This weekend, we had a FUN 3 day weekend since NASA was closed for Memorial Day. On Saturday, I took Ryan to the zoo. We always have a great time there, and this time they have the new Butterflies exhibit open until later next month! We always see the big Python, the Cheetahs, the Rhino and try to feed the giraffes if they are in. This time the giraffes were no where to be seen. Little Man LOVES to play on the big two story fort in the Paws-On area, but that didn't open until 10:00 so we decided to feed the birds in the Aviary, see the bats, and then see the butterflies.
This time Ryan had a fun cockatiel that landed on his shoulder and ate his stick, but then I think it nipped at his finger, and that was the end of that. The nectar he fed the other birds lasted about 10 seconds and it was gone. By the time I was done paying and going to see where he went, he said his food was gone. So the next stop was the butterflies.
We got to see one whole butterfly emerge from his cocoon, which was cool. They come out quick once they decide to come out!
I love this picture of the butterflies we saw up close.
The lady working there was trying to tell Ryan NOT to touch their wings, because the scales would come off and it would make it difficult for them to fly. But to a 5 year old, all he wanted to do was try to catch one. Oh well...he tried!
After there, we went to the paws on area and he had fun with a boy he met named Jerry. So funny to see kids make fast friends! He went into the vetinarian area where they can put on coats and pretend to treat sick and injured animals. I think this picture is so funny - look how he put the stethescope on his head! I'm not sure if he will make it as a doctor... lol
Then I took him to the water area where he could cool off. We were so hot, when we got home, we both went for a swim! Whew! Love having a pool during hot days like this. I think it is in the 90's now, or upper 80's.
On Sunday, we went shopping and took advantage of some Memorial Day weekend specials! Alivia wanted a new swimsuit...Oh. My. Gosh. You must have PATIENCE when taking a 12 year old bathing suit shopping! What a challenge to find the right top to go with the right bottoms!
She ended up with a two piece that had a printed top and a solid bottom that she mixed around. It did look cute! Then I said I was going into Ann Taylor Loft, where everything in the store was 40% off, then when you spent over $100, you got a $25 off coupon to use the next week! WooHoo! I did a little damage in there, picking up this cute top and a few others:
Monday Alivia had her Swim Team practice. They meet through all holidays, but luckily her session was only from 9-10, so afterwards we met up with Rick and the other kids out on the beach. They said there was parking (Tables beach area) available but by the time we got there, the parking lot was full and people were parking on the grass. We were there with the Hendricksens and the Loa's, and saw MANY MANY locals there as well! Fun, fun!! I brought some chicken, chips and grapes to eat for lunch.
The water was choppy and there were a lot of surfers out. We came back home around 1:30, went for a swim, and had an old fashioned Memorial Day Bar-b-que! We had hamburgers, I made my broccoli slaw and macaroni salad, then our friends next door brought over hotdogs, potato salad and chips. Rick made some refreshing frozen margaritas and the kids swam...and all was well with the world. It is so nice to enjoy a nice relaxing 3 day weekend!
My friend Jennifer over at
Hope Studios posted this macaroni salad and I made it yesterday for the barbecue. It does have a taste like devilled eggs. With horseradish and hot sauce in the recipe, I knew the Rocket Scientist would love to eat it! A different recipe from the sweeter kind my mom used to make, but it was good! College boy loved it because there was no milk in it, and the Rocket Scientist said it was good but he would have liked more hot sauce!
Juniper's Macaroni Salad
Ingredients:
1 lb box macaroni (any shape is fine)
1 dozen eggs, hard boiled and shelled (I used 8)
1 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced sweet onion
2 1/2 cups Hellmann's mayonnaise (I used low fat Hellmann's)
1 T. yellow mustard
1 T. horseradish (secret ingredient!)
1 t. celery seed
2 t. salt
1 t. pepper
2 t. Frank's Red Hot Sauce (secret ingredient!)
Cook macaroni according to directions, drain and let cool. Meanwhile, mix mayo, mustard, celery seed, horseradish, salt, pepper and hot sauce. Cut eggs in half and reserve yolks in a separate bowl. Cut the whites into large chunks and add to the macaroni along with celery and onion. Mash yolks and add to the mayonnaise mixture.You get a nice, rich dressing that is reminiscent of deviled eggs. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and sprinkle with paprika. Taste and adjust seasonings. You may like yours wetter and you can add more mayo at this point.
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