A Worthy Attempt

Dave has started to enjoy rock climbing with a buddy and a few weeks ago I got talked into going...still not sure how that one happened. Please note that harnesses are NOT flattering on anyone and that alone was almost a deal breaker!

Dave of course made it to the top no problem! Then it was my turn...

 A positive start.

This was about 15 minutes later. You would think i was really high hanging on that tight, but actually...

I was not even 7 feet off the ground! haha I need to work on my upper body strength just a little. Dave was kind enough to give me a little support. Do you see how awkward I look? Rock climbing is not for people with short legs!

Some extra support from the expert.

That was as high as my height phobia would allow.

The running embrace telling him never to invite me again:)

The Big 26

Dave celebrated his big 26 this year! He was suppose to work on his birthday but got put on call. What a nice present! I made him one of his favorite dinners topped off with some pina colada. He blew out a cupcake and opened presents.

*Notice the happy smiles...he has learned to stop putting up a fight:)

Everyone chipped in to get Dave a hiking backpack.

The Bigger part of the present was me spending two days in REI picking one out...and leaving empty handed just to get one online:)

The REAL party happened later that week when much to Dave's dismay I threw him a party(which he secretly really liked). There was a great turnout with a lot of yummy food and some great memories.

The invitations 

I labored over a birthday table runner with the help of Jessica.

The feast with all of Dave's favorites.

I made a birthday banner that was such a pain to make! Our living room looked like scrapbook tornado, but it was worth it in the end:)

This will be up for the entire month of August or until Dave really learns to like it.

Here is the "Come on Dave blow out your cake" picture.

Happy Birthday Dave!

Fabulous Rolls

I discovered a delicious garlic, cheesy and buttery roll recipe! We ate them once...devoured them and I made enough to fill my deep freeze!

Cheesy Garlic Bread Swirls
Recipe by Our Best Bites

French Bread Dough:
1 Tbsp. yeast
1 1/2 c. warm water
1 1/2 Tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
4-5 1/2 c. flour
3 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 egg yolk

Garlic Butter:
1/2 c. (1 stick) of real butter, no substitutions
1 1/2 Tbsp. garlic bread seasoning

Garlic Bread Seasoning:
1/2 c. powdered Parmesan cheese

2 tsp. Kosher salt

2 Tbsp. garlic powder

2 tsp. oregano

2 tsp. basil

2 tsp. marjoram

2 tsp. parsley
Shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions: 
Combine yeast, water, and sugar in large mixing bowl and allow to stand 10 minutes or until bubbly. Add salt, vegetable oil, and egg yolk and combine. Add 3 c. flour and mix well until combined. Add enough remaining flour to make a soft dough that barely sticks to your finger. Knead, either by hand or in mixer for another 2-3 minutes. Cover and allow to rise 1 hour.

While dough is rising, combine butter and garlic bread seasoning. Set aside.

Spray or flour your counter and roll your rough into a rectangle that's about 18-20 inches by 6 inches. Smear garlic butter over the entire surface of the dough and then sprinkle with cheese.
Roll up jelly-roll style and then use dental floss to cut into 12 equal slices. what I'm talking about. Place each slice in a muffin tin. Cover with a clean cloth. Preheat oven to 350 and allow rolls to rise while the oven is heating.

When the oven is ready, bake for 18-22 minutes.

ENJOY!