Happy Birthday, Mommy

The kids made my birthday a super special event!  It was such a fun day!

 Mary Frances conspired with my mom, sister, and Ray C. to surprise me with a little family party.  Even Papa G. came!  It was so much fun for me to have my whole family here for my birthday!  I can't say when that last happened!

 Here are some pictures taken by one of the kids of my surprise party!

 I got a new bike!  I didn't know Ray C. had thrown out my old bike, but apparently he knew! :)  My new one is awesome.  It's more like a beach bike with a big seat and taller handles!  Ahh... comfort!  I really don't enjoy those tiny seats and leaning over to grab the handles!  now, I can enjoy a nice bike ride!

My sweet family!

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

In case you haven't noticed, baseball is a big part of the Hughes family life...  So, for Father's Day, the kids told daddy they wanted to have a family outing to a baseball game.  They suggested the Astros, but daddy requested we go to a minor league game which he assured them would be much more fun for everyone!  

So, a few weeks later, we hauled everyone down to Sugarland to see the Sugarland Skeeters play!

 Daddy wanted to sit in the outfield so the kids could play at the splash pad and on the huge playground!  The kids didn't really care much about the game, but they did have a lot of fun! 

 And daddy was happy because he got to watch the game!

We even got to watch a fireworks show at the end!  

Eggplant

Ray C. has been growing some delicious veggies in our garden this summer.  So, we have been eating a lot of eggplant in the last few weeks!  I can't seem to give it to anyone because no one knows how to cook it.  So, I thought I'd share the recipe I've been using that we have really enjoyed!

Directions:
Slice eggplant (skin and all)
Sprinkle salt on both sides and let sit 10 minutes
Beat two eggs in one bowl and set aside.
Combine 1/2 cup bread crumbs & 1/4 cup parmesan cheese.  (I also season with cajun seasoning.)

After 10 minutes, blot both sides of eggplant to remove the moisture that has accumulated.  Place each slice of eggplant in the eggs and allow eggs to drip off before placing in bread crumb mixture.

At this point, you can pan fry or bake the eggplant.  They are both delicious, but I like the baked a little better and it is much better for you.  To bake, place each slice on a pan and bake at 350 for 10-15 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Once cooked, you can top with spaghetti sauce and mozzarella cheese for Eggplant Parmesan.  I have also cooked it with a slice of tomato and feta cheese on top (as seen in the picture).

It definitely has a different taste, but it is really delicious!!

Vacation

Some very generous friends allowed us to stay at their beach house in June.  

 The kids had a blast fishing, riding the golf cart, and just playing games!  It was a very restful vacation!

 This is the one that got away....just after I took the picture!  Ray C. was frustrated that he didn't get much during the week, but he kept on fishing!

 Chase and I both caught a flounder!

 Crazy kids!

 The kids even got to ride around on the kayak a little...after my experience in Mexico, I declined a ride!

 We had to admit that coming from Florida, the Texas beach was a but of a disappointment!  The kids were very disturbed at all the trash and made several attempts to clean it up.  

 We enjoyed eating our catch at on the porch several nights!

 Really?  Mary Frances said she saw this sign and we told her she had misread.  What in the world?  Where is our Florida beach?

Sisters

I love my sister!!

Mini Cinnamon Rolls

My family loves these cinnamon rolls, and they're fun to make!

Ingredients:

2 pkgs. crescent rolls (8 each)

softened butter

Cinnamon/sugar mixture

2 cups powdered sugar

1/2 tsp. vanilla

2 tbsp. milk

Directions:

Unroll the crescent rolls, but keep them in the rectangles (2 together).  Roll out the 8 rectangles, and pinch the seam between the 2 rolls.  Smooth out the rolls with a rolling pin.  Spread plenty of butter over the rectangle and then sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture.

Roll the rectangle and then cut into 5 sections.  Place the mini rolls into a deep dish baker.  They may seem crowded, but they will cook well.  Bake in 400 degree oven for about 20 minutes or until golden.

  

For icing:

While cinnamon rolls are baking, mix together the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk.  You may need to add a little more milk to get the right consistency.  Spread the icing over the baked cinnamon rolls and serve warm!!!  

Yummy!

Sleepover Fun

We've had a lot of friends over this summer, but this sleepover was picture worthy!  

The kids requested that we roast hot dogs and have s'mores one night.  So, we invited some friends over and started the fire!

 The hot dogs were fun, but nothing compares to s'mores!  Mmm....  The biggest question before we even started was "How many can we have?"

After the real fire was out, the girls decided to make a pretend fire to go with their "tent" in Mary Frances' room!  They are so creative!  I think they eventually slept in the bed, but they sure had fun pretending to camp!

  The next morning, the girls made mini-cinnamon rolls complete with purple icing and sprinkles!  Stay tuned tomorrow for the recipe...these are yummy!

Father's Day

All together for Father's Day!  Ahhh..

We all enjoyed being together for Father's day.  We celebrated at mama and daddy's house.  Papa  came over from "the old folks home" and Aunt Jean came all the way from Tennessee to celebrate!

 Mama made a delicious meal, as usual!  I love having a mother that gets so much joy cooking and decorating for her family!  It truly is one of her greatest joys!  

 We had to get Bailey in one of the pictures, too!  He is mama's "baby dog" and is spoiled like crazy!

 All the dad's received gifts, of course.  Another post will follow with pictures from Ray C.'s father's day present - a trip to a local Independent League baseball game with the family!

 My dad is not a silly person and may not be very happy about me posting this picture, but it is too cute to not include!  

 We love our daddy!

Aunt Jean's Visit

We were so excited that Aunt Jean came to visit for Father's day!  

 The kids have really enjoyed getting to know her better over the last year. 

 While she was here, we took her to one of Chase's baseball games.  She was a little shocked at how serious our 6 year old team is, but we had fun!

 "Diamonds are a girl's best friend!"