A Weekend with the Doyles

Posted on November 29, 2008 by Jen

Our Future, Maybe?, originally uploaded by Cracker and Cheese.

A few weeks ago, we headed down to Wichita to see Freddie, Laura and Alexander. It’s been over a year since we last saw them and it is just incredible how much changes when it comes to babies. Last time we saw him, I think he was 5-6 months old. He laid there, cried, tried to move around, giggled when you made faces at him. Now, a year later, he’s running (never walking), jumping around, talking (more gibberish than actual words), engaged and eager to get into everything he can get his little hands on. There were moments when Bob’s beer bottle walked away from the side table, we had to save Lappy from being slimed and food was being eaten off plates without us knowing. Wow, I was exhausted after a weekend with this little guy. But he’s such a sweet baby, not very shy when it comes to new people. Alexander was very comfortable hanging out with Bob and me, as long as Mom wasn’t too far away so he can keep an eye on her. We were still able to pig out on loads of junk food and play dominoes for hours each night, we just had to modify the schedule a bit. It’s always great to see the Doyles, Alexander, you’re too adorable! We’ll see you next year!

Supper Club: November 12, 2008

Posted on November 17, 2008 by Jen

My poor husband was sick this week so we moved our weekly dinner over to Katie’s home. Thank you, Katie, for loaning us your wonderful house. Hopefully, we didn’t trash it too much.

Appetizer: Cheddar with Sauteed Apples and Brown Bread. I could have just had this for dinner. Apples and cheese just go so well together.

Entree: Pork Tenderloin with Paprika Spice Rub. Oh my freakin’ goodness, this was such an easy recipe. Make the rub, rub the rub, bake the tenderloin. Awesome. But when you do make the rub, make sure you cut that recipe down because it makes way more than you need for your pork. I 1/6th the recipe for almost two pounds of pork tenderloin.

Side Dish: Apricot Glazed Carrots. Glazed carrots, there is nothing negative to say about glazed carrots.

Dessert: Sweet Chocolate Log. A very rich chocolate dessert that goes well with vanilla ice cream.

And just to let everyone know, this menu was the easiest one yet, we were eating by 6:15 and done by 6:30. It’s a new record for the Supper Club. Go team go!

Tailgating isn’t just for parking lots

Posted on November 16, 2008 by Bob

You can do it in your driveway, too. After our trip to the Bowling Hall of Fame, we gathered up in the evening before the Mizzou – K-State game to grill some dogs, brats (and Bratchos®), and burgers, drink some beers, sit around a fire pit and generally have a good time trying to stay warm before going inside to watch the Tigers trounce the Wildcats. Everyone brought a dish, so there was a ton of food. I think the highlight of the night was when I accidentally dropped a burger on the ground, so naturally, that became the Kuma burger. At least, it was the highlight of the night for Kuma.

Once the game started, we migrated inside, but Kuma wasn’t done begging:

In short: the Tigers dominated K-State, everybody ate and drank a ton, and Bratchos® were a big hit.

Click here for all the pictures.

Last Day For The Bowling Hall of Fame

Posted on November 16, 2008 by Bob

On November 8th, the Snakes on a Lane Bowling Club took a field trip to the Bowling Hall of Fame, which just so happened to be the last day that it was open in St. Louis before moving to Arlington, Texas. We had been talking about going ever since we heard it was closing and we figured that the last possible day was as good as any. Plus, it is in the STL 101 list:

51. By bowling at the classics (Saratoga, Tropicana or Olivette Lanes) and the retro newbies (Pin-Up, Flamingo). Then visit the International Bowling Museum to see what you could have been.

The museum itself was equal parts awesome and insane. For example, the early history of bowling really is left to conjecture. A part of the conjecture, evidently, is Satan bowling with a human skull:

My favorite part was a big banner of achievement patches:

There were several vignettes of awesome moments in bowling history:

There was also a computer with all the perfect games in it. We were able to find Jen’s dad and his 3 perfect games, which was pretty awesome.

Then, we headed into the Hall of Fame wing, where we found Brandon’s cousin, Norm Duke:

Then, we went into the women’s wing, where instead of bronze castings, they have awesome oil paintings:

After that, we went down to the basement to see the pin car, in addition to the Cardinals Hall of Fame and the rest of the collection. All in all, a pretty awesome day, but a tad bittersweet to see this one of a kind attraction leaving town.

To see the entire set, click here.

Supper Club: November 5, 2008

Posted on November 16, 2008 by Jen

Appetizer: Quick Fiesta Dip.

Appetizer: Salsamole.
Yes, Monika could not make a decision about which appetizer to make so she made both. After having both salsas, the Salsamole was my favorite, if you like avocado. It was basically chunky guacamole. Not that I’m saying the Fiesta Dip wasn’t good, it’s just that the Salsamole was better.

Entree: Black Bean and Sweet Potato Burritos. You wouldn’t think that these would be good, but they are. Just only have one because it’s pretty filling.

Side Dishes: Fiesta Slaw and Broccoli with Dijon Vinaigrette . Two very good dishes. The Fiesta Slaw is pretty delicious even a few days later.

Dessert: Bob’s Mom’s Apple Crisp. Double the crisp. Need I say more?