Giant Steak and Mushrooms

Cost: $10

Prep: Quick

BBQ is key. It means matt does more of the cooking.

Matt did the giant steaks (there was A LOT of leftovers) while I did the mushrooms (soy sauce and butter), potatoes, steamed broccoli, and fresh chives from our out-of-control herb garden!

The best part, however, was Charlie's Charlie Chaplin mustache.

Family Style Chili Night

Cost: $12-15 (?)

Prep: 20 minutes

We broke out the slow-cooker again. It has been awhile, but I really wanted to make chili.

There is something about this food that means that it needs to be made in a giant batch.

So, because my parents are doing a major home-renovation that has essentially left all of their furniture piled in their kitchen, we invited them over to join us.

I like to eat my chili with cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips. My parents are more "buns" people, but that is TOO BAD! My brother is more of a "nothing with anything resembling a vegtable person", so even though he tried a few bites so as not to hurt my feelings, he eventually ate Pizza Pops.

We aren't classy people, and we don't pretend to be, so I didn't even bother with side plates. Hey, at least we all had bowls and our own spoons. Regardless, it beats eating on top of your dresser.

Beautiful Weather/Beautiful Food

Ah, Victoria! Thanks for bringing us the summer weather in May.  We took Charlie to Cadboro Bay/Gyro Beach. He's an odd duck, and seems to feel no cold, so he kept walking into the water fully clothed. The finale was when he walked into the water, sat down, and started playing.

We had no extra clothes, no extra diapers. Luckily, we were headed to dinner at the in-laws, and Grandma always keeps spares. But he still had to have a naked car ride there!

Once there, he took the opportunity to do some more pantless gardening. Norm, the dog, took the opportunity to do some unhindered baby-bum-sniffing.

Matt's parents made dinner and plenty of it. There were a lot of things to choose from (and I remembered to snap pictures for once).

Matt's dad barbecued some steaks. He remembered I like mine rare! The steak was a little much for me though, probably 10 ounces or so, and I couldn't finish it even though it seemed like a great cut (but what do I know about that?).

The other sides including fresh bread, carrots, mushrooms, green beans. coleslaw, and these potato/sweet potato thing that Matt's dad makes that are really special.

For dessert, Matt's mom made strawberry shortcake--as in, actually made the cake, not just bought those cup things. It was awesome! If I hadn't had eaten so much steak, I may have had more!

Charlie also ate some of the chocolate cake he brought Grandma. But what happens at Grandma's, stays at Grandma's.