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
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! :/
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. :)
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!
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 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.
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 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 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! :)
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 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!
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 :)
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!
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 ;)