Meal Plan Week #15

Happy Second Day of 2017!

I took the last week off from posting my meal plan (but that doesn't mean I didn't have one). My mom brought us Korean BBQ for Christmas so two out of the seven days, we feasted on that.  

We special requested it because... 1. I wanted something easy to prepare for our Christmas Day dinner.
2. We all love it. 3. It reminds me of my dad.

We agreed it wasn't quite the same as when my dad cooked it for us but it was still a special treat. Meals like this are my way of including him in the holidays and remembering the food and the moments we had together. It's the same reason I make his Turkey Soup every year after Thanksgiving, whether I host the holiday or not. (Thanks for letting me take home the leftover turkey and bones this year, Lucy!)

Speaking of Lucy, I was finally able to organize all my recipes into one large recipe book over the break. Lucy is my talented and super organized sister in law. For years, she's had all her favorite recipes in large, hard cover, 3 ring binders. They are separated by tabs and covered in protective sheets. Makes sense, right? Especially since we print so many recipes off the computer. Mine on the other hand were scattered about on pieces of paper, scratch pads, small recipe cards, and stuffed in drawers. It feels so good to start the New Year with all my go-to recipes in one place! As always, thanks for the inspiration, Lucy!

Yesterday, we finished packing up all the Christmas decorations and officially said goodbye to 2016.  Since daddy is off today, we look forward to hanging out and spending time with him. Can 2017 hold more 3 day weekends, please? Starting tomorrow, we hit the ground running. I don't know about you but a meal plan is just what I need to simplify my week.

Here's what on the menu for our first week of 2017:

Meal Plan Week #15

• Baked BBQ Chicken Tacos
• Chicken Tortellini Soup
• Beef & Broccoli
• Cincinnati Chili Spaghetti
• Italian Sausage & Veggie Sheet Pan Supper   

Take a hike

Plotting out our trail.

Headed to the McCallum Pond.

We loved all the bridges and the shade of the old palm tree grove.

Our littlest explorer.

Zach would stop to pick up handfuls of dirt every two feet so sometimes, he had to be "encouraged" to move along.

Leading the way.

Isn't this just the sweetest picture?

Love these three kiddos.

A successful family selfie by the pond.

Faith.

Zach trying out some hiking poles.

The view is always better when you look up.

Not all who wander are lost.

A family who hikes together, stays together.

Zach gets a lift.

We spent the last day of 2016 hiking the Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve. It was a beautiful morning to get out and explore. Winter in the desert is really the perfect time of year to hike and enjoy the outdoors.

Last week, we hiked the Bump 'n Grind and it was the first time I've ever used one of these: 

 My friend, Sarah passed along her son's old "safety harness." Don't judge.

A five year old kid came up to me and asked,"Why is your son on a leash?" 😭😭 

When you have a kid who is both super curious and has no fear, the safety harness just gives this mama peace of mind. Especially when we're climbing a mountain!

 Or walking along the narrower edge.

 Stopped for a snack.

 He actually liked wearing his "backpack."

 More hikes equals more practice. Soon he won't need to be carried at all.

Hiking is something we've always enjoyed as a family and now that Zach can walk along with us, we hope to take advantage of the weather and do as many hikes as we can before summer hits!

Here's to many more adventures with my favorite people in 2017!

Happy New Year!