Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to one amazing Dad!

Thank you for all that you do for our kids.

For working hard, making us laugh, turning it on as soon as you walk in the door (even after your day has been just as long as mine), showing them your love of comic books and superheroes, teaching them how to be kind and loving and always showing us that everything always works out.  

We are one lucky family!

XOXO

Aubrey, Lauren and William

First Tooth

Lauren looked like this on Sunday at a pajama brunch....

And like this on Monday!  She lost her first tooth and I can't get over how different she looks.  Lauren keeps catching me staring at her...how can one tooth make that face change?

Thanks to a dear friend we already had a pillow waiting for the tooth fairy.  This pillow was a lifesaver because Lauren had me up twice in fear that the tooth fairy was coming to door.  How many times would I have been up if the tooth fairy were putting money under her pillow?  The hanging pillow was then moved to our door and a peaceful nights sleep went on.  

There is a second tooth getting looser and looser by the day and a third that Lauren swears is loose.  I can't handle all this:)

XOXO

Aubrey

I'm No Barefoot Contessa {VI}

Has everyone been enjoying this weather that feels like summer?  Maybe summer is finally here!  I haven't posted one of these since January and thankfully that feels like a distant memory.  Bring on summer salads and grilling!  Just typing this has me wanting to add hamburgers to the menu this weekend.  Enjoy!  

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

You may not feel like slow cooking in the summer, but if you've had a busy day at work or out all day with the kids this is a great solution.  Dinner is done, and you have time for an evening bike ride or dip in the pool...just sayin':)

This may be my favorite slow cooker I've ever made and probably the way I'll cook chicken in the crockpot from now on. Using bone in chicken breasts really kept it from drying out, as that has always been my issue with chicken in the crockpot...too dry.  Give this one a try, so tasty!

Bacon, Avocado and Corn Salad
I saw this on a blog I follow and then on pinterest, I made it right away after the description was "our go to summer salad"...it's our new favorite too!  I think Lauren had three helpings.  There is cilantro in there as well which makes it taste to fresh.  I didn't grill the corn and it was still amazing!

Mojo Pork Tenderloin
It had been years since I made pork tenderloin, I searched for awhile for a recipe and this seemed like the easiest.  It was soooo good!  You end up cooking the marinade to then serve on top and we couldn't get enough of it.  The cilanto, cumin, and orange juice were really unique but delicious!  I didn't grill the onions as the recipe suggests and didn't miss them.

Honey Mustard Pretzel Chicken
This is a recipe I had pinned forever ago and finally tried.
It seemed like a good twist on chicken tenders for the kids.  Lauren gobbled it up, but William not so much.  Billy and I enjoyed and the honey mustard sauce is a must, as that is what coats the chicken before smothering it with the breading!  Will make again!

I hope you'll give one of these a try!

XOXO
Aubrey

Sunday Sweets: Deep Dish Oatmeal Chocolate Cookie Bars

It's been awhile since I've baked.  I gave up sweets for lent and then was avoiding temptation before our beach vacation!  Vacation is here, so bring on the sweet treats!  

I made these little gems right before we left for vacation.  Amazing and wait for it...easy!!  I know I've made a similar bar before but these take the cake!  The chocolately center is so perfect!

Just make sure to let the bars set for a few hours.  I tried cutting into them just an hour after I made them, and it was a mess.  But they did taste the best the first night because the chocolate hadn't completely set so it was still a little gooey.  

Give 'em a try and let me know!

Deep Dish Oatmeal Chocolate Cookie Bars

XOXO

Aubrey