Birthday Celebration

The birthday boy and I had a lot of fun together yesterday!

Per Craig’s requst: Greek Yogurt Pancakes.

The pancakes were topped with banana slices, almond butter, and chia seeds. Two pieces of turkey bacon on the side.

The silly birthday boy!

Make a wish!

I went on an 8-mile run while the birthday boy was still snoozing. It was a really good run, but it was ICY!! I really had to slow down my pace in fear of falling.

Here’s my plate of pancakes.

I was being indecisive about what toppings to put on my pancakes, so I loaded them all on: Greek yogurt, pumpkin, Crofter’s jam, and pumpkin butter!! Oh, so good!

Does anyone know if it works to freeze leftover pumpkin puree after you open the can? I did that with some pumpkin, but it did not taste good!

Craig’s presents were in three parts. This is part one: some of this favorite snacks–Dots, gummi bears (to be added to ice cream, which Craig loves doing!), and dark chocolate.

I also got him a new brown belt and a new black belt. Since he’s lost about 40 pounds, he needs some new belts!

And the third part was some cash and a card.

After showers and getting spiffed up, we headed to our favorite coffee shop: Kaladi Brothers Coffee.

Espressos + cribbage

My order: 8 oz. decaf creme de menthe Americano with room.

The birthday boy looking all swank!We learned how to play cribbage this summer and really enjoy the game now! Craig won the first game, and I won the second.

Since it was after 1:00 p.m., our bellies were in need of food. Next stop: Bear Tooth Grill.

The Bear’s Tooth is a local favorite and a high recommendation if you are traveling in the area. Love the atmosphere!

We split the caesar salad.

I ordered the zucchini and toasted corn build-your-own-tacos. I’ve never had them before, but they were way good!

I got a boatload of toppings: plate #1 with cilantro rice, refried black beans, the zucchini and corn mixture, plus a few roasted peppers and onions.

Plate #2: guacamole, pico de gallo, and lettuce.

And under this plate was the dish of four flour tortillas.

I had two tacos. I loved being able to put how much (or how little) of the toppings I wanted on my tacos. Craig ordered the Turkey Club, but it disappeared before the camera got a picture.

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After filling our stomachs with delicious food, we did some shopping:

– Costco (to get a few essentials)

– Toys ‘R Us (for the kid at heart my husband is)

– Michael’s (for the some crafts for the crafty husband)

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Dinner

Craig loveslovesloves pizza and he loveslovesloves Indian food, so why not combine them together?!!?

When I first saw Emily‘s creation for Indian Pizzas, I knew I had to make this for Craig!

Pizza #1: Naan + Indian Garam Masala Pizza Sauce + homemade paneer cheese

I have a recipe for naan that I love, so I used that one! (It can be found here.)

I was going to add mango to this pizza, but the mango I had bought at the grocery store wasn’t ripe yet. (bummer!)

Pizza #2: naan + Spicy Spinach Curry Sauce + homemade paneer cheese. Both pizzas were excellent! I loved the fusion of flavors!

I was a little intimidated when I first saw the post because I thought it was going to be difficult and labor intensive, but that was not the case at all! Yes, it did take time, but it went relatively quick.

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To top off the night, we watched a favorite of Craig’s: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Actually, Craig loves all/any of the Harry Potter movies, but he hadn’t seen the most recent one, so that’s what he decided to watch last night.

I think the movies are okay. I have read the books (except for the last one), and I like the books way better. (Craig has not read the books.)

So that concludes our recap of the day. It was a good one, and I think year number 26 is going to be a good one for Craig as well!