Review:2012/Date Night

Here's the online synopsis of the movie:

Apocalyptic sci-fi thriller following the prophecy stated by the ancient Mayan calendar, which says that the world will come to an end on December 21, 2012. When a global cataclysm thrusts the world into chaos, divorced writer and father Jackson Curtis (John Cusack) joins the race to ensure that humankind is not completely wiped out.

Nicolle's online review of the movie:

It was just OKAY. So-so, eh, alright, something to do, a GREAT way to get out of the house and away from the kids!

I have to say, I think I over-expected too much-which in my old age I have learned everything is about expectations. This movie was a little too long ( 2 1/2 hours), and very over the top. Keith and I were actually laughing out loud when we really shouldn't have been. I mean, it's not polite to laugh when plastic surgeons are trying to fly planes and lift them off the ground that is eating itself and millions of other people, right?

Keith and I enjoyed it because we were on a date and eating happily at the Studio Movie Grill. We also enjoyed an evening of dinner and drinks at Maggiano's followed by a stop at Albert and Debbie's place for Debbie's 40th birthday party!!

We were in celebration of our dating anniversary (which I still make Keith celebrate, but hey he didn't mind when he found out it was a night off), 16 years ago today!!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY KEITH!

Apple-Turkey Wrap Recipe

Disclaimer: This didn't go over so well with the kids, and the picture is not accurate, but I tried this new recipe for a turkey-apple wrap and is was de-lish!!

Ingredients:
• Tortillas
• Honey mustard
• Apples
• Turkey
• Cheese
• Lettuce

I kept mine really simple because the boys like "cleaner" foods, and it was yummy. Just spread honey mustard on the tortilla, put layer of lettuce (I used Romain-more nutrients), cut up apples, turkey and cheese and layer in.

Quick and easy and no more than 150 calories!!

Bounce House Rental

Kolbe's birthday party was a lot of fun, and went fairly well considering it was the first kids' party we had ever had at our house.

Pirate theme, hunting for gold, hot dogs in buns made to look like pirate ships...and the best part...CAKE!

I have to say, I was VERY impressed with the bounce house we rented and the place we used. I found it online, and you didn't have to talk to anyone (which was a little unsettling but their emails were excellent). You plug in your zip code, order, they give you all the details.

On that day, the bounce house arrived at the exact time slot they said, and we had it ALL day...we're talking 11 hours. They came and took it down within 15 minutes and it was perfect! All for only $87!! You can't get much better than that!

Here is the link to the place, we would definitely use them again!

JUMP FOR FUN

Review: Russo's New York Pizzeria

This is my new favorite pizza place!! Ever since Pappa's (which was once Chicago's in Addison off Beltline) closed, I have been on the hunt for a replacement...this is it!

Sara and I tried this several months back, and I have been there many times since. Ginormous New York style slices, great atmosphere and pizzas 5 times the size of my head. Perfection.

You can get a slice and a salad (as many toppings as you can come up with) for $6.99.

Who wants to go with me again?

Locations

Hasenauer Family Reunion

Back in August, there was a Hasenauer Family Reunion up in Pennsylvania that quite a few of us went to. It was a wonderful trip.

My grandfather, Mom, sister and Kolbe flew up early on Friday morning and my Aunt, Uncle and cousin drove it, so we all made it in Friday afternoon. Lots of family there that picked us up and we were able to spend hours visiting. We stayed at my cousins' house.

The actual reunion was that Saturday, and we spent pretty much all day there. They had rented a pavilion and the set up was comfortable and low-key, perfect weather. TONS of food and a potluck style. I couldn't get over how much food was there, but was not surprised, since everything up there is planned around meals. =) It was greatly organized, with lots of information on the family, lineage, name tags, pictures, etc. I met a lot of new people and got to visit with those already known.

The most exciting thing (to me), is that we were getting a 5 GENERATION picture. My great-grandfather, my grandfather, my Mom, me and my son! How often are people able to do that? We have been able to get 4-generation pictures quite a few times (shown is one over 20 years ago), but the 5-generation is really unique.

We spent Sunday and Monday site seeing and visiting. Roadside America, shopping and more eating! It was a wonderful trip and I'm glad Kolbe was able to experience it!