make with your kids. The kids love to cook with me and be my "big helpers" so I was really looking forward to getting the stuff for some of the recipes and hanging out with the kids in the kitchen. Come to find out Conner is becoming the pickiest eater ever! He will not try anything new and the things he will eat are pretty much limited to about 5 items.

To my surprise my little Zackie has stepped up and wants to make everything! I love it! He gets so excited and sooo cute! After every ingredient we add he will excitedly exclaim, "What next mommy?!?! What we need next?" I want to remember the expression on his face every time we try our new snack forever! Today we made the Food Network version of Muddy Buddies. Victor and Conner were out running errands and Mason was asleep. Zackie and I pretty much had the whole bowl to ourselves, it was delicious. What should we make tomorrow?

On a side note-notice the BSU shirt? Some of our dear friends were over for a BBQ the night before. These are some of our friends we tailgate and get our season tickets with. The conversation of the night was pretty much focused on the upcoming college football season and Zackie is ready to go! He is all about BSU and even insisted on wearing his BSU socks and BSU underwear today. I love that little boy!