Modern travel never ceases to amaze me.
Friday afternoon I was thoroughly enjoying a private wine tasting session with David Georges under a long, ivy-covered arbor in the middle of a vineyard in northern California, and not 6 hours later I was stepping off a plane back home in Iowa. I mean, what?!
My disbelief was further heightened by the fact that I randomly ran into my brother in the Pheonix airport on the way home – BAHAHA! I knew he was traveling for work that week, so I wasn’t that freaked out to see him there, but he had no idea I was traveling and was convinced he was on some sort of hidden camera show when I nonchalantly walked up and stood beside him at the gate. Classic. 
I can’t wait to tell you more about my whirlwind trip to Flipflop wines’ headquarters later this week!
In other news, Ben and I had a nice, short weekend! We slept in and caught up on some work on Saturday morning, then ventured out later that afternoon to catch What to Expect When You’re Expecting at the movie theater. I LOVED it!
Funny, sweet, and only 70% chick flick, according to Ben. I think he’d appreciate the humor a little bit more if we had kids, but either way – freaking hilarious. I definitely recommend. What I don’t recommend is shelling out $5.75 for a small, under-buttered popcorn at the movie theater. Can I get an Amen?
Anyways, this afternoon my family all gathered at my parent’s house to celebrate my Dad’s birthday. You only turn 50, cough, something once!
My Mom prepared a feast of all his (and my) summer grilling favorites. Their first appearance of the season.
Extra charred beer brats, just the way Dad likes ‘em, Judy’s Baked Beans,
and the best potato salad ever. Ever!
After lunch we opened presents. I get presents?!
You bet! Both my brothers and I ended up getting him something deck related. It’s his favorite place in the house.
Well, besides the hammock. 
Cake was next.
You know the kind – our family’s traditional Pepperidge Farms Freezer Cake!
Pretty much!
Finn helped his Papa blow out the candles, then we all dug in.
I know I say this every time, but seriously, best cake out there, and for like, what – $4 or something insane like that?!
Happy birthday Pops!!!
We love you so much! 
In other news, we’re taking it easy tonight before the start of a crazy week tomorrow. Might try and squeeze in a walk around the block before the sun goes down, as I have seriously neglected my workout routine this week!
Have a great night!
I couldn’t agree more, modern travel is fantastic! Except when there are delays… I’m stuck in Scranton, PA right now and Jim & Pam are nowhere to be found!
Can’t wait to hear about your Flip Flop tour, Northern CA is gooooorgeous!
Happy Birthday IDE!
I cringed when I saw the photo of you in a sweatshirt!!! It was 90 in WI so I’m gonna imagine it wasn’t far off in your neck of the woods.
It was 60s and windy this morning. We had the AC on yesterday, then this! That’s the Midwest for you!
I totally understand. We never had a reprieve…it was 70 this am, but still humid.
Had the same cake this weekend. I don’t usually like white cake but I loved it. We will be getting this more often.
So glad I found Iowa Girl Eats — I love your blogs! I grew up in Iowa and every mom in town had their version of ‘the best’ potato salad. I still have some every time I go back. Keep up the good work!
)
Your dad is so cute. I love airport stories. I once ran into my dad at O’hare when he was coming back from a trip and I was connecting for a trip I was just starting. It was so fun to hang out with him while we were waiting for our connections.
Do this method for at home movie theater popcorn
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55lqRM-vLvk
It seriously tastes just.like.movie.theater. Only lots cheaper
Now you made me hungry for cake, darn it!
Love pepperidge farm cakes……the coconut is my fav!
your family is so dang cute!!!
what kind of camera do you use? i am always in awe of your pictures!
I use a Nikon D3000!
I can not wait to hear about your 24 hour california adventure! Happy Birthday to your dad! I love your family get togethers and especially that cake.
Pepperidge Farm cakes ROCK!!!They are the best value. You have an adorable family!!!
So glad to hear you liked What to Expect…going to have to get my girlfriends together to see that one
We love pepperidge farm cakes too, they’re surprisingly delicious for a frozen cake!
Your Dad’s face at present time is priceless! Made me laugh out loud!
I love your guys’s birthday cake tradition – so fun!
Looks like you had an awesome weekend.
Hugs!
Dana
Your brother is cute! How old is he? Single? Haha… but seriously …
31, and married with 2 kids!
Oh my now I am embarrassed :X ha
Hahaha, no worries! I’m sure it will make his life if he ever reads that
Too funny that you ran into your brother at the airport!
I’ve tried one of the flip flop wines and wasn’t impressed. However, I do like their Soles to Souls initiative. Thanks for bringing that up so that I can give them a 2nd chance!
I cannot wait to see What to Expect. It has such an all-star cast. But I’ll have to wait for my mom or sister to go with my because I know the BF won’t be into it
I want to see that movie so bad! I’ve been waiting for it anxiously ever since I found out I was pregnant.
Also, I’m going to have to try that cake. I’ve been seeing you talk about it so long, now I’m curious!
Have a great week!
Silly question: Do you serve the cake (semi)frozen or let it completely thaw first?
You let it thaw completely in the fridge, although I’d eat it frozen as a brick, if necessary.
I love those Pepperidge Farm cakes, too! So sad considering I’m perfectly capable of baking a good cake, but they’re just that good. Also, this is waaay after the fact, but you replied to an email from me a few months back, and I really appreciated that. You’re the only blogger who has ever written me back! Thank you!
You bet!
I enjoy your site and have nominated you for the NEW Food Stories Award for Excellence in Storytelling. You can see the nomination on my blog, beautifulfood dot blog dot com
I can’t wait to hear about your trip. I saw their wines last weekend at the grocery store. So crazy that you ran into your brother.
I feel the exact same way about modern day travel! Especially when I lived in San Diego and would take the red-eye frequently back to NJ. Going to sleep and waking up across the country literally amazes me. Not quite sure why!
Gorgeous pics of the winery and I LOVE those wine glasses.
hey – They have sprinkley dots now on the cake that “remembers”? (did you ever see that commercial? – “because Pepperidge Farms remembers” – in that New England voice?)
Ahh – I haven’t seen it! I can imagine it is quite hilarious though.
ok – couldn’t find the one i remembered (lol) – but this one is almost as good:
Bahahaha, what a tagline!
I love the drink koozie in that first picture of dinner. Maybe it’s an Iowa thing, but I pop those bad boys out at every opportunity!
omg Ben and I literally have 1500 coozies. It is out of control!
The beer brats, potato salad, and baked beans look so delicious! That’s the meal I always have with my family for my birthday
I’ve only had regular brats though, so I was wondering how you make them “beer brats?”
They’re just normal brats that are soaked then boiled in beer, then crisped off on the grill.
Wow! It looks like you had a great weekend full of yummy food and family time! I can’t believe how big your nephew is getting
Right?! He is a legitimate BOY now! :/
We have pepperridge farm outlets and those cakes go on sale for $2 so I get all different flavor’s there so good and that’s coming from someone who worked in bakerys:)