I Am Batman

These pictures are from last year when we went to our friends house for dinner and games. They have a little boy who had lots of great superhero toys to play with.

Whenever you find yourself with the opportunity to be Batman, be Batman.

Happy Batman and Sexy Batman

"I am Batman." "No! I am Batman!"

Daddy Daughter Dance: October 2014

In October our church hosted a Daddy Daughter Dance. It had a western theme and I tagged along to help manage two little girls, so Zach could spend time with each, as well as take some pictures. We also went out to eat before hand at one of Lucy's favorite spots, Chick-fil-A.

Once at the dance I was so surprised to see how well attended it was, and was even more surprised to see so many dads actually dancing!

Half of the gymnasium was blocked off for dancing, and the other half had the lights on and stick horses for the little ones to run around with. Lucy loved this part.

They also had activities and booths around the church in different rooms for those that might not like to dance. There was a fishing booth with candy, penny toss, professional photo booth, and other various games. In the gym there was a "make your own trail mix" bar with various mix-ins.

The morning of the daddy/daughter date. Starting the day off right with Daddy story time. 

Ready to go!

Zach dancing with Clara and Lucy behind him dancing with some of her church friends. 

Stick horse time!

The dance started after Lucy and Clara's bed times, but they still had fun. You could tell Clara was tired though. I hope this is an annual thing because it was awesome! I was really impressed with the whole thing.

Halloween 2013: A French Affair

Lucy decided to be Madeline for Halloween this year and her Grandma Gayle made this awesome dress for her. We love it! It turned out amazing, and several people told Lucy that it was their favorite costume of the night.

I decided to stick with the French theme from Madeline so Clara went as Pierrot (a French clown), and Zach and I were a French couple. We found the hat for Lucy at a thrift store and I rustled up the rest of our costumes and accessories from what we had on hand, and picked up the rest from a few stores around town. I tried to gather as much as I could for the costumes before we moved, but realized after we got to San Antonio that I had forgotten a few things: black beret, red lipstick, Zach's shirt, etc. Luckily we found what we needed locally and had a great time together at the church's Trunk-or-treat!

Oh, my sweet bright eyes. 

Mes amours.

Happy Halloween!

Iowa: Good Eats

Yum! Look at those cheeks. I want to eat that baby!

Only half kidding, we were actually at my new favorite restaurant in Iowa, Bubba-Q's when these delicious baby pictures were taken. (Bubba Q Bacon Cheeseburger, please!)

Oh my, cuteness x2!

We also enjoyed some good ol' home cooking provided by Greg and Kay. Yum!

Some kind of caramel, coconut, pecan cake. Mmm. 

Burgers & corn on the cob = good ol' Iowa eatin'!

Kay's famous Dirt Cake recipe, for posterity's sake.

 What are your favorite foods to eat when you go home? I'm already starting to think about making classic Christmas treats to help us make new memories in our new home.

Share any delicious tried and true family recipes below!

Snuggle Time With Dad

Sometimes you just need some snuggling with your Dad and sister.

Nap Time

Zach helped Clara settle down for a nap while we were visiting our friends house.

Nothing better than a double nap.

Love my sweeties.

Going to Work

Lucy thought going to work with Dad would be fun.

She was wrong.

Daddy and Girls

There's not much I love more than seeing my sweetheart loving on my little sweethearts.

Love.

Makes me want to jump right in on this love-fest.

Father's Day Gifts

Here are the gifts we got Zach this year for Father's Day.

Bacon Jam on hamburgers with cheddar cheese = AMAZING.


What did you gift the fathers in your life this year?

To the Dads

Happy Father's Day!

My dad: William Soule, Husband: Zachary, Father-on-law: Gregory Davis, Son: Peter
Peter's blessing day October 2011.

Dads
By Tracy Davis

Dads are good,
Dads are great,
Dads let you eat chocolate cake.

Dads are cool,
Dads are neat,
Dads always share their treat.

Dads are smart,
Dads are nice,
Dads always give good advice.

Dads are strong,
Dads are dear,
Without dads we wouldn't be here!

Christmas Morning 2012

We had a nice Christmas this year. Lucy woke up and was very excited to see the treats on the table and have breakfast. I made an overnight french toast bake and loved it! 

Unfortunately, Zach wasn't feeling well, but we still enjoyed opening presents and having a day to relax. 

Happy girl!

Lucy eating a crock pot egg/cheese/hash-brown casserole. 

Good morning! 

Thanks Grandma Gayle!                                                   Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Gillson!

One of Zach's few presents to open since most of his were still in the mail!

Thanks Nana and Poppa!

Merry Christmas to Lucy!

Merry Christmas to me!

Overnight Baked French Toast
Recipe found here.

Overnight Baked French Toast

Recipe by Our Best Bites

8 eggs
2 cups half and half (one pint)
1 cup milk (whatever kind you have on hand)
6 tablespoons brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (a little less if using table salt)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 lb loaf of french bread
softened butter for greasing baking dish (2-3 tablespoons)

Topping
4 tablespoons packed brown sugar
4 tablespoons white sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons cold butter

For Serving
melted butter
maple syrup
powdered sugar
berries
whipped cream

Directions:

Crack eggs into large mixing bowl and whisk to combine.  Whisk in half and half and milk.  Add brown sugar, cinnamon, salt and vanilla.  Set aside.

Use softened butter to butter bottom and sides of a 9×13 baking dish.  Cut bread into  1 inch chunks and place in dish.  Whisk egg mixture one more time and then pour evenly over bread.  Use a rubber spatula to very gently toss bread, moving bread on bottom to top, and making sure all of the piece on top get dipped in egg mixture.  Spread out evenly, cover dish, and place in fridge overnight.

To make topping, place brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg in a bowl and stir to combine.  Cut cold butter into very small pieces and add to bowl. Use clean hands to break up butter and combine mixture until crumbly.  Cover and place in fridge until morning.

When ready to bake preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Remove plastic from dish and sprinkle topping evenly over top.  Bake for 40-50 minutes or until top is golden brown.  You can stick a knife or skewer in the casserole to make sure the egg mixture is set on the bottom.  *Note I have left a generous baking time window because it varies on ovens and the size of your bread cubes.  I used to cook this closer to 60 minutes at my old house, but in my new convection ovens it’s done closer to 45.  Keep an eye on it and let me know how long yours takes to bake!

Let cool for 5-10 minutes before cutting into squares.  Drizzle with melted butter and syrup, top with berries, whipped cream and a sprinkle of powdered sugar if desired.

See's Candy. Thanks Dad and Gayle! Yum!