How To Be the Hit of the Party: Ina Garten's Black Olive Tapenade *Recipe*

Since it's been about two years since I've done a recipe, I thought it was about time to do another one (gee Brooke, ya think?). It's not that I haven't been cooking in the past two years, we cook something new almost every weekend. Sadly, the things we make are usually inhaled consumed right away instead of photographed and detailed on here for you. So many delicious dishes lost to laziness and hunger posterity, but don't worry, NOT this one!

Anyway, without further ado, here is a recipe that WILL make you the most popular party guest at the next get-together you attend. I am so certain of this that I am willing to throw down and PROMISE this to you. If your goal is to show up at a party with the most fabulous dish that is the hit of the party, then this is the recipe for you. I have made it many times, and every time, it is the standout. People will literally line up to find out what's in it and ask if you can send them the recipe! Ok, maybe not literally, but you get the point. Even those insane anti-olive people will love it! And BONUS, not only is it mouth-wateringly delicious, it is probably the easiest thing you could possibly make.

I hereby present: Ina Garten's Black Olive Tapenade!

 

 

Salty, savory, complex perfection!

Glimpse of Summer

Since I've been M-I-A for awhile, I thought I'd post some fun pictures of summer. Even though I haven't been blogging, we've still been doing all the summer things these past couple of months. We haven't gone on any vacations yet (Disney is coming up soon), but fun in the sun has definitely not been absent from our lives. Aunt Jamie was nice enough to invite us out to the Mowery farm for a swim back in July, and we happily accepted.

Some wet and wild smiles, coming right up!

The Frozen Party

As you know from earlier this week, my Little Lady Love turned 2 this past "Twos-day" (sorry, couldn't help it), and so we celebrated! Her party was originally supposed on to be on Sunday, but alas, Mommy came down with a (what could only be described as violent) stomach flu last weekend, and so some rescheduling was necessary. Since Twos-day was her real birthday anyway, no matter, no mind!

When sitting down to plan this party, there was only one option, and that was FROZEN. At the time, we were singing the songs, watching the movie, and playing with the toys CONSTANTLY (that obsession has since turned to Tangled, but Frozen colors matched my dining room better I digress). Hence, we went Frozen-crazy this week for our sweet Brynnie-doll (she would have it no other way!)...

Cake pops for "friends at school" courtesy of Jenny's Cakes and Baked Goods.
They tasted even better than they looked (or so I found out when I stole a piece from Brynne heard).


 

A Mouska-Party!

Since you read this blog religiously (hahaha), you know that Brady's 3rd birthday was the 20th. We had his Very Mickey Mouse Birthday Party this past Sunday, and all of his favorite people were in attendance! He had a Mouska-cake and was wearing a Mouska-shirt to match. Little Sis even dressed up like Minnie! His favorite snacks were on the menu (meatballs, soft pretzels and fruit), and he got a mountain of lavish gifts from his super-generous grandparents and others.

 

Too hungry to wait for people arrive to dig into the food.
It's his party and he can eat before everyone gets there if he wants to!

Meanwhile, Minnie Mouse stole the Birthday Boy's new squirt bottle and lunch box.
Baby's first crime: petty theft.
Good thing she has a good lawyer.

The spread, Brady's faves.
Except for the broccoli.

"Ny Bipday Potty!"

A Mouska-Cake, aka Brady's Dream Come True.
The boy loves cake.
A taste likely acquired in-utero.

I call this one "Pensive Brady"
A photo caught mid-whine.
He wanted that cake.

"Cake! Please!"

Ha Ha!
Incidentally, this one is "Classic Brady."

So excited!

Guests!
And one of them brought a new bike!
Thanks Pawpaw and Grandma Lewis!

Brady's new favorite seat in the house.

Baby Minnie REALLY wants to get on that bike.
Those little legs just aren't long enough yet!

So excited to see Mickey!

And the Captain salutes!

"Gaga! Gaga! Gaga"
When One is upset, One chants for One's Gaga over and over and OVER again.
Or so says the law in Brynne's Kingdom.

 

Time for "pennants"!

His very own iPad mini!
Thank YOU Gaga and Pop!

A DVD player for the car and some DVDs.
The next long car ride will be peaceful thanks to Gaga and Pappy!

DVDs!



Thanks "Aunt Cortee!"

Time to get that cake out.

 

 

 

And after the cake, back to the bike.

It's impossible to hold her off for too long.
She's gotta ride!

"Ny pad! Ny pad!"
When not on his new bike, you'll find him on his pad!

 

As the Mouse would say "That was REALLY fun!"

I can't believe my baby boy is already THREE years old!

Mid-Week Jaunt

Oh, last week. What a crazy week that was! Having two toddlers in diapers means we are the most routine of all the routine people on earth you will ever find, but last week was a little different. That's what summer is for, right? Our Summer Nanny, also known as Gaga F., went on vacation for the week, which meant we were without childcare. Since we were going to have to take off work to stay home with the kids anyway, we decided if you can't beat 'em, join 'em, and we took off to meet up with Gaga and Pop at Ocean City, Maryland for two days. Thus, Tuesday and Wednesday found the Wheelers back at the beach! As expected, Brady and Brynne had a ton of fun spending time with their grandparents in the waves and surf. We even got to go on a big boat to see some horsies...

Brynne's First Boat Ride
First where she wasn't an infant.
It totally counts.

Owl Always Love You

 

This past Sunday was the Big Day Before The Big Day for Aunt Court--her BRIDAL SHOWER! The theme was "Owl Always Love You", because Courtney loves owls. I would write more about it, but the (many) pictures below speak millions of words, so I'll let them do the talking. Enjoy!

 

Decorations...

Balloons...