Double Dinners

We haven't had a Sunday supper in FOREVER!  When I looked at the calendar and realized we didn't have a single supper gathering in May I was really disappointed.  But I guess that just shows how incredibly busy the month of May was around here!  This weekend we're trying to make up for all the suppers we've been too busy for this month by hosting two.

Saturday night Gabe invited his friend Doug (the guy he co-drove for in the rally last month), his wife and 6 year old son for dinner.  Levi was thrilled to have another big kid to play with and the boys spent most of the evening using the stair railing as a ramp for race cars to jump from.  For dinner Gabe smoked a pork loin with apple wood chips on the Bar-B-Que.  It had a really nice smoky flavor!

I made a southwest black bean salad from here.  It was really good.  Here's the recipe:

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 ears corn, kernels removed

1 15-oz can black beans, rinsed

1 tomato, cored, seeded and chopped

3 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced

2 scallions, sliced thinly

3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)

1 1/2 teaspoons canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, minced

1/2 teaspoon honey

1 avocado, pitted, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces

In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium heat then add the corn and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown, stirring frequently.  Transfer the corn to a large bowl and combine with the beans, tomato and parsley.  

In a small bowl, whisk together the scallions, lime juice, chipotle, honey, 1 tablespoon oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.  Pour over the salad and gently mix to coat.  Add the avocado, folding gently to incorporate, then season to taste with salt and pepper before serving.  

I really like the chipotle chiles in it.  Prefect amount of spice!

Tonight we hosted a dinner party/game night for my sister and Travis.  My mom took care of all the food. My Grandma Berke flew into town last night and my Grandpa and Grandma Girard came over too.  So it really was almost the whole family.  We were able to play a big game of Bunco and enjoy time with family we don't get to see nearly as much as we want to.  Thank goodness for special events that draw family together!

The looser table

The winner table

Balloons aren't just party decorations.  They are also used for play fights!

I have to put this one on too.  It's my favorite picture of Levi from Enzo and Finn's birthday party on Sunday morning.  Love the mid-air jump Levi is showing off.  He loved that bouncy house and didn't want to leave.