polka dot circus afro.

we heart grandpa.

the river.

the most beautiful setting ... but even better ... the best people who make the best memories.

v

chelanigans.

this was kenzie's first teknotherm retreat and caleb's third. i loved this one the most. beautiful chelan, my beautiful babies, and beautiful company (as in people). thank you, tekno, for going above and beyond all expectations. it was heaven. highlights?

an amazing room with a gorgeous patio leading straight to the bluest lake drenched by the yellow sun.
an excited boy who wanted to wear his swim trunks 24/7.
 that same little boy saying "are we gonna go swimmin'?" 350 times in one day. and, yes, he did say "swimmin'" and it was the cutest.
strolling miss makenzie all around town while she basked in the sun.
watching sweet sophia and caleb b play together.
having someone else clean up our messes, make our bed, and fold our towels.
watching a couple hours of food network while kenzie napped.
seeing caleb walk boldly into deep waters (with his dad right behind him) and carelessly jump into the pool over and over again with no fear ... he is part fish.
early morning sessions outside with just me, God and the stuff He made.
watching my brother-in-law give a great presentation then run around with caleb. such an amazing uncle.
hanging with my sister, who made caleb gasp the biggest gasp ever when he saw her drawing at lunch. and when caleb asked her if he could go swimming and she said "if your mom says yes." and he turned to me and said "mom, say yes."

rachael ray for a day.

today i want to pretend to be a food blogger. just for fun.

stuffed bell peppers:

3 bell peppers
1 cup cooked brown rice
1 lb turkey sausage (or any kind of sausage)
seasoning blend (i used italian)
1/2 chopped onion
2 cloves minced garlic
2 small cans el pato tomato sauce (spicy! sub regular tomato sauce if you don't like the heat ... or you could even used canned diced tomatoes or halved cherry tomatoes, but i like my tomatoes smoooooth)
parmesan cheese  (optional)

preheat oven to 400 degrees

slice bell peppers in half and scoop out insides. bake in oven for 20 mins while preparing the filling.

filling:
brown turkey sausage and onion on medium-high heat - about five mins.
add garlic and seasonings to taste, cook additional five mins.
add tomato sauce - bring to a boil then simmer for 10 mins.

remove bell peppers from the oven.

combine meat mixture with cooked brown rice.  scoop mixture into peppers. bake for additional 15 mins. add parm on top if desired (definitely good without!).