Family Swim Time!!!

We had my side of the family over for dinner and a swim last night. It was a totally a relaxing and enjoyable time together as family. My brother, as you know, is a chef instructor at the culinary school in Pasadena and whenever he cools we are just thrilled. He made 3 courses and all had a wine pairing with them. Kevin made appetisers and dessert and those were lovingly prepared as well. Brad and Amy live on a farm and they grow and sell tomatoes and other organic produce to many high end restaurants and markets in our area. The tomatoes are 100% amazing-- something most have never tasted-- phenomenal is all I can say about them. Anyway, Kevin made a high end grilled cheese for an app. It was three layers of bread and awesome mozzarella buttered with a sprig of fresh rosemary through the center. They were grilled on the barbecue and were awesome. He also made some yummy chicken wing thing that I am not doing justice to by calling them that but they were great!!! He also made a basil/ lemon gimlets as an alcoholic starter beverage-- awesome!! The Brad took over. Out first course was tomato salad with red onion, olive oil and basil. The second course was tomato bisque with crustini on top-- holy cow was it amazing!!! Dinner was A roast of sorts with an awesome demiglaze with baby carrots and a fresh corn and cabbage mixture that has a name but I cant remember what it was called. The corn/ cabbage thing was literally the best thing I have eaten in weeks. I saved some and had some this afternoon. Just awesome!!! Then for dessert Kevin made a flourless chocolate cake with berry reduction and fresh whipped cream. The kids had my chocolate chip cookies. The whole night was perfect with lots of great conversation and lively political discussion. A perfect night!!!

Before dinner we all (well all the men and girls) swam. Here are some great pictures.

The men and kids swimming. That is my dad and bother with Kev.

Daddy and Mia having fun!!

Daddy throwing Owen into the pool-- one of their favorite things to do when swiiming. They fly so high!!

And off he goes!!

Now Ethan's turn.

And off he flies!!

Brad and Savannah. I love the look on Savannah's face-- too cute!!

Savannah blowing bubbles. Savannah was born 2 days before we came home from China so she is just over 7 months younger than Mia. They love playing together!

Papa and his boys-- minus Christian- he was doing back flips off the side of the pool at the time.

And what would a party be without chicken fights???

Mia getting in on the chicken action.

This is the funniest picture. A 3 tiered Chicken fight!!!

Just far too cute!!!

A 2 on 3 chicken fight!!

Floating along!

Haileyanna jumping off the side of the pool.

Papa and Savannah!

We had a blast and hope to do it again soon. At this rate is is still hot as can be so we have quite a bit of swim time left. Hope you all had a great weekend.