Camping

Yes, we went camping with a very independent toddler. Let me tell you...it was a lot of work but totally worth it. We went to a place about 25 minutes from us so not to far but far enough to get out of the "city" We went with some friends Friday afternoon. When we got there we set up camp and wanted to relax a bit but the girls had other plans. Miss.Emma was a little wander, just wanted to explore everything. Miss.June wanted to go swimming.  After we got some what set up we took the girls for a swim, what i really mean is the dads took the girls swimming. 

Emma and June LOVED the water.

 Emma could no doubt live in the water

Just throwing rocks in the lake

Lesli and I just watching the girls play in the water.

For dinner we made tin-foil dinners, Jared had steak, potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. I made Chili Cheese fries, yes you just read that right....one word AMAZING! They were a hit for everyone. Emma got to stay up way way past her bed time. We all sat around the camp fire telling stories and laughing. We also made S'moreos;; Roasted marshmallow on between a Oreo! They were also AMAZING! Camping calls for the best food/snacks ever. 

Emma got to sleep with us for the first time EVER! She did great! I did not sleep the whole night cause i kept checking on her making sure she was warm enough and that i wasn't going to roll over on her.

In the morning Jared and I made breakfast burritos for everyone. Dan and Lesli took the girls on a nice scavenger hunt while we got everything ready. 

Emma found Lesli a purple flower.

After breakfast we had some more friends come to hang out with us. They also have a little girl. They are pretty much BFF's already. 

I just love this little face. 

After a nice swim and a tasty lunch and more laughs we needed to pack the last of out things and head home. Staying up late and no nap means someone was a bit cranky!

We didnt even make it out of the park before she was OUT! I mean OUT! drool and all!

Camping with friends is seriously the best.We have made some of the best friends here in Texas. Cant wait to do it again. 

Chicken with Mushrooms and Zucchini

Chicken with Mushrooms and Zucchini

INGREDIENTS: 
2-3 Chicken Breast
2-3 Tablespoons Cornstarch for dusting 
1 Tablespoon of Canola oil or Vegetable
1 Tablespoon Sesame Oil
8 Ounces (a box) Cut up into slices 
1-2 Zucchini, sliced and then cut in half
2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
1 Tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
1 Can of Water Chestnuts 
2 Garlic Cloves (minced)
1/2 Teaspoon ground ginger

DIRECTIONS:
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, Toss them in a Ziploc bag along with 2-3 Tablespoons of cornstarch. Seal bag and toss until the chicken is lightly coated. Heat the oil and sesame oil in a large, non-stick skillet until rippling and hot. Add the chicken and cook until chicken is browned and all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate.
Add zucchini, mushrooms, and water chestnuts to the hot skillets and cook for 2-4 minutes, stirring often.( If need to i like to add a bit of sesame oil) Add soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Stir to coat the vegetables and continue to cook until mushrooms and zucchini are tender. Add chicken to skillet and stir to combine and heat through. Serve over rice. I add sriracha sauce for some spicy flavor!

I would say this feeds 3 maybe 4. You could easily double this.

Chicken Cashew Lettuce Wraps

Chicken Cashew Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients                                                               Makes 6-8 lettuce wraps

Stir Fry Sauce:
2 Tablespoons soy sauce
1 Tablespoon rice vinegar
1 Tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 Teaspoon ground red pepper (or more)
1/4 Teaspoon ground ginger
1 Teaspoon sesame oil

Cashew Chicken:
2 Chicken breast, diced 
Green leaf or ice burg lettuce
3 Tablespoons oil of choice 
1 Cup onion
2 Garlic cloves minced
1 Teaspoon soy sauce
1/4 Cup cashews, Chopped ( I put them in the food processor)
handful of baby carrots, Chopped ( Also put in the food processor )
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
First make the stir fry sauce. Combine all and make sure to dissolve brown sugar, set aside 
For the chicken heat oil in pan over medium high heat. Add diced chicken and brown. Remove chicken from oil, Add onions, garlic and 1 teaspoon soy sauce to pan: brown. When brown and tender add stir fry sauce, browned chicken and cashews. Saute everything for a few minutes and remove from heat.
Spoon chicken into individual lettuce leafs and top with your favorite hot sauce. We use sriracha.
Enjoy!

I like to use romaine hearts for our lettuce. 

And we like bite size pieces of chicken.