Day Three Hundred Forty-Nine: A Day in McKinney

We have been to McKinney but mostly just for kids' sporting events. But, on day two without the kids, Jeff and I decided to go over to just hang out. We had lunch at Sugarbacon Proper Kitchen, visted Landon Winery and Lone Star Wine Cellars, and did a little shopping in the historic dowtown area. Later, we had an appetizer dinner a Sol, picked up a few things at Trader Joe's, and browsed in Half-Price Books. It was a lovely day, and we enjoyed it very much!

Fun in McKinney

Day Three Hundred Forty-Seven: Katy Trail Ice House

A few months ago, while hiking on the Katy Trail in downtown Dallas, we learned about the Katy Trail Ice House and vowed to come back sometime to enjoy a burger in the expansive outdoor eating area. At the time, I didn't imgine we would choose one of the very hottest days of the year for that little outing. But, we did. It really wasn't that bad since the patio is very shaded and the restaurant runs mister fans everywhere. We had a great time, though we missed having our younger guys with us!

Day Three Hundred Forty-Three: Sushi Burrito

I have been wanting to try a sushi burrito basically since I heard there was such a thing, and today I finally had my chance. It was delicious but super-filling!

Day Three Hundred Two: Argentinian Asado

This afternoon Jeff's school hosted an "asado" (BBQ) for students and their families, so the kids and I met Jeff there after his classes and spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying grilled meats and veggies, wines, beers, and the lovely company of the students and staff of the school. We've obviously been to BBQs before, but this was our first Argentinian asado.

So much grilled yumminess!

First Argentinian Asado

Day Two Hundred Ninety-Six: Herb Store Takeout Buffet

Jeff has been wanting to introduce us to a cool little lunch spot close to his school that he has visited a few times with some of his classmates, so we walked over there today to check it out. There is nothing about the outside of the building that would make you think it is a restaurant, including the sign, which indicates that it is a health food and herb store. In fact, it is not actually a restaurant, but they do have a very nice buffet set up, along with some takeout containers that can be filled and paid for by the kilo. It is a tiny place, and there isn't a table in sight as all the food is to-go only, but it was packed with people looking for some delicious food at a very low price. For all six of us to come away with more food than we could eat in one meal, it cost about $24! It was such a unique experience and a fun outing!

The unassuming store front

I ended up with mostly vegetarian options,
but there were plenty of meaty options as well!

Day Two Hundred Fifty-One: Meals on Wheels with Mom

It was so fun to have my mom ride along with me while I did my Meals on Wheels deliveries today. Afterwards we were able to have lunch together at Mena Grill. I don't get to spend much one-on-one time with her these days, so it was a special day.

Day Two Hundred Thirty-Two: Wind in the Willows Picnic

Yesterday while we were picnicking during our hike, everyone started talking about what the best picnic was they had been on and what would be the greatest picnic of all time. Ruth mentioned that her dream picnic would be a Wind in the Willows picnic (which is to say a very elaborate, fancy, excessive picnic), and the boys readily agreed.

Parents aren't always able to give their children everything they want, nor should they, in my opinion. But when it is within your power to fulfill a simple dream and create memories that will last a lifetime, you do it when you can. So, with the Wind in the Willows picnic as a our starting point, everyone contributed ideas to create the most epic picnic ever. We heard things like, "We need to find a big shade tree to spread our red-checkered blanket under," "We have to have a layer cake," "We need to use nice dishes," and "We have to pack everything in a real basket," in addition to a multitude of food and drink requests. We certainly modified the contents of the picnic (because, cold tongue?!?!), but the spirit was right on, and we felt Mole and Ratty would have approved.

The original Wind in the Willows picnic

Our version of the Wind in the Willows picnic

Day Two Hundred Sixteen: Pie for Every Meal

Pi Day is one of our family's favorite holidays and we've been celebrating it in various forms for years. But this year, Ruth had a vision to mix things up by having a different kind of pie for every meal, and she made that vision a reality by making four amazing pies for us. We started the day with an fantastic egg pie, with a bacon lattice top, and a delicious apple pie. For lunch we had a wonderful chicken, mushroom, and leek pot pie. And for dinner, a delectable pot roast pot pie. This Pi Day ended with store bought sweet pies in chocolate, pecan, and cherry to match everyone's preference. Celebrating some of the silly holidays is one of the ways our family has found to bond and make special memories, and I'm so glad we got to enjoy so much of a good thing this Pi Day!

Breakfast Pie

Backup Breakfast Pie

Chicken, Mushroom and Leek Pot Pie

Pot Roast Pot Pie

Happy Pi Day, from our family to yours!