beach and eating

We finally made it to the beach on Saturday.  The weather was beautiful, in the low 80's and sunny.  AB loves her new sand toys.  She even has a sandbox in our backyard that she loves spending hours a day playing in.

 Mike persuaded me to get into the freezing cold water...but this was what he had to promise to let me do.  I've always wanted to bury someone in the sand :)

Laying in Daddy's sand cave 

 It was hard to get a good picture because we were looking straight into the sun

First time playing in the sandbox that our awesome neighbor made for her

 Handsome man

I have been trying out a lot of new recipes lately, which has been a lot of fun.  I have several cookbooks that I haven't used much.  I have resolved to be more creative and try new recipes.  We have had some delicious meals so far.  I have also shopped for and written out a menu for the entire upcoming month!  Go me!!!  That is the most organized I have ever been with my food planning.  I made salsa last week, and after talking to my mom on the phone, got a wonderful idea to put raspberries into the salsa.  I happened to have some in my freezer, so in they went.  Oh. my. goodness.  Wow, was it good.  I will definitely be doing that again.  

 With the raspberries...doesn't it look so fresh and delicious?

I also made some homemade pesto to put on my grilled cheese sandwich, which also included tomatoes and salami (all on sourdough bread).  Mmmmmm

Some of the other new meals I have tried include shrimp scampi on angel hair pasta, blue cheese burgers (Awesome!), chipotle chicken rolls with avacado dipping sauce, tortilla soup, ham and swiss creoes, and more.  Now we have another month of new tasty experiments.  We have even added some new dessert recipes to the list (almost my favorite part).  Sorry I don't have pics of the other foods I made.