Fun Outings

This past weekend was one we decided to go see a new place! We've been alternating weekends with eating somewhere new and seeing somewhere new. The world's biggest rubber duck was in Buffalo so we headed to the Canalside boardwalk to check it out!

The weather was perfect and it wasn't too busy on the Sunday afternoon. There were lots if neat vendor booths to see, and of course great views of the Niagara river. Jacob wasn't very happy, but Brad seemed to like it!

Today me and the boys decided to finally go a few miles north to check out a local farmer's market. I was amazed at the good deals, and that's saying a lot because I'm so cheap frugal. They had things I'd never heard of, like yellow watermelon and white eggplants!!

They also had other locally produced goods, like honey, maple syrup, cheese and pepperoni.

This was my little haul, all for less than $5 and grown locally! I can't wait until I have room to plant my very own garden.

Super Easy Black Bean Burgers

Are you looking for a quick and healthy alternative to beef for your burger night? Not to mention CHEAP?! Well 50¢ for a can of black beans and some stuff from your pantry, and dinner is served. Here you go!

1 can black beans (rinsed/drained)
1 egg
1tbs minced onion
1tsp garlic powder
1/4c bread crumbs
Salt + pepper to taste
*optional* 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for a great smoky flavor and a hint of heat

Place all ingredients in a food processor. Pulse a few times to mash most beans and blend. It will be very thick! Have a hot skillet or griddle ready on medium to low heat and make into 4 equal patties. Place each one on skillet (or grill!) and cook approx 5 min on each side. Flip once. It should look golden brown with a slight crust. Serve!

Yum! You can't beat dinner that takes less than 10min to make! I got buns at my local bakery outlet for 89¢ and already had the veggie toppings, so this meal cost us a little over a quarter per serving!!!! Now go make some.

Baby Jacob

I haven't posted many recent pics of my growing toddler recently, so here are some for your viewing pleasure! He is 16mo now and full of energy.

Bean and Bacon Soup + Pasta Fazool (Fagioli)

Who doesn't love bean and bacon soup? Yes those delicious little cans of condensed goopiness that you add some water to for a quick meal. Well I decided tonight to try my hand at a homemade version, and I have to say it is spot on!

Pasta fazool, or pasta fagioli, may not be as common but it is as delicious! It is basically pasta and beans. I grew up with my family using the bean and bacon soup as a base, then adding the pasta to that. I still do that to this day and it is one of our favorite soups! It goes great on a cold day with a grilled cheese or rolls.

4c chicken broth
1 diced onion
3 chopped carrots
1tbs minced garlic
1 can cannelini beans (or great northern beans) not drained
2 slices raw bacon, diced
*optional* 1 1/2c small pasta for pasta fazool

Add all ingredients except pasta into medium pan. Simmer for 30min, stirring occasionally. Add pasta if desired and cook an additional 10min or until tender, then serve!

Of course, in my house we put cheese on top of everything!

If you add pasta it thickens up nicely, otherwise there is a good amount of broth.

A Special Trip

I don't think I ever posted, but the Saturday before last I got a new car! Not brand new of course, but good enough! It's a 2010 Kia Forte (6spd manual!) That had only had one owner. I'm a little sad it doesn't have an Oklahoma plate any more, but this is just one one more thing to transition for us. The best part is that I payed for it in cash, so no car payment! Woot!

I quickly got a chance to break it because later that day I got the call that my grandfather in Ohio had passed away. I arranged to take the boys and leave Monday morning.

Murphy's Law got me once again by rendering my trusty GPS useless as soon as I left my driveway. I had never used it on my phone but thankfully I figured it out and was able to find my way there with little trouble. It was about a 6hr drive to just north of Cincinnati and naturally we hit rush hour traffic that slowed us down. Jacob didn't nap much but they both passed out shortly before we arrived.

My mom, step dad, and brother Eric were already there when we arrived so we got a very warm welcome! I hadn't seen them in almost 3 months, and hadn't seen my Ohio family in several years. My aunt Diane was so kind to let me and the boys stay the night with her!

This was their first time to meet Jacob but of course he was shy and only wanted his momma.

It was so so nice to see everyone and catch up. The funeral was the next morning and I saw many more extended family members there. However I did not take pictures, I felt that would have been a little tacky considering the circumstance. It did inspire me to work on convincing people to arrange another official reunion!

These pics are from one of the last times I saw my grandparents. I took Brad there when he was 3mo with my mom for a short visit. My grandpa performed a dedication ceremony on him. He was a minister for most of his life.

Niagara County Fair 2016

On Sunday we ventured out to Lockport, NY for the county fair! I had heard it was a small simple one which is right up our alley. The parking was free and it was only $3/adult admission.

We were starving so our first stop was food! We grabbed a bite and sat at a shady spot in front of live music.

After that we headed to the midway and got tickets so Brad could pick his rides. He rode ones I thought would be too scary, but he loved them! Just like I used to be at his age. Jacob enjoyed looking around at all the crazy sights.

We saved the ferris wheel for last, and of course I rode that with him! We got a great view of the area and the country beyond it.

Lastly we headed over to the car show where they had some awesome hot rods to see. They were from all over, even Canada!

The boys had a fun time even though it was hot, and we look forward to making this our new annual tradition.

I have another event this week to post about so check back later.

Science is Fun

On Sunday afternoon we all headed into Buffalo to check out the Buffalo Science Museum. We originally wanted to check out another beach, but there was a chance of rain so we changed it to an indoor activity.

The museum is 4 stories of all different exhibits from bugs to dinosaurs, space and earthquakes. Brad loved it, and I'm sure some day Jacob will too. There were a lot of interactive and video displays for kids to enjoy.