This past weekend we had absolutely beautiful weather (and it hasn't stopped since!), so Adam and I decided to take advantage. It takes a lot to get me (showered/put together/etc) out of the house these days, but since I've been feeling pretty good we went for it.

Saturday we headed over to Red Hare Brewery for a little pre-St. Patty's Day festivities with Evan and Dominica.

Since when?? (Just kidding.)

Adam and Evan kept the party going at Mulligan's and 120 Tavern, but I called it as day after the brewery. I'm so glad Adam finally went out with friends!

Sunday was a super fun-filled day! After church, Adam thought of the genius idea to go putt putt at Mountasia.

After our game of putt putt, we took the pooches to the dog park and it was basically the greatest day of their lives! (But everyday is the best day of their lives.) For the first time in forever, we also menu planned for the week (gasp!) and went to the grocery store. Weee! It's fun to be old!

I lost at putt putt (but only be one hole!), so I've promised Adam a week of home-cooked dinners. I really was on a cooking kick prior to getting pregnant, but now it's the last thing I want to do at night. Here's the first meal I made on Monday.

Cast Iron Sausage and Green Peppers

-3 green peppers, one diced
-1 cup heavy cream
-1 lime
-1 package (of 4) chicken sausages cut into 1/2 inch slices
-1/2 pound rotini pasta (I just used half a box)
-1.5 pounds mozzarella cheese
-coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

1. Place two peppers on a small baking sheet and broil until charred and black all over (about 10 minutes)
2. Place in a plastic bag and let steam for 10 minutes
3. Remove the skins, stems and seeds
4. Places roasted peppers in a food processor along with the heavy cream and a good squeeze of lime juice, a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth.
5. Cook the pasta
6. Saute the chicken sausage in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high, until browned all over.
7. Add the diced peppers and saute another minute.
8. Add the cream sauce and simmer on low for a couple more minutes.
9. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Sprinkle the mozzarella on top and slide skillet into over (on Broil) until the cheese is browned and bubbly (about 3-4 minutes)

And voila! I have to say, it turned out real pretty and even tasted pretty good!

Tuesday was St. Patrick's Day and the Taste of the Nation chef photo shoot. Even though I don't work at Share Our Strength anymore, I still got roped into being the Restaurant Committee Co-Chair, which I love. It's always a fun morning! (Plus, I was able to demolish a couple Sublime donuts. Yummm!)

We followed it with a festive lunch at Fado Irish Pub - and baby girl finally popped out to say hi! Allison is due with her little girl in 7 short weeks, so there are actually 5 girls in this picture!

march shenanigans

Shenanigans is an Irish word, right? That would mean it makes sense to pair with March, right? Maybe I'm just thinking of the restaurant from Waiting. Moving right along...

Adam had to work this weekend, so we didn't think we'd get to go all out for St. Patty's day this year. Think again! Kelly and Jason saved the day with fun plans.

I headed down to their condo on Saturday morning to watch the St. Patty's Day parade with the crew. We had an amazing view of the parade from their balcony, but decided to head down to the street to really experience the action. Not before a couple of Irish Car Bombs, though!

We didn't make it down in time for the Budweiser Clydesdales, but I did get to see them from the balcony!

Are llamas Irish? Who cares - they're in little green hats!

Scottie came to play! (And check out my hair - so short! I love it. Back to me.)

Adam got off work at 8, so I crashed the Coopers' condo for a solid 9 hours before he arrived. (Thanks for the hospitality! I think I owe you a handle or two of vodka.) Once he changed into his favorite St. Patty's shirt, we walked down the street to Front Page News.

Happy St. Practice Day! We love the Coopers!

Adam had to go back to work on Sunday, so I spent the day hanging out with the pups. The best and worst part about having two dogs is that they play outside together all day. Even when it's gross and rainy. Case in point... look at Hank. They both got very intense baths that day.

Speaking of Hankee Doodle... he is the sweetest, cuddliest (is that a word?) little nugget. I just want to eat him up. (And we still love Ruthie a lot, a lot! She's just not quite a cuddler.)

I don't know if you can really tell in this picture, but look at how Hank is sleeping. He's such a little weirdo.

We celebrated Adam's birthday with the Bakers on Tuesday night. Haven't seen that clan in awhile, so it was fun (as always!) to catch up. Shocker - Debbie made a delicious dessert.

Our annual chef photo shoot landed on Adam's birthday, so I spent the morning with some really awesome chefs and some of the kids at Genesis Shelter who directly benefit from our event. Twist my arm!

On his birthday, Adam decided he wanted to make dinner - homemade pasta and sauce. Yes, please! He finally got the portions right and it was just enough for the two of us and not a third world country. Of course, the one time we don't have much extra, after serving myself I went to throw something away and it all went sliding off my plate. OF COURSE. I'm so proud of myself for not crying and not figuring out a way to blame Adam. He was generous enough to give me a little of his, and there was still a little in the strainer. Crisis averted! It was a great night with great food celebrating the greatest person, ever. Happy birthday, handsome!

While I got him a few little trinkets, his big present was a baseball signed by Bobby Cox. When he read it and figured out who it was, he freaked. Our friend's parents just moved in next door to Bobby Cox at Amelia Island and asked him to do this. Could they be any sweeter? Thank you, Bambroughs!

And with that, this post is over.