Lake Day & Mother's Day

Last Saturday was Crosby's last soccer game for the spring season.  It has been such a fun team with awesome coaches.  He loved it!  Then Saturday afternoon we were invited to join our neighbors out at their lake campsite for a cookout, and Rhett and several other boys his age (12 kids, I think!?) camped out in tents that night with our neighbors.  It was a beautiful location with plenty to do to keep the kids entertained...swimming area, fishing, playground, basketball court, games, etc. 

Picnic time! 

We took s'mores, one of our favorite (super easy) desserts.

Our neighbor had fun games planned for the kids:  find the gummy worm in the plate of whipped cream, donut-eating contest and cheeseball/shaving cream toss!  :)  

swimming & fishing

Crosby was proud of this little fish that he caught.

Rhett had fun camping, too.  I wasn't sure if he would like it or not, but he said he had a good time with his friends.  They stayed up super late and did an early morning scavenger hunt around the campground.  He looked a little tired when we picked him up on Sunday.  :)  We picked him up then hurried home to finish getting lunch ready because my parents were coming up to eat with us after church.  We were so glad they came!  It was nice to get to spend time with them on Mother's Day.  We had a simple lunch menu: spinach artichoke dip appetizer, Mandarin orange green salad, chicken salad sandwiches on croissants and toffee caramel pound cake with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.  (Recipes below)

We love you Mom/Mo!  You are such a blessing to all of us!!!

And of course I always treasure the sweet homemade things that the kids make for me.  Rhett made a chalkboard flower pot at school (with a pretty purple petunia in it) and Crosby and Alexee made artwork at school.

These "all about mom" sheets are always so cute and funny to me!

And A & C made these in their church classes that day.  

I'm so thankful for the opportunity to be Mom to these three!

*****

RECIPES

Spinach Artichoke Dip
1 (8oz) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1 clove fresh garlic
1/2 tsp. basil
1/4 tsp. garlic salt
1 jar artichoke hearts (drained, chopped)
1 package frozen spinach (thawed, drained)
1/4 cup mozzarella cheese

Allow cream cheese to warm to room temperature.  Mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, garlic and seasonings.  Add artichoke hearts and spinach.  Lightly grease pan, pour in dip.  Top with mozzarella cheese.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. 

Mandarin Orange Salad
green leaf lettuce
red leaf lettuce
1 can of Mandarin oranges, drained
1 package sliced almonds*
(*browned on stove in a few tablespoons of melted sugar)
Toss with dressing before serving:
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
Lawry's seasoned salt, to taste

Chicken Salad
I don't really have a recipe.  I use different things in it from time to time, but usually:
rotisserie chicken, shredded
mayonnaise (and this time a little bit of plain Greek yogurt)
chopped celery, apples and sliced grapes
dried cherries
dill weed
garlic powder
white pepper
chopped pecans on the side

Toffee Pecan Caramel Pound Cake & Caramel Sauce
Recipe HERE from carlsbadcravings.com