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
Ananya 05.21.2012
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
Mary 05.21.2012
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!
Iowa Girl Eats 05.21.2012
You bet! :)
Tracy 05.21.2012
Silly question: Do you serve the cake (semi)frozen or let it completely thaw first?
Iowa Girl Eats 05.21.2012
You let it thaw completely in the fridge, although I’d eat it frozen as a brick, if necessary. :)
jen 05.21.2012
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!
Alysha @Shesontherun 05.21.2012
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 :)
Carrie @ Season It Already! 05.21.2012
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!
Casi 05.20.2012
Your brother is cute! How old is he? Single? Haha… but seriously … :)
Iowa Girl Eats 05.21.2012
31, and married with 2 kids! ;)
Casi 05.21.2012
Oh my now I am embarrassed :X ha
Iowa Girl Eats 05.21.2012
Hahaha, no worries! I’m sure it will make his life if he ever reads that ;)
Dana @ My Little Celebration 05.20.2012
I love your guys’s birthday cake tradition – so fun!
Looks like you had an awesome weekend.
Hugs!
Dana
Kim 05.20.2012
Your Dad’s face at present time is priceless! Made me laugh out loud!
Maura @ My Healthy 'Ohana 05.20.2012
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!
Jennifer Helms 05.20.2012
Pepperidge Farm cakes ROCK!!!They are the best value. You have an adorable family!!!
Lauren 05.20.2012
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. :)
emily 05.20.2012
your family is so dang cute!!!
what kind of camera do you use? i am always in awe of your pictures!
Iowa Girl Eats 05.21.2012
I use a Nikon D3000!
amanda 05.20.2012
Love pepperidge farm cakes……the coconut is my fav!
Jessica 05.20.2012
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!
jad18 05.20.2012
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.
Annie Hoffman 05.20.2012
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)
Linda 05.20.2012
Had the same cake this weekend. I don’t usually like white cake but I loved it. We will be getting this more often.
Amber Greuel 05.20.2012
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.
Iowa Girl Eats 05.20.2012
It was 60s and windy this morning. We had the AC on yesterday, then this! That’s the Midwest for you!
Amber Greuel 05.20.2012
I totally understand. We never had a reprieve…it was 70 this am, but still humid.
Trisha 05.20.2012
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!