Oh man, I’m in for a crazy (fun!) week!
These two cuties rolled into Charlotte on Sunday afternoon to spend the week with me and I’m so happy to have them here! I had been texting back and forth with their mom for a few weeks trying to find a date that would work since they go back to school on July 31 (so insanely early!). I had also been chatting back and forth with my mom about her visiting Charlotte and somehow the two visits ended up happening at the same time so I have a houseful this week but it’s fun to have everyone together.
Rewinding to the weekend before they arrived…
Not technically the weekend but close enough…on Thursday I received a gigantic shipment of cherries from the Northwest Cherry Growers. I dropped a few bags by to our chef at Namastay Kitchen to get creative with but I have tons left to use. We’ve been snacking on them and I also plan on making a cherry peach crisp tonight. I’m open to hearing any of your favorite cherry recipes. 🙂
Per usual, I wrapped up Friday by teaching hot yoga at 4:30 and then taking the girls on a walk that was just shy of an hour. It was hot but a great walk. It’s such a great way to wind down from the week.
Tanner brought home a rack of lamb on the Fourth of July when he also picked up steaks. I decided I’d best use it ASAP so on Friday night I did a garlic and herb crusted rack of lamb. It was my first time cooking it and I was surprised by how easy it was and how well it turned out.
Plated up with roasted potatoes and asparagus.
On Saturday morning I had a peach, some cherries and a zucchini carrot muffin with a little butter. Then I decided to head out on a long run. For some reason I got 8 miles in my head. It was equal parts absolutely terrible and amazing. Terrible mostly for the intense humidity (80+ %) but amazing to actually get the miles in. I sweated buckets and then had to quickly rinse and go teach hot yoga where I sweated even more. The rest of the day I felt like I couldn’t get caught up on hydration. I feel like it’s such an electrolyte game this time of year in addition to just water.
Saturday afternoon brought an acupuncture appointment followed by errands to get ready for my visitors. I have the girls on the pull-out couch in the den and hit up Target for some fun surprises.
We had an evening thunder storm that cooled the temps all the way down to 70 degrees so I leashed up the girls around 8 for a late walk. It was so peaceful.
Back at home I whipped up a quick pasta dish of spaghetti with sautéed zucchini, artichoke hearts, chicken sausage and tomato basil sauce.
Sunday was a bit of a waiting game since I wasn’t sure whether my family would arrive around noon or later in the afternoon. I put my final touches on cleaning and then did an hour long home practice/meditation session outside because I wasn’t sure on timing a class at the studio. It was lovely and reminded me how much I love home practices, especially outside.
I made the most random salad/bowl thing for lunch. It was even a stretch for me. I was trying to use up what we had in the fridge before a big grocery restock for the week ahead. Mission accomplished!
When I learned my family wasn’t going to arrive until 2:30 or so, I realized I had just enough time to squeeze in a grocery trip. I made a quick menu for the week and then proceeded to roam the aisles somewhat bewildered wondering what type of breakfast, lunch, snacks the girls would eat. I think I went a little overboard! 😛
It’s been all girl, all fun since they arrived. I have learned in just 24 hours that everything takes twice as long with kids and there is no privacy. I can’t even go upstairs to pee without, “aunt Jen…..what are you doing???” I absolutely adore it. 🙂
I’m going to try to stick to a normal teaching and posting schedule but if you don’t hear from me for a day or so, you know what I’m doing.
Favorite cherry recipes?
Best workout of the weekend?
Favorite way to entertain family when they visit?
