jewel cave lantern tour

Another hit on our Passport was a venture to Jewel Cave.  Ty doesn't mind being constricted or confined or crawling in small areas...I on the other hand am a bit claustrophobic.  Luckily our tour led us thru open areas.  Tyler voted for us to do the tour were you have to crawl through small spaces.  Most of the tour voted against that path, I included.  It could be kind of cool though to have to crawl.  There is some kind of tour where you wear helmets with lights on them so you can see as you army crawl through.  No, but thanks anyway.

Tour guide.  Adorable outfits.

Walking to the cave.  So beautiful.

I'm a little nervous (and so dramatic).  Our guide asked several times if anyone was claustrophobic.  Tyler told me to keep my hand down.

Funny how Tyler doesn't like heights and I don't like confined space and yet we both enjoyed Jewel Cave.  The passes for the lantern tour were around $20 for a pair of tickets.  The cave was cool and by "cool" I mean cold.  Bring a sweater or cardigan or blanket.  

Not cool.

We had to walk down really steep and high steps.  I loved it but Tyler was moving pretty slow down the "stadders"...I think that's what it was called...a mix between stairs and ladders.

We only wished we could venture deeper into the cave but instead we had to follow the tour.  Apparently, if an earthquake arises we would be safer in the cave than on the Earth's surface.  Something about the waves of an earthquake have room to move in a cave and then erupting on the surface.  Being that I'm no science teacher, I am sure I messed up that explanation but either way it did seem a bit unbelievable to be safer 1,000 feet below surface.  

Heaven's Room, or named something similar, was peaceful, spacious, and amazing.  Amazing with the way we had to walk through such tight spaces and then end up in a room so large and open.  

hubby turns 25

 Happy Birthday, HUBBY!!!

Tyler's birthday celebration began the night before his big 25th b-day at our favorite winery of the Hills, Prairie Berry!!!  The Berry hosts several "Summer Bistros" each summer and we were able to make the last one.  Absolutely amazing and fresh produce were used from a local farm to create all of these dishes.  Some of our favorite wines also made an appearance.  It was a small dinner lit by twinkling lights.  A local musician serenaded us the entire night which made our celebration that much better. It was perfect and we can't wait to make it to one of their Harvest Bistros.  

Thinly sliced beets, carrots, and zucchini tossed with a lemon vinaigrette, Parmesan shavings, and toasted pine nuts.  This salad, if that's what they call this delectable treat, was out of this world good.  I wanted to lick the plate.  Instead I brought home the description so Ty could recreate it. 

Couscous-Stuffed Zucchini with fresh dill and feta.  Yes, yes, yes.

The BEST eggplant parmesan I have ever had. 

Divine.  Happy birthday, Tyler...happy day, ME!  Just a little fresh peach with sabayon sauce.  No big deal.

Shocked by the deliciousness of the food and wine combination.

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU...

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU....

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR HUBBY!!!!!

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!

best. cookies. ever.

My momma always said, "Charm them with food."  Okay, I really don't remember her saying just that but she proved that southern ladies butter up their co-workers and friends with dishes, sweets, and treats.  

Batter of the gods

Finished and ready to eat!  Not as golden as most cookies but these are done!

Here is my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe.  I first made these cookies for Marci and my 23? birthday.  The cookies looked so pretty and tasted wonderful.  I just rediscovered the recipe and made half a batch for Tyler's co-workers and then half a batch for a snack at a workshop I participated in as well as my new co-workers.  You'll see, the recipe could literally feed an army or a group of Air Force men and women. 

Below is the link for the recipe I used.  Thanks to Deb and allrecipes.com!  

Ingredients:

• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 cups butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 (3.4 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
• 4 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract I like to use a little bit more!
• 4 cups semisweet chocolate chips I use both mini and regular sized chocolate chips.
• 2 cups chopped walnuts (optional)I don't use walnuts but I'm sure they make even better cookies.

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Sift together the flour and baking soda, set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. I like to warm the butter in the preheating oven and then stir in the brown sugar first.  It seems to blend better.  Just remember not to melt the butter...just room temp will work.  Beat in the instant pudding mix until blended. Stir in the eggs and vanilla. Blend in the flour mixture. Finally, stir in the chocolate chips and nuts. Drop cookies by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
3. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven. Edges should be golden brown. Here is the best tip...pull them out of the oven before you think they are done.  Mine don't get too golden.  A good trick I use is to tilt the cookie sheet to one side.  If the cookies don't slide, they are ready.

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/award-winning-soft-chocolate-chip-cookies/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=award%20winning%20chocolate%20chip%20cookies&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Home%20Page 

Also, I've become obsessed with raspberries and keep adding them to everything.  I made funfetti cupcakes and threw some berries in the batter.  Delicious.  Making semi-homemade treats is what makes me so great at baking.  Ha.  I always get muffin mixes and then just add fresh blueberries and raspberries.  I can't get enough.  Enjoy!

Cupcakes right out of the oven.  I couldn't wait for them to cool so I just poured on some icing and enjoyed this magnificent treat. 

hot summer nights

We finally made it to Hot Summer Nights in downtown Rapid.  Every Thursday Main Street Square hosts a small "festival" with food vendors, a band, and entertainment.  To be honest, Main Street Square isn't the true host but Hot Summer Nights is in the area off of Main Street.  We met a few familiar faces, enjoyed Art Alley, and enjoyed beautiful weather.  I absolutely love art alley and have already made a plan to paint something in the alley as well as maybe sell a few items to tourists next year.  Maggie's visit will definitely bring us to art alley with paint and brushes in hand.  

Tyler and I cannot wait to "party" at Hot Summer Nights for his bday.  It's coming up soon!!!

welcome lil billie holiday

Tyler finally has his baby at home.  It's so funny how attached he has become and can finally understand why and how obsessed I was with Beantown.  I did have so many rules (and still do).  Here some of them are:

1. Do not play with Miss Billie Holiday.  Seriously, he told me I can't pet her until she gets to know who her owner is.  

2.  Definitely no cuddling, napping, or putting her on my lap.  See above for reasons.

3.  Fix her food with hot water and wait 20 minutes for the food to become mushy so Billie doesn't have a "hard" bite.  

4.  Do not give her any of Nola's toys.  Again, see above comment.  Being she's becoming a hunting dog, Tyler doesn't want me to ruin her.

5.  Do let her out at 4am when she is whining without waking up TyTy. 

6.  Do not fuss at her when she uses the bathroom in the living room.

7. Do not bath her.  Ever.  Which will be the rule I break every time I give Nola a bath.  I mean, how can I control her jumping in the tub and pouring soap on herself?  Can't.  So... 

The drive home with our new baby dog.

Nola is absolutely in love with Billie.  Billie is getting used to the idea of having an older sister.  Life couldn't be better...when they are sleeping and cuddling.  

They love each other so much they decided to cuddle in the shape of a heart.