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
I love your guys’s birthday cake tradition – so fun!
Looks like you had an awesome weekend.
Hugs!
Dana
Your Dad’s face at present time is priceless! Made me laugh out loud!
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!
Pepperidge Farm cakes ROCK!!!They are the best value. You have an adorable family!!!
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. :)
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!
Love pepperidge farm cakes……the coconut is my fav!
Do this method for at home movie theater popcorn
It seriously tastes just.like.movie.theater. Only lots cheaper :)
Now you made me hungry for cake, darn it!
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.
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! :o)
Had the same cake this weekend. I don’t usually like white cake but I loved it. We will be getting this more often.
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.
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!