My Family Birthday and a recipe!!

I realize this is the third post about my birthday this year, so perhaps I will avoid posting about the other two birthday celebrations. :) I had a little get-together at my house for family, and was lucky enough to invite my sister and her family to join us, since she's just moved 30 minutes away (after being like 6 hours away FOREVER!!)

Boring pics, only family will love!!

Me, yacking it up!!


Alexander (my nephew) and William playing with some silly glasses.


The whole gang! well, mostly. Terah, Mikey and Audrey on the couch, and Carey and Evelyn on the floor.


Aldous and his cousin Zachary.


Aldous checking the birthday cake: Almost done!!


Alexander and both boys. They LOVED playing with their cousins!!


Alexander and William playing ball outside.


Baby Audrey!


Me and sweet Audrey!! <3


The chow line!! At the head, Evelyn, then Carey's daughter Ashley, and then her friend Raven.


Singing happy birthday and blowing out the candles. 20 years old, can you believe it??


Some of the food: spice cake with cream cheese frosting, grapes and strawberries, and french fries.



barbeque grilled chicken, salad with special dressing, made up at the last second. Shared below.



The roasted vegetables, before roasting. We also had rolls, which didn't get in any of the pictures.


Terah and Audrey


Me with all the babies and


Mikey, Aldous and Doug tending the grill.


Mikey and Audrey


Doug, with Ashley and Raven in the back ground.


Motley Crew (or Crue?? I dunno...)



More cooking!!!


Silly William!!



mmmm, yummy cake!!


Zachary and Audrey



Jacki's Birthday Salad Dressing

1/2c evoo,

1/4c canola,

1/2c balsamic vinegar,

1/4c raspberry jam (seedless, of course),

1T Dijon mustard,

sea salt and black pepper

combine in blender until emulsified. YUM!! Keeps well w/o separating.