Family Food Faves

My 14 yr. old niece Teal is visiting us from Seattle this week. One of our traditions is to spend time in the kitchen together trying out new recipes. We both love to cook and love to eat! Today we made this new yummy recipe I came across on this awesome blog Live.Love.Eat

Greek Pasta & Chicken Salad
1 Carved Chicken Breast, Original Roasted
1 cup grape tomatoes
1 6oz jar marinated quartered artichoke hearts, drained & coarsely chopped
1/2 medium cucumber, quartered lengthwise, seeded & cut into 1/4 inch slices
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, drained & halved
1/3 cup coarsely chopped red onion
1 cup coarsely crumbled feta cheese
Freshly ground pepper for garnish

For the pasta:
6 ounces (2 cups) penne pasta

For the dressing:
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tblsp finely chopped fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 tsp pepper, or to taste
1/8 tsp salt, or to taste

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Meanwhile, whisk together the dressing ingredients in a large bowl. Stir in the chicken, tomatoes, artichokes, cucumber, olives, onion & feta cheese. When the pasta is done, drain well. Rinse with cool water; drain again. Add to the salad mixture & toss. Taste & adjust the seasoning.

Spring Break

As I mentioned in an earlier post, Nana and Papa R and our niece and nephew (Teal and Drake) came to visit us from the Seattle area for their Spring Break. We spent half the time at our house and half at a condominium in a nearby resort town. Even though the weather was crummy most of the time, we had lots of fun.

On the nicer days...

The boys had fun outside playing with Nana and Papa

Playing tennis for the first time - well, just holding the rackets!
We went shopping

Painted pottery

But probably the boy's favorite thing was "swimming" in the hot tub. It was heated to bath water temperature so it was perfect! They were like fish kicking, going under the water and blowing bubbles. I need to get them some swim lessons!

On the "not-so-nice days" we...

Had fun playing indoor miniature golf

Explored around at The Bass Pro Shop
Caught flying shrimpwith our mouths, watched eggs tossed into the air and onion volcanoes at the Japanese Steakhouse!
Went to a dinner/show with horses, wild pigs, ostriches, horses, long-horn cattle, dancing and lots of music - the boys were captivated!

Teal and Drake were so sweet, loving and attentive with Bryce and Drew. They were so helpful. Thank you kids...Auntie Karen loves you and I'm so proud of you both! Bryce and Drew love their Sissy and Drakey too!

Thank you Nana and Papa for all of your love and for a fun vacation. We will cherish these memories for a lifetime! We all love you!