We had ourselves a good ol’ (indoor) birthday BBQ last night!
It’s true – sadly, the rain did not hold off and it poured for most of the day yesterday. But, ever the improviser, my Mom still made the grilled burgers my Dad requested and we feasted. It was a good one!
Burgers alongside baked potatoes that my Mom cut open and broiled with parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese and bacon. OMG! Crunchy, cheesy, salty & creamy. So.Good!
Plus some fresh, steamed green beans and a cucumber & tomato salad with feta cheeeeese!
ACE meal, Ma!
Now onto the GOODS – presents! Clothes, mostly. Everything a Dad could ever want. 
The guys were having serious issues with taking pictures last night…
There we go!
The happy couple. 
Awwww – I LOVE this picture!
Father/daughter. 
After dinner, Ben and I had to head over to my brother and sister-in-law’s house to babysit our nephew. I think Ben was still hungry…
My nephew is at a great age right now – several months shy of his first birthday. He’s starting to “get” it now, crawling and doing things on his own. I love that every time I see him, he’s learned something new. Babies grow up so fast!
In other news, last night before dinner, I bought a new yoga session from Yogadownload.com – 30 minute Power Vinyasa Flow #4. I’ve been tightfistedly doing my 40 minute Flow #2 session for several weeks, and decided it was time to shell out some cheddah for another session. I went through it last night, and again this morning after my morning Mom walk.
Verdict? Flow #4 is much more fast paced than flow #2, which I really liked. I feel like I’m maybe getting better at yoga (?!) and this felt like a natural progression into a more challenging session.
It was challenging in the pace, but not necessarily in the poses, though. I feel like I work harder in flow #2 – but either way, it’s nice to have another class on my desktop that I can play anytime I want!
After this morning’s walk and yoga, I wanted something light to eat - exercise always makes me feel that way – so I made…toast! How long has it been since you had toast for breakfast?
My toast was made with EarthGrains 100% Whole Wheat Bread – I will never buy another brand, I’m sure of it. This bread is hearty and keeps me full all morning long.
I slathered one slice with peanut butter and the other with butter.
Perf!
Lunch is a mish mash of items that I am truly excited about.
I roasted the leftover tofu from my Fresh Spring Rolls @ 375 for 20 minutes after tossing the cubes in soy sauce, agave nectar, garlic powder and ground ginger. THE BEST COMBO – I’m tellin’ ya’!
And…just to make sure I got enough nut butter today…Crunchy Roasted Flaxseed Almond Butter with a Pink Lady Apple and baby carrots for dipping!
Yep – I’m going to be real sad when this crunchy flaxseed almond butter runs out. Or will I…?
TRADER JOE’S MIGHT BE COMING TO MY TOWN – AHHHH!!!!!
Are you excited, or are ARE YOU EXCITED?!?!?! This is the best news I’ve had all year! (Is that sad?!)
Okie dokie, I’m off to start my day. After work I’m meeting my entire family for some drinks and apps to continue my Dad’s birthday celebration, since not everyone could be there last night. Should be fun – see you laterrr!!
~~~~~
What’s on tap for the weekend? Errands, events, relaxation?
I’ve got my weekend warrior list already filled with errands and chores, but it’s supposed to be sunny and in the upper 80s all weekend, so I’m going to try and be outside as much as possible. I’m really wanting to make it to our local tennis courts too – tennis is such a great workout! 
Aww, I love the pictures with your dad! It looks like he had a good birthday!
Trader Joe’s is coming??? Where did you hear that? Where will it be?? I’m SO EXCITED!!!!!!
I remember that day I actually found out that we HAD a Trader Joe’s here. It was so exciting!
Trader Joe’s is all over America – when will they start popping up in England!!?? I’m so jealous!
Your dad looks so friendly btw!
Trader Joes in DSM?!! Where?! When?!! It’s about time!
a.) i had toast this morning – which is random, but this is the first week in about 10 years i’ve had toast.
b.) i, too, love the TJs flaxseend AB
c.) carrots in that stuff is a-maze-ing
d.) very very very jealous that you’re getting a TJs in your town – i have to drive an hour to get to one
According to this DSM Register blog, TJ’s just a rumor as of the 20th:
http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2010/05/20/rumors-about-trader-joes-coming-are-still-just-rumors/
ah that sounds like so much fun! i love family get-togethers! ok…what im about to say might shock you. BUT, baby carrots are soaked in a chlorine solution. i found it out from my friend who is an environmental scientist, and they do it as an anti microbial treatment. ever notice white stuff on them? thats it. however, they are treated after to rinse of the solution, but some of it remains. just thought you might like to know. i used to eat them all the time, and now im in the habit of buying big organic ones and just chopping
So exciting! My town is supposedly getting a TJ’s soon, too! I hope it works out…Trader Joe’s is like the promised land for me!
The picture of you and your Dad is precious
All of the pictures are! Looks like you’ve got a wonderful fam!
I’d be excited if a TJ’s was closer to me as well, although mine’s only about 30 mins away – I can’t imagine NOT having one around!!
Enjoy your Friday + awesome lunch!
WOOHOO!!! YAY TJS!!!!!!!!
I love all your celebration pics… so fun!
Kristin, try dipping your roasted tofu in almond butter, too. I love it that way!
I just bought that sane bread! It’s delicious and I love it!
That meal looked like an excellent birthday meal!
Trader Joes is coming to DSM!?!! Really?! When? Can’t wait!!
I have toast almost every work day for breakfast! I have a loaf of bread stashed in my desk along with some chunky PB. I figure it gives me five more minutes to get ready before coming in
super excited for you re: TJs! The pics of Ben and your nephew are just priceless.
I love when babies start to get it. They are so curious and interesting
AAAH I am so jealous! I wish we had TJ’s in Canada!!
And what a nice birthday dinner for your dad
xo
K
Ha ha ha, I would be SO excited if Trader Joe’s came to my town. Or Whole Foods.
Can’t wait to try your new baked tofu combo!
Lucky you with the sunny weekend coming up! Hope you have fun tonight.
I hope the rumor is true. I would love having a TJs in Dsm.
after years of fighting for one, TJ’s is coming to my town (Davis, CA) too! They just started building and it opens in October. so excited.
WOW that is crazy bc I just found out Trader Joe’s is coming to Omaha!!!! yay!
I LOVE toast! Have it often. I’ll have to try that bread. I like whole wheat bread, but sometimes it is sliced to thin, and some brands are a bit bitter after toasting. My favorite bread of all time is Fareway Bake Shop Multi Grain bread. I have no idea if it is good for you or not but it tastes great & toasts up perfectly! And it must not be pumped full of preservatives cuz it has a short shelf life…ya gotta eat it up fast! This weekend I have a ton of planting to do (gotta get my tomatoes in the ground!) & I have a lunch date on Saturday in Polk City, & probably stop at Saylorville Dam to drop beach balls into the flow tube & see if they put on a show! I’m easily entertained!
Congrats about TJ’s coming to your town! I’d be FLIPPING out!!!
Sounds like you have a fun weekend in store!
I tried the first yoga download you bought and that was the toughest yoga I have ever done! My legs and arms were sore for a week
Omigosh! I would totally be excited too if TJ’s were coming to my town!! I love that place!
I just got back from an ATL trip and took the chance to stock up 
We’re buying a couch this weekend! I’m super excited.
Ben looks really comfortable with the baby
When are you two gonna start having kids?
Great pictures! When my mom comes to visit from Chicago she often brings a bunch of TJ stuff–I can’t wait for one to open up closer to our middle of nowhere existence. I shouldn’t hold my breath!
This weekend involves softball camp for daughter, fishing for oldest boy and hubby, gardening for me and youngest boy (he’s not excited). Then a 13 mile run — marathon is less than 30 days away!
I agree with the other posters that Ben looks quite comfortable and natural with the baby!
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I live on that almond butter. I live in Chicago, love your blog and would be happy to send you some when you run out. Email me if you want me to!
Hooray – you are going to love TJs!!!