Helicopter Ride

We were at the mall the other day and I let Kylee take a ride in the helicopter. The ride didn't last long enough for her, but she was happy anyway for the little amount that it lasted.

Fajitas

Fajitas were on the menu for dinner last night, so yesterday I cut up my chicken, onions, and green peppers to marinade. I usually buy the fajitas seasoning mix. Well, I had forgotten to pick that up last time I was at the store, so I decided that I might try to make my own. I found a few recipes online and ended up trying one of them. The seasoning was quite simple to make and the fajitas turned out quite tasty.

Fajita Seasoning Mix

Ingredients

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 1/2 teaspoons cumin

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon paparika

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or pinch of cayenne, to taste)

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container.

I added about 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1/2 cup water to the mix and then added it to the chicken to marinade.

Play Date

Last week, I had Gracie for the day and we went over to a friend's house for a play date. The kids got to play so us moms were able to visit.

Banana Bread

This weekend I used up some of my frozen bananas (ones that I had put in the freezer because they weren't getting used up quick enough). Joshua's Grandma Esther gave me this recipe and it makes the most addicting banana bread ever!

Banana Nut Bread
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine
4 eggs
2 1/2 cups mashed bananas
1 8oz can crushed pineapple (drained)
1 cup chopped nuts
4 cups flour
1 tsp salt
2 tsp baking soda

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and beat until smooth and fluffy. Add bananas, drained pineapple, and nuts.
Mix well. Add flour, salt, and baking soda that has been sifted together and mix well. Bake for 1 1/4 hours at 325 in greased pans. Turn out on cake racks to cool.

Note: Here in Louisiana, I only have to bake them for about 45 minutes. The baking time will vary.

California Trip

I arrived back here on Tuesday from a trip to California for my Grandpa's memorial. It was a sweet yet sad trip. It was hard being there without my Grandpa. I was able to see a lot of family that I don't normally get to see. All of my cousins (on my mom's side) were there, so we had a really nice time being together. The first picture below was taken at Peet's Coffee & Tea (best coffee I've had) with my Grandma who came along and enjoyed the coffee, too.
We took an afternoon trip into San Francisco and enjoyed seeing the Japanese Gardens in Golden Gate Park. They were very pretty, but my Grandma said that they are even more spectacular when everything is in bloom.
The actual temperature wasn't a whole lot different from what it has been here, but there it was without so much humidity. It was lovely.

Darlene, Heidi, Julia, Esther, Jack, Corene, Aunt Chris, & Grandma

Esther, Christy, Dad, Mom, & Levi

My nephew Levi (what a cute face!!)

Darlene, Heidi, Katie, Corene, Carrie, Julia, & Eric (Trina had already flown out)

Cute little Jack (my Grandpa's namesake)

Mardi Gras

We took Kylee to the Mardi Gras parade here in Crowley today. It's always an interesting experience. We were in a less crowded part of the parade route this time, so that was nice. We sat with Jason, Kelsey, & McKayla. They caught so many beads that they were falling off of their shoulders. Kylee wanted them off before we got home because they were getting too heavy!

some guy dressed up in the parade

one of the many floats

Lizards

Kylee's friend Mallory (she's 10 years old) came over and spent the night this weekend and spent most of the day here. She found a two baby lizards outside and they were able to hold them. Kylee was so excited.

Great Pictures

My cousin Julia put together a memory album to take to the family get together to remember my Grandpa. Everyone scanned in and e-mailed pictures to be added. I really enjoyed seeing these older ones from when my Grandpa & Grandma were dating and their wedding picture. My favorite is the one with my Grandpa standing on the Golden Gate Bridge which was the "Pedestrian Day" when the bridge opened in 1937. It's such an incredible picture with so much history and the best part is the tall handsome guy standing in the middle!