Victoria

Seeing how its a blizzard outside, I think its the perfect time for me to reflect on my trip to the NW in September. We stayed with my dear friend Wendy and her family at Olympic National Park and then spent a few days in Victoria, BC. Have I mentioned that I love the Pacific NW? Highlights in somewhat random order.. I'm done with blogger tonight.

The Hoh Rain Forest, Olympic NP

Kyle loved the sandy beach. I loved his hitler mustache.

Sunset at Second Beach

Sunset at Hurricane Ridge with our fantastic hosts. I love these people.

For the twilight lovers.. we got a kick out of Forks

Kyle was an exceptional travel companion on airplanes, ferries, cars and backpacks.. although we sometimes had problems with this:

We're not food photographers but I will dream about this salmon sandwich for the rest of my days. If you're in Victoria, eat at Red Fish Blue Fish

Buchart Gardens. We could have spent all day strolling around taking pictures of flowers.. and we did just that.

Such a beautiful city..
Goodbye Victoria..

Zuppa Toscana

My brother Dave just posted a recipe for Olive Garden salad. By request, here is my copy cat version of zuppa toscana to go with. Soup, salad & breadsticks is the only thing I order if I ever go to the Olive Garden. More often though, we just make this soup at home with home made breadsticks. Soup is one of the benefits to cold winters.. & I think this may be Russ's favorite.

Zuppa Toscana

~5 c. chicken stock
1/2 lb. bulk Itallian sausage
2 medium potatoes (sliced thin)
2 c. chopped kale
1/4 t. crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 pint cream
salt & pepper to taste

Brown the sausage in a soup pot with a little olive oil. Add stock, potatoes, kale, red pepper, salt & pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat & simmer until the potatoes and kale are tender. Add the cream & let the soup simmer on low for 30+ minutes. Top with parmesan cheese & serve with breadsticks (and Dave's salad)

This is Halloween

I've enjoyed seeing everyone elses adorable and creative costumes. Halloween was a bit of a disappointment around here with sick kids.. so unfortunately our family of Star Wars characters never happened. Josh and Russ went out to the trunk or treat:

And these were taken this morning. The boys insisted that I model my costume as well. Its a shame that I only got to wear it around my basement. Its even a bigger shame that Kyle didn't get out in his furry get up. You may also notice Neil's bed head and watery eyes. We're still not at 100% around here.. Its no fun being sick!

Josh took the picture of Neil & me.. not bad, eh?

And of course we've had endless fun with Kyle's Chewy wig.. (not sure why he's wearing his dress shirt with pj pants though...hmm)