Thanksgiving in Tennessee- Part 1

A while back we came up with the idea to rent a big house with Dustin's family for a grand family Thanksgiving. After searching online we decided on the central location of Gatlinburg, TN. None of us had even been to Gatlinburg, but when we found a good deal for a huge cabin in the mountains and we decided to go for it. It was awesome, and we had such a great time. We all had our own rooms with king beds, a big game room with a pool table, air hockey and foosball, hot tub and amazing views of the mountains.  The weather was so nice and we were able to do a lot outside.   

There were 17 of us in total and it was constant fun chaos the the whole time!

 Before bed cuddles

 Stella with her cousin Emma who does the most adorable cheese face for the camera. Stella on the other hand...

 Emma sharing her "pretties" with Stella

 Speed Scrabble- A must

 Our view from the cabin

 Lots of snuggles from grandma

 Out for a hike to the waterfall



The BEST Banana Bread

There are some recipes that you know you will have and make for the rest of your life. For me that includes my chocolate chip cookie recipe, my chicken noodle soup and this amazing banana bread.  This is my mom's banana bread bread recipe and it comes out perfect every single time. So moist, so delicious, and my husband loves me even more when I make it for him. (It's his fave).   So go and make this, like today.  You will love it too.

I make some healthier modification to the recipe that are in parenthesise. And note that this recipe makes two loaves. Which is quite convenient because you will want that extra loaf.

3 very ripe bananas

3 eggs

2 1/2 cups sugar

1 cup buttermilk or sour cream (I use plain non fat Greek yogurt)

1 cup oil (I use applesauce or sometimes 1 3/4 cup apple sauce + 1/4 cup oil )

1/2 cup melted butter

3 cups flour (Or a combo of whole wheat flour and white flour)

1 1/4 tsp salt

1 1/4 tsp baking soda

1 1/2 tsp PURE almond extract (the secret ingredient)

1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Beat bananas in stand mixer. Add sugar and wet ingredients and mix until combined.  Add flour, salt and baking soda.  Scrape sides of bowl and mix until smooth. Pour into two well greased and floured loaf pans. Bake at 350 for one hour. The tops will be very golden brown.  

Enjoy!



A few favorites...

First Birthday

Well here is some picture overload.  But it's my first childs' first birthday, so no apologies. Funny to think how something so tiny can made such a HUGE change in your life.  I have been thinking back to her actual birth day one year ago, and it seems like a dream. (maybe it was the meds...)  But really, I feel like it was forever ago and this little one has always been in our lives. What did we even do all day before she came? I cant even remember???

She is quite the loud feisty one, but so sweet as well and we just love her to pieces and are so grateful for her little spirit in our home. We are forever changed.

A few Stella facts at one year (mostly for my record)..... 

19 lbs 25th percentile

Still only says dadda, but understands a lot. Babbles constantly

Loves her bananas best, and cheese and pears. Coming around to milk.

Birthmark has stayed same size since 4 months

Touches nose, head, and mouth

Blows kisses and waves to others

Sleeping apx 11 hours a night. Hallelujah!!

Loves her little blankies and won't sleep without them

Loves her books. Especially her Llama Llama books

Does very well "giving things to mommy" when I ask

Helps me make the bed by handing me the pillows

Getting very fast and runs away from me all the time

Loves seeing daddy walk in the door

Not very happy with one year shots

 Cupcake fail. I bought her this really good cupcake and was so excited to see her dive in. Unfortunately she wanted absolutely nothing to do with it and freaked out.  She hated the sticky feeling of the frosting and even when I tried to put some directly in her mouth with a spoon she spit it out. She has never had dessert before so I guess I was asking for it, but sheesh, I wasn't expecting her to react like that.  Oh well. There is always next year!  

 At least got a big smile at the end! (when she knew she was getting down and getting a bath)

 Opening a few presents from mom and dad

 My baby

It was a low key celebration with just the three of us. We miss our families and on days like these. We wished we lived close to family members, but such is life.  We are so grateful to have eachother.

Just love this little girl so so much.