Hey you, I hope you had a nice weekend!
It seems we’ve skipped right over spring and on into summer as it was tank top and shorts weather all weekend long. (I promise there’s shorts hiding underneath the bump!) Upper 80s and sunny – Ill take it!
Saturday morning I was up at the crack of dawn, destination: Farmers’ Market! I arrived right when the doors opened at 7am to interview a local farmer for Join My Journey. Can’t wait to tell you about an incredible farming family of 12, and their 20+ year farm to market story. Truly inspiring.
I was in and out within an hour and a half, taking a loop after the interview to pick up veggies and fresh flowers before it got really crowded, then came home and swooped up Ben to go furniture shopping.
We’re in need of a new bedroom set, outdoor furniture set, and for Heaven’s sake, a blasted rocker! While we struck out on a bed and outdoor sofa, we FINALLY agreed on a rocker/glider combo from Buy Buy Baby. It’ll take 8-12 weeks to arrive, and we’ve got 10 more to go until the little man arrives, so hopefully the manufacturer can get on that, uh, ASAP. Nothing like waiting ’til the last minute!
Later we ventured out for a long walk in the heat. It. Was. Glorious. The farthest I’ve gone in a while!
Fragrant lilacs were blooming everywhere and I couldn’t help but stop and sniff, cough, every single one.
Good thing I’ve got a patient Paul on my hands. ;)
It was too gorgeous to stay indoors so a few hours later we invited a couple friends over and fired up the grill for dinner. It was a really the first night where it was warm enough to sit outdoors until the sun went down. Love that feeling!
Let’s see, what do we have here…a couple pre-made/seasoned burger patties from Whole Foods (wasn’t thrilled with ’em – I liked my copycat Clubhouse Turkey Burgers much better,) fresh asparagus from the Farmers’ Market thrown on the grates sans oil and seasonings then rotated occasionally until cooked, Roasted Potato Wedges, brats, and fresh blackberries sweetened with a little powdered sugar. ‘Twas a fine, summery feast!
Today we all gathered at my parent’s place to celebrate my Dad’s birthday. (It’s actually Monday, so if you know him and see him – make sure to harass him just a little bit!)
It’s tradition for my Mom to make all his summer BBQ faves for the big day, and today was no different.
So much win on just one plate!
Including Judy’s Baked Beans (aka the best baked beans. EVER.) her amazing potato salad (<– if you guys want a full recipe post I’ll do one – just let me know!)
fresh watermelon, and a side salad. Ben bought the watermelon for Saturday night’s BBQ, and I was worried it wouldn’t be sweet enough since it’s still so early, but OMG YUM. Juicy, crisp, and perfectly, summery sweet.
After dinner Finn, my nephew, helped his Papa open gifts…
Then it was time for CAKE!
I feel like it’s been ages since I put my family’s traditional Pepperidge Farms Cake on the blog! The tradition actually started with my Dad.
Many many years ago he forgot my Mom’s birthday until the day of (I know!) and was scrambling to throw her a fine party the evening of. After locating gifts and such he stopped by the grocery store and picked up a frozen Pepperidge Farms Vanilla Cake to dig into a few hours later, not knowing it needed like, 8 hours to thaw in the fridge. When he cut into the cake later that night it was, of course, still frozen and he, of course, was completely busted. ;)
Ever since then we’ve had (thawed) frozen Pepperidge Farms Vanilla Cake for everyone’s birthday. It is SO yummy!
Family time is the best time!
The children started melting promptly at 1, so they took off then Ben and I headed outdoors to enjoy the sunshine with my parents.
It was a lovely (HOT!) afternoon to chat underneath the patio umbrella, enjoying the flowers and the company.
Happy birthday, Dad! Thank you for being exactly who you are!
Well, there’s a tornado watch on the horizon so I think I’m staying put indoors for the rest of the evening – one eye on the sky. I hope you had a wonderful weekend – catch ya’ on the flip side!
I can’t believe you’re just 10 week away!! So exciting!
What a perfect weekend! I love all that summer food – grilling and BBQs are my favorite this time of year! And I love the shirt you’re wearing in those last pics… so cute!
What a lovely weekend. We have a rose garden near me – I spend a lot of time smelling the roses there in summer!
I wish it was summer here! We’ve just started autumn but it is freezing cold already.
We had a great summer day here too in California and we went to the beach. We decided to do it again next Sunday but this time invite friends, bring the little bbq and make a party out of it. I will certainly bring Judy’s beans and your Mom’s potato salad. I’ve made the beans before (WE LOVE them) but this will be the first time making the potato salad.
Silly question… what toe nail polish do you have on? It’s super cute.
Sounds awesome – can’t go wrong with the beach! The nail polish is OPI but I’m not sure which shade. I picked it out at the salon!
Glad you found a glider! Just FYI, we ordered ours from Buy Buy Baby and it only took like 5 weeks even though we were given the same time frame you were. So fast. We just picked it up yesterday! Hopefully that makes you feel better:)
Oh GOOD. Whew!
Just have to say that I LOVE your blog… I was born and raised in Iowa and although I have moved I still have lots of family there including a sister in DesMoines and a brother in Indianola. When ever I read about your Fam I’m reminded of mine and how wonderful it was to grow up in Iowa and all the great things there are to love about the Midwest. There is just nothing better than family, faith,food, and fun and you capture it all! Keep it up’
Looks like a great weekend! I really need to check out the farmers market in Omaha. It must be birthday season because Today is my birthday :) I was wondering what type of flowers those are at your parents? They are beautiful and I need something to plant :)
Happy belated Birthday, Lauren! I hope you had a great day! :) Those flowers are zinnias. So bright and happy.
Could we get the recipe for Judy’s potato salad? I’ve been looking forever to duplicate the stuff my grandpa used to make, and my family affectionately called “tater-lally” (no clue where that came from, but it fit. Thanks!
I went to a bbq yesterday and used 3 of your recipes: Judys baked beans, your Moms potato salad and your sangria!! Everything got rave reviews! Thanks for all your awesome receipes!
Ps: I don’t eat pork so for Judy’s baked beans I used vegetarian beans, turkey kielbasa and turkey bacon. Phenomenal:)
Aw, that’s awesome! So glad you enjoyed!
What? Sangria? How did I miss this? Please help me find the recipe!! ::::begging anyone who will listen:::::
Here you go! https://iowagirleats.com/2011/07/22/the-best-sangria-recipe-ever/
I was stuck at work all weekend, but if I’d been able, I would have loved to have a weekend JUST like this. Happy Birthday to your dad! I just love your cake tradition. My aunt, uncle, and two cousins celebrate all good things with DQ ice cream cake and I’ve always loved the tradition. :)
Your dress/skirt is fabulous!! I am loving the Summer colors :).
Looks like such a nice weekend! OMG 80’s! It was snowing here in CO!