Sum, Sum, SUMMERTIME!

This summer has been filled with a lot of great times already.   Mentioned in the previous post were the grand visits of my sister and Kyle’s sister.  What wasn’t mentioned was the grand birthday that took place during one of these visits!!  A certain fiancé of mine celebrated his 30^th birthday this past June!  I know, I know baby face Burnside is not as young as you once thought.  Those mutton chops LIE!  His birthday was splendid…or at least I think so J  Not only did he get to celebrate it with Beth and Mark, but later in the evening a bunch of our other friends met us at The Salt Lick Barbeque for some delicious eats.  Even one of our really good friends who is a VEGETARIAN attended this celebration (Thanks Kristi J)!!  What a wonderful start to a great summer!

Soon after Kyle’s birthday he moved into his new home this summer with some of our good friends.  The house they are living in right now is super cute and normal J  Ahhh nothing screams “splendid summer” like moving people into their new home in 100 degree weather!!  Regardless of the work and eat it was a great day none the less.

 

Grandpa, Anna & Molly

 Recently Kyle and I came down to Illinois to spend some time with friends and family.  We also were able to attend our lovely engagement party thrown for us by our families and my niece’s baptism.  Both events were spectacular!!! I was blessed with the opportunity to actually be home for an extra week than Kyle because my job makes it possible for me to work sometimes away from the office.  Having the opportunity to just spend time with my oldest sister, Becky, and her kids was worth it.  My favorite part of the whole trip was having coffee in the mornings with Becky and going for runs with Beth, Theresa and Kyle.   It’s really awesome to see how these little acts of everyday life are what mean the most.  The most moving thing I experienced while at home was seeing my sister Claire and her boyfriend, Bryce.  These two traveled all the way from northern Minnesota just to spend a few days with me and the rest of the family.  It is so overwhelming to see how generous and selfless people are in your life.   These two weeks I spent back home made me feel so loved and lucky to have such wonderful people in my life.  Here are some other highlights of my/our time back home:

Kyle and Anna

·         Kyle became Anna’s (my niece) Godfather

·         Socrates survived 2 plane rides!!!!

·         Surprise visits from Dad

·         Fantastic bike ride with Kyle’s mom, Pat

·         Hot Tubbing J 

·         4^th of July at the Nachman’s (quality time with the Vogts, Ryans and sisters)

·         Lots of sister shots J

·         Wine bar and pizza

·         A few hours spent with Miss Jamie Sanders….love this gal J

 

·         Baby shower for a dear friend, Lambie J 

       
          ·               Owen, Molly and Anna….Duh. 

 

Owen and Socrates...love/hate relationship :)

·         …this list is basically endless!

Thank you to all those I got to catch up with so far this summer.  I’m excited to continue many more wonderful memories this summer!! 

XX

P.S. Recipe!  Watch out all you slow cooker users!!!

Slow Cooker Creamy Macaroni and Cheese (makes a generous 4 servings)

Ingredients:

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

4 tablespoons butter
2 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk (I used 1%)
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:
Boil the macaroni in water for six minutes and drain. In a medium saucepan, mix butter and cheese. Heat over medium high heat and stir until the cheese melts. Spray your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Combine cheese mixture, sour cream, soup, salt, milk, mustard and pepper in your slow cooker. Add the drained macaroni and stir again. Cook on low for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally (I cooked mine for about 2 hours and stirred it twice and it was perfect).

Recipe source: six sisters stuff blog