lots of fun

In lieu of dinner, we are posting on our blog. Just kidding! (kind of) We are very behind but hopefully this will be as quick and efficient as possible with all the pictures, etc. we have to upload/write about.

Daniel is a master BBQ-er. I guess you could more accurately say he is a master BBQ-er-in-training, but I think he is the bomb. While some things definitely come out better than others, his first attempt was some marinated flank steak that was beyond amazing, so all I can really think about it that, and therefore he is the bomb. :)

We actually got this cute little BBQ for our wedding and never used it until this summer! I can't believe we waited so long, but we adore it now. Daniel is excited to keep learning and trying new things. I put some Bobby Flay cookbooks on hold at the library (he is our favorite food network dude) so we will be BBQ masters in no time. :)

Two weekends ago it was memorial day weekend and we had a grand old time! We had a big BBQ with some friends and fellow seminarians and then a big game of kick ball afterward! It was so fun, I had definitely not played kickball since about 3rd grade. My team won both times too, which always helps the enjoyment factor. I was SO SORE the next day though, not really sure why except maybe my body is not used to sprinting (vs. jogging/long distance running); and I was trying pretty hard to boot the ball every time, so maybe that was causing my body to contort into all kinds of weird formations. Who knows, but kick ball is fun!


After we got home and showered we had 2 of our good couple friends over to celebrate Beck's birthday (since we would miss it next weekend due to my parents visit). It was a nice low-key evening of some blueberry crisp/bar dessert and games. :)

This last weekend my parents paid us another visit! We had a great time; it is always fun to figure out what we are going to do with my parents when they come. They have been out here quite a few times to visit us already, so we are always trying to think up new things to entertain all of us with. :)

They arrived Friday morning, so I got off work at noon so we could enjoy as much time on Friday as possible. My mother and I's first mission was to go to Nordstrom, because lo and behold it was the last weekend of the half-yearly sale! My mother and I used to go shopping together to EVERY SINGLE NORDSTROM SALE. Of course since D and I moved, it is not so easy, and we hadn't gone shopping together at one for almost 3 years, so it was very high on our to do list.

We had to drive out to burlington because our brand new Nordstrom at the mall closest to us wasn't having the sale! (boo.) But we dragged the boys along and honestly we were quite efficient; I don't think they conplained too much. Daniel tried to get his iPod fixed at the Apple store but they said it was dead. :( But believe it or not, after Daniel gave it a few smacks against some furnitaure in Nordstrom it started working again! :) I am happy to report is has been working ever since and we are thrilled to finally have all those songs off his iPod downloaded onto our computers.

We headed back into Salem that evening for some Upper Crust Pizza (yum) and some crepes from Gulu Gulu Cafe (double yum).

Cool ceiling decor at Upper Crust.

Saturday morning we started off with a trip to everyones favorite farm, Russell Orchards. :) There was no you-pick-ing going on just yet (no strawberries until mid-June) but it is still fun to wander around their cute store, My mom partook in some wine tasting while the rest of us enjoyed the funny animals. :) We did end up with a few yummy things to enjoy at home later.

Weird turkey-duck hybrid. :)


The goose abandonded her egg! :(

We drove into Essex next and stopped in a discount antique shop and got a few fun things (probably more on that later, once they actually get hung). We walked around the nice streets of Essex (where Adam Sandler, and company are actually filming a movie this month!) and got some dinner at our last North Shore fried clams (plus one cape cod) place left to try, J.T. Farnhams. How do they compare to all the others? No clue, I don't touch the fried little guys. I can tell you though that the fries, onion rings, and crab rolls at every single place are EXCELLENT. :)


(we are balancing on a log) :)

The hottie husband (even with shaggy hair). :)



Sunday we drove into Boston (we wanted to try out a church there) to spend the day. We started out at the New England Aquarium (my library offers museum passes for many local museums, etc. that are either for free or discounted admission - so fun!) I always love watching funny animals (the penguins were so cute) but in general the aquarium was pretty small and kind of old.


Showing off my cute new purse. :)




We wandered into the North End later (Italian District) in search of some Italian food!



We asked some locals and ended up picking a place called Lucia's. It was very good. I had my first taste of veal and I have to be honest, I wasn't a fan. :(

Daniel thought these liquor cabinets were neat.



After enjoying an early dinner we set out in search for the famous Mike's Pastry. I had heard about it from many people, it is an Italian style bakery. We found it and got a cute little box filled with yummy goodies.

Unfortunately once we exited Mike's Pastry it began to rain. We high-tailed it to Quincy Market (indoor seating) and enjoyed our pastries there. Unfortunately, Daniel is not the biggest almond flavoring fan (he likes the nuts, just not the extract) and we happened to pick out mostly almond flavored things! Of well, he enjoyed the ruggalah at least. :)

We went to the evening service at Park Street Church, where one of Daniel's professors is the pastor. He normally preaches at the morning (more traditional) services, but this week he was at the evening (more contemporary) services. We all really enjoyed our time and the service at this very old, historic church.

Monday I was back at work but my mom and dad (and Daniel) were able to entertain themselves without me. I was happy to meet them for some always yummy thai food after work though. :)

Have I mentioned that we played games like crazy every night my parents were here? Either dominos or solitaire showdown/frenzy/nertz. Mom and Dad, how is solitaire showdown going for your guys? :) Lots of fun.

My parents left Tuesday, it always sad to see them go after such a short visit. We will be back home in Seattle soon though, in mid/late August. :)

Love you Momsy and Daddio - thanks again for everything!