Storm Clean-Up, Carowinds, and Easy Eating

How was your weekend?  Ours was full of food and family time.  Two of my favorite things!

Remember the big storm from last week?  Well, yesterday ended up being “clean-up day.”  Ryan had borrowed a chain saw and was ready to be cutting limbs all day, but during the midmorning hours, my neighbor texted me that she was sending “her tree man” over when he finished with her yard.  Talk about an unexpected present!  Unfortunately, our tree in the front yard was too damaged to save, so we had to cut it down.  But our trees in the back yard only needed pruning.  Take a look at the pile of branches/leaves in front of our house!

Wild, huh?  Boy, does the city have their work cut out for them!  Every house on our street has a pile of branches as big as this one! 

Last night we enjoyed noodle bowls with edamame, broccoli, and chicken. 

I love making this.  It’s just as good as ordering Chinese takeout, but way healthier!

Today, we decided the weather was perfect for a quick afternoon trip to Carowinds. 

 

No big Roller Coasters for us today… just the kiddie rides.  Ryan and I are planning an “adult day” at Carowinds soon, though.  It’s fun to go ride all the scary rides!

I’m really looking forward to summer vacation starting soon.  I am looking forward to having more time to cook (and clean!).  Tonight I was able to cook one of my favorite meals: chili.  I made a nice big pot so that we could have leftovers this week.  :)  I used a version of this recipe, but I used fresh onion tonight, and I added extra Cayenne Pepper. 

I know soups and chilis are more “winter meals,” but I love them just as much in the summer!  I’m weird, I know!

Goodnight, all!  Have a great week!