Swimming Outside in February

Adelaide has been begging to go to the 'water park' lately. She usually means Seven Peaks when she says the water park. She didn't quite understand that it isn't open this time of year.
I can't stand going to indoor rec center pools because they stink of too much chlorine, bleach and urine.
So instead we decided to drive up to Honeyville to take a dip in Crystal Hot Springs. My mom, brother and grandma were able to join us for the mineralizing.
It was lovely! The water was so deliciously hot. We just lazied around the pool and Adelaide got her swim on.


After the swim, we went to a tasty little restaurant in Brigham City called Idle Isle. I recommend it if you're ever in the area.

She was plum pooped on the way home and fell asleep on her cute little arm.

What a great way to spend President's Day!

Something Random

Happy Late Valentine's Day
We love RockBandLook what I did!

Valentine's Treat

I actually made these last weekend but our computer has been out of commission for a bit and I couldn't post. So I present to you delicious Sweet Potato Donuts with Maple Icing for your possible consumption.

My dad has given his fryer a permanent home at our house so I decided to finally utilize it.
I thought we would use a heart to cut out the center instead of the usual circle to give it a little Valentines pizazz. They were really easy to make and super good. They're healthy too because they're made with sweet potatoes, right?

She approves.

A note for those who think they can substitute maple syrup for the maple extract in the icing. DON'T! I didn't have any extract so I thought I'd throw in some syrup for the maple flavor. It turned out terrible! So, for the donuts I hadn't already drenched in icing we ended up using powdered sugar instead. Those were fabulous. Do that instead if you don't have any extract.

Sweet Potato Donuts with Maple Icing
Courtesy Paula Deen

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup sour cream
1 cup cooked mashed sweet potato (about 1 medium)
oil, for frying
Maple Icing, recipe follows

In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, soda, cinnamon, and salt. In a large bowl, combine eggs, sour cream, and sweet potato. Gradually add flour mixture, stirring to combine. Turn dough out onto a heavily floured surface. Knead in flour with hands as needed (dough will be sticky). Roll our dough to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut out dough with a 2 1/4 inch round cutter. Cut out center of donuts with a 3/4 inch round cutter. Re-Roll dough as needed.

Heat oil over medium heat to 360 degrees F. Cook donuts, in batches, 2 minutes per side or until lightly browned. Drain on paper towels. Ice top of donuts with Maple Icing, and sprinkle with chopped pecans (optional).

Maple Icing:

2 2/3 cups confectioner's sugar
3 to 4 Tbsp milk
1/4 tsp maple extract

In a small bowl, combine confectioner's sugar and milk, stir well. Add additional milk to reach desired consistency. Stir in maple extract.

Yield: 1 cup icing

Who Wants to Go?

Jack's Mannequin and Matt Nathanson are coming to In the Venue on April 6th. I am indeed going, even if I have to go by myself. But, I would really rather not, so......
Does anyone want to come with me? Who's coming with me? I know there are some that totally want to. I am getting tickets asap so let me know asap if you want to come because it will be so fun! (that rhymes)

Gluttons

I don't think I've ever eaten so much food in my entire life. That's what I was moaning to myself as I was trying to sleep last night. For our anniversary this year, Davey and I decided to finally indulge in the Sunday brunch buffet at The Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake. I've heard that it is the most fantastic thing ever so, we went for it and yes, it was indeed uber delicious.

We totally enjoyed ourselves. (Can you tell that Davey's mouth is full? It is.)

Davey is so happy with his seafood.

I loved the sushi! It was killer. Or was I killer? I can't tell.

I wish I would've taken a picture of this before I ate half of it. It was the most fabulous banana crepe ever. The best thing I ate, seriously.

I ate a horse and I think Davey only ate half of a horse. He swears that he ate more than me but I don't think so.

I wrote down everything that I ate, and everything he ate. Here we go, you decide:

ME:
mixed berry crepe with berry cream cheese
banana crepe with chocolate, candied almonds & whipped cream
veggie & bacon omelet
seafood cocktail
prime rib with cheesy polenta
crab legs
linguine with artichoke hearts, peppers & squash
bread pudding with caramel sauce
pound cake dipped in a chocolate fountain
sushi galore
a diet coke with lemon, gogi juice shot, carrot juice shot

DAVEY:
mahi mahi
bread
seafood cocktail
crab legs
shrimp
2 eggs, bacon & sausage
sushi galore
cheesecake
Dr. pepper, & a strawberry smoothie

(you do the math)

Anyway, it was so much fun and we HIGHLY recommend it to everyone. It's definitely not on the cheap side but, just don't think about it and do it anyway.

This hotel is a palace. If you haven't been, I suggest you check it out. For reals!

Note: I loved it so much.
Note: I don't think I'll be able to do this to my body ever again.