Dove Hunt

This past weekend we headed to Seabed (family farm in Marion Jct) for the annual dove hunt. I love dove hunting, mainly for the social aspects of it. You get to eat several delicious southern meals, hang out with friends, watch football, enjoy being outside, shoot things (or in my case shoot at things), and both you and your spouse are content. My birthday usually falls around opening day every year, so the big joke is that the dove hunt is my birthday party. I am actually quite ok with that.

We surprised James with a early birthday present, a Beretta 12 gauge.

Can you say HAPPY?!

The two direction readers in the fam figuring things out

Sam riding, such a big boy

Kristi and Sawyer, hanging out

The Turners riding, Nick showing such skill

Hardy leading Penny

James and Kyle

The McCurdy men

Amos and Buddy ready for the hunt

The Osborns

Sawyer's first ride

Mom working Amos on his first hunt

Fair and Bailey joined us later for the party at the Roost

enjoying some porch swinging

This cracks me up, Sam and Sawyer were such buds

enjoying some birthday cheescake with sis

this also cracks me up bc Penny is wearing an old ADP formal shirt of Nick's and I am giving her a hard time, ADPi really? (long story short-we were both AGDs and ADPis were one of our big rivals, especially in flag football, my intramural passion, and you would think that at the age of 27 I would be over it, but you would be wrong) I might have a competitive spirit that needs some praying over!

much better!

All in all great weekend, great birthday. I am a very blessed lady! (Thanks to mom and dad that put it all together!)

The rest of T&C

As you can see, it was wonderful!

Sailing

Today we enjoyed a beautiful sail trip around the island. To say it was gorgeous and relaxing,  is really an understatement.  Captain David and first mate JR were great guides. We had the whole boat to ourselves!

It is 20 minutes until Auburn kicks off, and Michael has found a way to stream it through the computer to the television. War Eagle from Turks and Caicos!

Ahhhh...

We are here, and it is beautiful! No hurricanes in sight! The flights were very smooth, with some excitement of NBA players flying with us. Ever heard of Ray Allen and Drew Gooden? Well, apparently they are important basketball players, and James and Michael were very excited.

Outside patio where we will be spending lot of time

View from our bedroom

Before dinner last night at Mango Reef

On the agenda for today....long walk on the beach, lunch at da conch shack, snorkeling at the bite, reading and nap, dinner at coco bistro.....ahhhh indeed!

Headed Here...

Guess What?!! In just 3 short days we are headed to Turks and Caicos on an Osborn family vaca. James's mom surprised his dad with the trip for Christmas, and we get to to go too!! We are so excited...

Beach right in front of the house where we are staying

Provo

Picture Perfect!!

I have all my tankinis packed (thanks Jana!) so my 18 week belly doesnt offend anyone. We will be back next week, and I will have lots of pictures!

My first baby...

Happy Birthday Amos!!

(yesterday)

Family Shot

(picture credit Maggie Lewis)

Amos and his best friend Duke eating birthday ice cream

He loved the ice cream, the hat...not so much!

Recipe for Homemade Frosty Paws Ice Cream

32 oz. plain yogurt

4 smashed bananas

4 T. of peanut butter

Blend and freeze in cups, dump out to enjoy!

(and yes, it was said, if you will do this for a dog, what will you do for our child?!)

Southern Summer Staple

A couple of weeks ago, we had dinner with some of James's pediatric residents. We were in charge of a side dish. Both James and I love fried green tomatoes...nothing like them when fried to perfection. I tried the recipe out of the Junior League's Table of Contents (it seems all recipes I have tried from here are spot on).

Fried Green Tomatoes
Serves 12-15

1/2 c self rising white cornmeal mix
1/2 c all purpose flour
1/2 t salt
1/2 t garlic powder
1/8 t ground red pepper (I doubled for a little more kick)
2 eggs
2 T water
1/3 c veg oil
3 large green tomatoes, thickly sliced (I used four smaller ones)
3/4 c buttermilk  (the key)
salt to taste after cooking

Mix the cornmeal mix, flour, salt, garlic powder, and red pepper in a shallow dish. Wisk eggs and water in a bowl until blended. Heat the oil in a large skillet to about 350 degrees. (We used our awesome fryer that the Raders gave us for our wedding) Dip the tomatoes in the buttermilk until coated on both sides and coat with cornmeal mixture. Dip in the egg mixture and coat the tomatoes again with the cormeal mixture. Fry the coated tomatoes in batches in the hot oil for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain and sprinkle with salt to taste. Serve!!

James made a delicious remoulade to accompany them

When they start popping to the top there are only a couple of minutes left (make sure to flip for even browning)

Delicious! Baby Boy Osborn really enjoyed them!