'twas the night before Turkey Day

'twas the night before Turkey Day... 

It's been a family tradition of our for the last 5 years to go to our friends Gina and Eric's house for Thanksgiving.  We absolutely love it. And now it's become part of our family traditions... The Holidays at the Nelson-Montet house. 

Every year (and every holiday) I get the lovely job of bringing the veggie tray (in addition to my dessert and sweet treats for the kids). At first I was kind of sad by my contribution. No one eats the veggie tray! But this group does. In fact sometimes thats all the kids ate while they run back and forth from the Wii to the table.  After I realized that my veggies were all the kids ate... I have always tried to make this simple side dish better. I am thrilled to bring the veggies... And 2 years ago when I was pregnant I couldn't be any more  thankful because I couldn't stand to be near food let alone cook it. 

Well... This year thanks to Pinterest and Mario Batalli I have reinvented my veggie platter. Meet Gobbles the Antipasto Platter. I decided to put him together tonight so I won't be so rushed tomorrow. There were things we wanted to do last year with Ainsley and didn't get to it because we ran out of time. Not this year!  

A few weeks ago I was flipping through Pinterest and found a photo of someones veggie plate in the shape of a turkey. And I knew at that moment... This is what I will do this year. 

Gobbles the Antipasto has all the yummy veggie regulars (except tomatoes-which never get eaten), my sweet pickles and black olives favorites, and a few lovely suggestions Mario gave on The Chew (for Thanksgiving Appetizers). I got some salami, pepperoni, and a container of olives from the olive bar. (remembering this is for kids 7 and younger). 

I made his body out of peppers and cucumbers. His feathers: salami, pepperoni, cheese, carrots, celery, sweet pickles, and olives. My favorite part was making the face and legs. He was so easy to make. And I can't wait to see the kids reaction to him. But I have a feeling I'm going to be making Gobbles the Antipasto Turkey again... 

Sunday in the Park with Ainsley

I'm a S'more-aholic

I admit it. I love S'mores! Love them. Maybe it's because they remind me of my childhood. Or maybe it's because they are so gosh darn delicious. Whatever the reason... I love them.  So it is no wonder to me that I am addicted to them. Heck, I even collect them. I mean our Christmas Tree has multiple ornaments and S'more Garland. And I even have Salt and Pepper S'mores Shakers with a Graham Cracker stand. And "Marshmallow World" isn't my favorite Xmas song just because I love the Rat Pack. Nope... I am addicted!   

So when it came time to put together a little treat for the kids this Thanksgiving... (You see after dinner at the Nelson-Montet house we go outside - gotta love South Florida weather- and watch a movie in the backyard.) ... I thought ... what would be more perfect than watching a movie and eating S'mores?

Nothing!!!! Right? 

I went to Target tonight to pick up the items needed to make little S'mores kits for all of the kids.  And that's when I saw it... StackerMallows!  Flat Marshmallows made for easy melting for toaster ovens and microwaves. Can we say... Genius!  I had to buy them and of course eat some tonight.

And thanks to Pinterest I have the S'more on the brain 24/7.  This site was already causing me to lose hours of my life looking at craft and food things I want to make.... but not a day goes by where I don't find another S'mores recipe I "MUST" try.  Right now my list has 4 that I can't wait to make: S'mores Bars, Frozen S'mores Parfaits, S'mores Cookies (where I learned August 10 is National S'mores Day - which I will be celebrating next year!), and last but not least.... S'mores Popcorn.  

And I am sure (thanks to Pinterest) my list is sure to grow... Good thing I stocked up on Chocolate, Marshmallows, and crackers tonight.  
        

Epcot's Food and Wine Festival 2011

The day after the wedding we went to Epcot for the Food and Wine Festival.  I don't know what we were more excited about:  Taking Ainsley to Disney or hitting the countries for treats.  

First we stopped off in the Land for Breakfast and then headed over to the Living Seas to check out the Nemo ride.  Then we rode the Figment ride.  There was no one in line so we let Ainsley walk the all the way up to the ride  (which I got video of).  Then we went to watch Captain EO. This was Kevin's first time watching it... and I hadn't seen that movie in over 15-20 years... so I was very surprised that I knew where Michael hit his "Ehee" and hit it with him.  Needless to say Kevin was impressed.  :)  And not just with the movie.  After we rode a few rides we decided it was time to hit the Food and Wine.  We went to the old Body of Life building and got our passport and gift card and headed out (Canada to Mexico).

Everything was going great.  We really liked the craft beer selection and tried a few new things.   Ainsley was enjoying it too.  As we were walking by France I see this HUGE cat walking around and who would it turn out to be?  Marie!  I turned to Kevin and said "She has to see this Kitty!"  So we waited in line and as soon as Ainsley saw Marie she just got the biggest smile on her face.  I was hoping she would say Kitty but her amazed little face was worth it.  Ainsley even started petting her.  But not as word.  It was if she was speechless.  The handler even commented about how excited Ainsley was.  And Marie was great with her.  She didn't rush us off... we later joked about what Marie thought when Ainsley walked up to her all wide eyed.  Marie can go back with pride saying she got the "Mickey" moment!  

After we left France we headed over to Italy.  There was a guy taking photos so we walked right up and got some family photos taken where we had our reception.  He was great... and took some great photos for us.  

It was a perfect day... and then... it got interesting.  I won't bore or gross you with the specific details but if you notice in the photos that Kevin and Ainsley are wearing 2 different outfits... well thats because Ainsley got sick.  Twice.  Once all over the stroller and the other all over Kevin.  As we drove home that night we thought about how you would hope your kids first trip to Disney would be magical.  You never think they would end up with a stomach virus and puking all over you.  

Anyway... we waited it out at the park instead of getting in the car and driving home.  The last thing we wanted to have happen was her get sick while we were on the turnpike and we can't do anything.  

After an hour she seemed to be feeling better.  We were able to keep some fluids in her.  So we stayed to watch Illuminations.  It's funny cause during the day someone was talking to us telling us that we "just had" to see it.  It was the best!  We both just smiled and said "Well, we just have to stay and see it then.  Thank you!"  What could we say to him? I think watching it for the first time as a family hit both of us.  Our kids will say "Why do we have to go to Epcot and see their lame Firework show?" But for us... it will always be something magical, special... the celebration of us becoming a family. 

    

The Living Seas and Nemo

The Collins at Illuminations

Marie and Ainsley

In Paris...



The McChangho Wedding

Congratulations Kathy and Billy!!!!

Can you tell that we are excited that Kathy and Billy finally tied the knot? 

Today we headed up to Orlando for their wedding.  It was a lovely day! A beautiful ceremony... and a "never gonna forget this evening" reception.

Because Kevin had to work the night before we left Saturday morning (missing all of the events the day before).  Traffic was insane on US1 for 9am on Saturday.  It actually took us 45 minutes to get to 95 instead of the 20 it would normally take.  So needless to say we were booking it to Orlando to make it for the 2pm ceremony.  Our goal was to take the bus from the hotel.  Which according to the email Kathy sent out was leaving at 12:30pm. 

It was a fun intense trip up.  At one point I even asked Kevin if we needed to could he get dressed in the car.  haha... But to make a long story short we made it on time.  We didn't make the bus.  But we were able to check into our room, get dressed and head out to the church.  

After the ceremony (which was lovely... and shorter than normal Irish Catholic Mass Weddings) we headed to the Grand Floridian.  It was a wonderful reception right by the beach.  In fact half the wedding guest ended up walking in the sand, lounging in the Beach Chairs, or playing in the water (the adorable flower girls and Bride).

After dinner we headed to the marina where Kathy and Billy had their dessert reception with a view of the Magic Kingdoms fireworks display.  And since it was the anniversary of the park opening there was an extra special fireworks display.  

We were talking with Kathy when the Disney Staff started escorting everyone over so we were one of the first guest to see the set up... and It totally took my breath away.  I actually turned to Kevin and said "They just topped our reception!"  

It was such an honor to be there for Kathy and Billy.  To be a part of their special day.  And even though Kathy blames us for the Fairy Tale Wedding Bill... I think (and still do) their weddings are worth every penny.

Congrats again.... :)        



Kevin and Ainsley on the Beach



Arianne and Ainsley on the Beach (taken by Kathy's photographer)