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!
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! :D
Jen 05.23.2012
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:)
em @ simplypresent 05.21.2012
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 :)
Iowa Girl Eats 05.21.2012
Right?! He is a legitimate BOY now! :/
Lauren T 05.21.2012
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?”
Iowa Girl Eats 05.21.2012
They’re just normal brats that are soaked then boiled in beer, then crisped off on the grill. :)
Carrie 05.21.2012
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!
Iowa Girl Eats 05.21.2012
omg Ben and I literally have 1500 coozies. It is out of control!
Teresa K. 05.21.2012
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?)
Iowa Girl Eats 05.21.2012
Ahh – I haven’t seen it! I can imagine it is quite hilarious though. :)
58Teresa 05.21.2012
ok – couldn’t find the one i remembered (lol) – but this one is almost as good:
Iowa Girl Eats 05.21.2012
Bahahaha, what a tagline!
Lisa 05.21.2012
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.
Ashley @ Coffee Cake and Cardio 05.21.2012
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.