lost files

I went to McDonald's today to get Carter a fish sandwich meal.  As is custom, the teller asked what would we like to drink with that.

"Rootbeer," I answered since I was ordering for my son.

"I'm sorry. Our soda machine is not working," was the reply from the speaker box.

"Well I guess we won't be having anything to drink then will we?"  I shot back. Apparently I am in a mood. It must be from the incompetence of the vet's office and my own stupidity at forgetting something at Lowe's, thus requiring another trip for me down there.

We got Carter a smoothie instead.

In the mean time enjoy some pictures from the lost files. I was going to title this post Better Late than Never, but I think I have at least one other post already titled that.

Olivia designed her own pumpkin this year and made a sweet diagram for me to follow to make the face.  Ethan did most of his himself.  And I loved the smell of the pumpkin. Carter did math homework while all this was going on.

Halloween Alaska style. Yep, we are in full snow mode here.  I lost track of how many times we have done the driveway since Halloween and we are in the single digits all this week.

Here is me loving on Buckwheat. He goes home Tuesday the 22, so I wanted a picture with him!

Carter skiing with me up Hatchers Pass.  This hill is a long slow 1 mile up but a sweet smooth 1 mile down.  

In October we rode the tram to the top of Alyeska (which is opening on November 22 for skiing BTW). I know of no other place on earth where you can sit on the chair lift and see the ocean at the same time.  Beluga whales are often spotted out there in Turnagain Arm.

Olivia was Hermione and Ethan was a Math Teacher.  This is what they look like before they get their snow clothes on.

She's a pretty cute Hermione huh!

And my math teacher.  All the kids said he was the scariest costume they saw all night!

Halloween of course! (and a recipe)

Princess Olivia is full of sparkles in her hair. I still need to get them out for Church this morning.

No snow for Halloween in Alaska! It was cold, but with hand and feet warmers in place the kids got quite a haul. Between the neighborhood and the Trunk or Treat at Church we are not lacking in the candy department.

Ethan the Garden Gnome (not so angry this time). All the grown ups knew what he was and loved his costume.

All 3 in front of the quilt from Nonna in the background.

Champ surveys the neighborhood as the doorbell keeps ringing.

The haul. Including 3 full sized candy bars. But NO FUN DIP!! I didn't see it in the stores even. I do not think they ship to Alaska. So send some for Christmas!

At 5 PM Carter still had no idea what to be, so since I knew he only really needed to dress up his head I put on a wig and some makeup and made him a girl. He looks rather pretty I'd say. He took a look at himself and said he might just get a crush on the girl Carter.

And the recipe for the Spinach Artichoke Cheesy Tortellini:

From Rachael Ray's book Express Lane Meals
1 10 box of frozen spinach
2 TB EVOO
1TB butter
3 garlic cloves chopped
1 small onion chopped
2 TB flour
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1 14 ounce can artichoke hearts drained and chopped
A couple of handfuls grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
salt and pepper
1 pound cheese tortellini

Boil the water for the tortellini

In a deep skillet over medium heat, add the EVOO and butter. Add garlic and onion. Saute for 5 minutes.
Add flour and cook for another minute. Should look like cookie dough.
Whisk in broth and cream
Bring to a low boil stirring constantly so the cream doesn't burn to the bottom
Lower temp and ad salt pepper and nutmeg.

Place the defrosted spinach in a clean towel and wring it dry
Add it to the white sauce separating it as you go.
Stir in artichokes and a couple of handfuls of cheese.

Salt the boiling water and cook tortellini according to package, about 3-5 minutes. Drain well and toss with the sauce.

Serve!