Making Tamales in the Kitchen

We recently put ourselves up to the task of finding a delicious homemade tamale recipe. 

I think we found a keeper!

And everyone had fun and found a way to help out in the kitchen. The boys really enjoyed it.

Cooked the chicken...

Mesa! My favorite part of making tamales!

Soaked the corn husks.

Homemade sauce!

The finished product! {Right out of the steamer!}

They were divine!

Happy Birthday Saylee !

Yes, Happy Birthday to Saylee! 

Yesterday, she started playing the harp with a brand new teacher, which was sort of an early birthday present for her, she LOVES playing the harp. 

But when we got there we were a bit early... so we all went to the nearest park to find some shade.

 When we were done at the park, while we were driving back to her lesson, we saw this deer.

 Then we went for a {somewhat} early birthday dinner at Texas Roadhouse.

 It was kid's night there at the roadhouse, so the hostesses were doing some face paint. The boys walked around like they were ready for Halloween for the rest of the night. {and tried to sell the "my sister beat me up" story, but it didn't really work.}

 And on our way to the mall we were, for the rest of the night. {A birthday gift for birthday girl, of course.}

Her brother made her breakfast this morning.

 And then we all went for a fabulous birthday lunch at Cafe Rio.

Happy Birthday to Me ... Two Days Ago

I don't usually do much for my birthday. But I love to have my birthday as a day set aside for a little bit of family time. 

First thing in the morning I mowed the lawn with my daughter. 

Then I came in to my two boys who already had breakfast heated and on the table, and the coffee brewed. Along with a few cards and some gifts on the table.

Then, right after breakfast, Jacob and Cody had composed and practiced some beautiful birthday piano pieces.

Then later, we all went to the Olive Garden for a very delicious Italian dinner.

 

I was able to get a recording of each boy's song that they played.

Cody's:


Jacob's: