Bean and Fish Tacos

I started a new eating plan in August (which I will talk about in a different post) focused on whole unprocessed foods.  With that I decided to try my hand at a more vegetarian/vegan diet.  This is not to say I haven't had any meat, cheese, eggs, etc., but I have drastically cut down on the amount I consume.  I have barely had any meat since I started and try to only eat a small quantities of cheese during the week.  I am constantly looking for new recipes and when I can across these tacos, I knew they were a must try.

I pretty much followed the recipe verbatim, with the exception of the limes and the lettuce.  I ended up juicing both limes for the onions, not serving one as an accoutrement.  I also was tired of chopping and it was getting late so I decided not to shred lettuce to serve with the tacos.  We didn't seem to miss it.  I did soak and cook my own black beans (again, trying to eat less processed foods, which include things in a can), but you could easily use canned black beans, just make sure they don't have any additives in them!  One cup of black beans would suffice for 2-4 people as we had a TON leftover. 

Here is a picture of Matt's plate after he put his tacos together...they tasted as good as they look!

If you are looking for a great vegetarian recipe that is fairly easy to whip up on a weeknight, I highly recommend these tacos.  I think you could even use the rub on chicken and it would be delish...maybe just marinate for a couple hours and grill. 

Happy Birthday, Matt!

We also celebrated another very important birthday in September...someone who makes Ethan, Henry, and I who we are.  Someone who is our rock, our provider, our constant.  Someone who we adore, look up to, laugh with, and most importantly love unconditionally...and that someone is our "man", Matt/Daddy/the hubs!

 

When I asked the boys what kind of cake we should make for daddy, they responded with a "Gunners" cake.  Well, actually Ethan was first to speak up, but Henry shortly copied and after a few days of repeatedly asking about making daddy a Gunners cake, I knew one was in my future. 

 

For those of you who don't know who the Gunners are, a brief synopsis:

Gunners is a nickname for an English Premier Football League team, the Arsenal Football Club.  They are based in Holloway London and are one of the most successful clubs in London.  Ethan and Matt would spend early Saturday mornings watching soccer and Ethan just took a liking to the Gunners.  Not sure if it is because it allowed him to use the work "Gunner" without getting in trouble or just the fact that they were good and actually won games.  I am hoping for the latter.  Regardless, Ethan had no doubt what kind of cake he wanted to make for his daddy. 

Since I didn't want to make a cake in the shape of a gun (I am trying to avoid gun talk/toys at all costs even though it is inevitable), the next best idea I had was a soccer ball.  So, off to Hobby Lobby I went to find a mold and this was the end result...





Ta-dah...pretty darn good if you ask me!

 

We didn't do much to celebrate except have a nice family dinner at home, sing Happy Birthday, and open a few gifts!

Having a serious discussion about the cake!

 



So excited!

Make a wish!

 

A very happy birthday to a very special man in our lives!  We love you so much and look forward to celebrating many more birthdays!  

Happy Birthday, HRH!

After a long hiatus, I am finally back on the blogging train.  I was fresh out of time and things to say, but I am going to give this whole blog another chance.  What better way to get the ball rolling than with a post about sweet Henry turning 2!

Our baby turned 2 on September 18th and we celebrated a week later when Papa Larry was in town with a small family party!  Henry loves Elmo so I thought a little Elmo themed party was order (Cookie Monster came, too). 

 

Yum...cupcakes

 



The cupcakes weren't enough for Henry though.  For the months leading up to his birthday, whenever we asked him what kind of cake he wanted, he said "a faffle cake" so I put my creative baking skills to the test and gave this little guy exactly what he wanted....a faffle cake!

 A waffle iron, come pancake mix, chocolate icing, whipped cream and a cherry make a delicious cake.  Turned out pretty well, if you ask me.  And Henry could not have been more excited!

 

 

Happy Birthday to you!

 



"Want some of my faffle cake, Charlie?"

Group photo

(Ethan, Jack, Lily, Henry, Charlotte, and Ellie and nanny in the background)

 

The weather was beautiful and we spent most of the evening outside.  Just a cute picture I snapped of the "big" boys playing dress up...fire rescue, a favorite in our house!

 

I will do another post on Henry with his stats and "accomplishments" as he turned two, but for now I thought some pictures of this birthday were enough.  It was the perfect way to celebrate our baby boy, small and colorful, surrounded by friends and family.  HRH, I can't believe you are 2!  



About Time

Well, since "summer" is rapidly coming to an end, I thought I should get my bootie in gear and update this blog.  About time, huh?  To say we have had a great summer would be an understatement.  We have been busy, yes, but the days have been filled with fun, laughter, family, friends, and adventure.  The weather has been hot, real hot, and there has been some serious humidity, but that just means days at the pool are a little longer and naps are a little shorter.  And, if we can't make it to the pool, air conditioning makes a nice comfortable environment for monster trucks, rescue vehicles, puzzles, books, and lots of crazy art projects.

Case in point...

The shaving cream was Nora, our nanny's, idea.  She is way more brave (and creative) than I, but from what I can tell, the boys were in heaven.  So, while we have been busy, there hasn't been a lack of fun in the Hunt household.  We have lots more to share and will try and update on a more regular basis, but for now, we are enjoying the dog days of summer, in hopes they don't go too fast!

Mohawks

The boys and I were having a little fun in the bath tub tonight and I am so glad I had my camera to capture their beloved mohawks.  Always a huge hit before its time to wash up!

3,2,1 Blast Off

We discovered a new place to play in Glen Ellyn recently, Village Green Park. Appropriately dubbed "Rocket Ship" Park. The playground houses this huge rocket structure with some of the fastest "tube" slides and plenty of places to climb. There is also a small "splash" park (if you can even call it that)with 3 water features. 

We took the boys to Rocket Ship park one Friday night after a rough week and they had the best time; running around, climbing up the rock walls, speeding down the slides; just being boys. 

Way up high!

Hi up there!

Chasing his big brother

First trip down the fastest slide

Having the best time

Just taking a rest



We are thrilled to have discovered this amazing park  and have been back several times since our initial visit.  The boys can't seem to get enough of the rocket ship and the water helps cool everyone down after all the running during these hot summer days.  It is the perfect place to pack a lunch and spend the morning.  

Flying

Flying...that is what our days seem to be doing lately.  I won't say I am sorry for the lack of posts because that would mean I am apologizing for spending time playing ball in the backyard, running around the park, setting up monster truck courses, or putting out pretend fires in the kitchen.  And I can't say I am sorry for any of those things because life is good...most days!  The boys have been keeping us on our toes, day and night, and we are exhausted by the time they go to bed.  Regardless, we have been enjoying the first couple weeks of summer and are looking forward to a very fun, but busy summer. 

I am going to try my hardest to update the blog on a more regular basis, but can't promise anything.  we have lots of fun things planned this summer.  Posts might consist more of pictures than words, but that is what people want anyway, right?  Oh, and I might start including some of my Pinterest and blog finds, just to mix things up a bit.  We have lots of things planned for the summer (parties, marathon training, home improvements, birthdays) so there should be plenty to share!

Peyton James

Our 2nd blessing arrived the day after Charlotte on April 8th.  At 5:27 p.m. Kelly, Jim, and Addy welcomed Peyton James Thomas.  Peyton weighed 7 pounds 12 ounces and was 20 3/4 inches long.  He was delivered via c-section and arrived without a hiccup and is just perfect. 

 Such a sweet boy; looking just like his sister did when she was born!

Addy and Peyton, all ready to go home and start life as a family of 4!

Due to some serious miles separating all of us, we haven't been able to meet Peyton, but we can't wait to make a trip out to see the Thomas Family!  Kelly posted some more pictures of Peyton here and a little update about his birth!  Easter weekend turned out to be even more exciting than expected and we are so happy for Kelly, Jim, Addy and Peyton.  Peyton is one lucky boy to be joining "The Luckiest Family In The World."

Goggles

Ethan has been taking swimming lessons the past couple of months and after the last session, the instructors told us Ethan might be more comfortable using goggles.  Well, the goggles haven't quite turned him into Michael Phelps, at least not yet, but they have given us some entertainment in the bathtub!  Henry is especially a fan!

Bros!

Charlotte

On Saturday April 7th, my sister, Ben, and Ellie added another sweet baby girl to their family.  Charlotte Marie Livermore made her debut a couple days early around 10:50 a.m.  She weighed 6 pounds 12 ounces and was 20 inches long.  Her delivery was a cinch and extremely fast...already on her best behavior for her mama! 

The proud parents!

Big Sister Ellie is so excited!

Another Granddaughter for Nanny!

Rocking her first bow!

Loving Baby Charlotte!

Such a sweet girl!

We are so thrilled about Charlotte's arrival and can't wait to see what the world holds for this precious baby girl.  She is so lucky to have amazing parents, a wonderful big sister, and a huge extended family that already loves her to pieces.  Welcome to this crazy world, Charlotte Marie!

Tomorrow's post will feature our second blessing...Peyton James!

Sweets

And to appease all those that check the blog for pictures of the boys...my sweets...

Brotherly love!

 Mohawk Man after his haircut...he wanted to be like his favorite monster truck!

Henry...wanting to be just like his Auntie (she has been known to spend time in drawers)