Cougar Mountain Zoo

We went to the Cougar Mountain Zoo this morning with some friends. It is a small zoo right in Issaquah. There are only a few lemurs, some mackaws, puma, llamas and reindeer. But the kids didn't seem to mind because there were all these great sculpturs to climb on. Above, Christian feed the deer and llamas some pellets. He tried one himself, and then realized that they aren't as good as his usual snacks so passed them along to the animals instead. YUCK!!

Campbelle and her friend Isabella.
These animals I have no problem with you getting close to Christian! 

Little Miss Sunshine

Leif and I had a date night (ok, not really a date since my sister Gina and her friend where with us), but a night away from kids just the same. We first went to a great sushi place for dinner in Bellevue and then went to the movie 'Little Miss Sunshine.' It's a small, low budget film but made a big hit at the Sundance Film Festival, is said to be the sleeper hit of the summer. I would have to agree. What a great movie. So much fun and heartwarming. I highly, highly recommend seeing it (in theaters, don't wait for the video! :-) I have never laughed so hard at a movie and felt so good at the end. Go see this movie!

LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE is an American family road comedy that shatters the mold. Brazenly satirical and yet deeply human, the film introduces audiences to one of the most endearingly fractured families in recent cinema history: the Hoovers, whose trip to a pre-pubescent beauty pageant results not only in comic mayhem but in death, transformation and a moving look at the surprising rewards of being losers in a winning-crazed culture.

Science Center

We went to the Science Center on Sunday afternoon and had a blast. Campbelle exercised on the wheel.
Christian sprayed water by turning the wheel. 

Christian was amazed at the dinosaurs... although he wasn't all that crazy about getting up close to them.
Their first 3D movie. Christian refused to wear the glasses, must have been an image thing; and Campbelle decided 1/2 way through the Deep Sea movie that she preferred to not have the fish 'swim right at me.'
Leif rode a bike out above the water. It looked scary, but there was some reason as to why it wouldn't fall.... had to do with torque...or tension... something science-y!! And I swear to you Leif, I would have done it had I not been wearing flip flops!! :-)

Recovering Nicely

Campbelle is at home this evening, recovering very well from her surgery. She had an inguinal hernia removed from her right side groin area, and then the doctors explored the left side but found it to be fine. An inguinal hernia happens because the muscle wall has not totally closed prior to birth. They found it to be fairly large in size, so we are lucky we found it when we did before any stragulation of organs happened. Campbelle was such a super star patient. She walked herself into the operating room and bravely put on the special mask to breath in. She really was incredible. 

Swimmer Girl

The is our first time trying the video blog option.

She might not be the most graceful swimmer, but none the less impressive for 3 years old!!

 

 

Yum Yum

"What can I say, I love pasta!!"

Broccoli and Tortellini Salad

We've been meeting our gang of friends every Tuesday night for the Issaquah Summer Concert Series for the past several weeks, and it was brought to my attention that I haven't published any of the salad recipes that I've been bringing to our little soiree. So here goes, tonight it was...

Broccoli and Tortellini Salad

6 slices bacon
20 oz cheese filled tortellini
1/2 cup mayo
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp cider vinegar
3 heads broccoli, cut into florets
1 cup raisins
1 cup sunflower seeds
1 red onion, finely chopped

1. Cook bacon until browned. Drain, crumble, set aside.
2. Boil tortellini according to package.
3. Whisk together the mayo, sugar, vinegar to make dressing
4. Combine all ingredients and pour dressing. Toss, serve.

Makes side dish for 12.

Italian Festival

Finally, after having heard countless stories and numerous retellings of exquisite dishes and amazing flavors, I've made it to my first Italian festival that our dear friend Chris Ballestrino hosts each summer with his wife Jenna and Dick and Anna Armstrong; a tradition that has been going on for the past 6 years (?).

And the evening lived up to all that I've imagined! He's not joking when he says 'come hungry.'

Here is the unbelievable menu

Antipasti (Appetizers):
Pomodori al Tonno (Tomatoes filled with tuna)
Frittata alla Erbe (Frittata with herbs)
Insalata di Olive (Marinated olive salad with fennel)
Cavolfiore al Proscuitto e Olive (Cauliflower with proscuitto and olives)
Caponata do Melanzane (Eggplant and bell pepper stew)
Gamberoni alla Toscana (Grilled shrimp with beans and mint oil)

Primi (First Course):
Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa (Pasta with turnip greens)
Polenta con Funchi (Black olive polenta with shiitake mushrooms)

Secondi (Second Course):
Arista alla Porchetta (Pork loin in style of Porchetta)
Funghi Marinati (Marinated and grilled mushrooms with summer vegetables)

Dolci (Dessert):
Peshe alla Liquore di Limoni (Peaches in a Lemonchella and vanilla bean reduction sauce)
Biscotti ai Limoni (Lemon biscotti with hazelnuts)

Incredibly sounding, right?? Now, keep in mind that Chris is the head cook and has help from only 4 others in preparing this outstanding feast.... and also, this dinner was for 60 guests!! UNBELIEVABLE!

Leif and I unanimously agreed that the dessert was our favorite dish. In fact, I think I can safely say that it was proudly the best dessert that has ever crossed my lips!! The polenta was out of this world as well.

The entire evening was filled with great people, GREAT Food and alot - ALOT of great wine!!
(thankfully our children slept in until 9:00am this morning!!)
We are already looking forward to next year!!

The zoo.... again

The Keyes and Brenne gang at the zoo.... looks like Christian is in command.

Ask me why, I'm pushing an empty stroller??? I think next time, we'll just skip it since Christian wanted nothing to do with it all day long!

Campbelle was trying to force Chritian to get up close and personal with the gorilla. It was a little too close for comfort for him. 

Seattle Storm - WNBA

We went to a Storm game last night and had a great time. The kids really loved it. Campbelle really liked the tall, blond Lauren Jackson or LJ. Campbelle thought that she "really good at shooting." LJ stands 6'5'' tall - how knows, someday Campbelle might give her a run for her money!! :-) We really had a fun night; hopefully the Sonics and Storm don't leave Seattle so that we are able to do it again next year!