Birthday party fun!

As the rest of the world was waking up to the day after Christmas, we were waking up to Jamie's birthday!!! And what a big day it was. There was a sign, a dinner party, and lots of good food. More on the food in a moment, but Jamie's big gift was a new iPod Touch. We have an old first generation touch and while it's awesome, Apple has kicked it to the curb. Jamie can no longer get new games as the OS is no longer being updated. What's a guy to do? The new one is faster and shinier and has cameras and all sorts of fun things. It's as close to an iPhone as this family will ever get. Jamie even wrapped it in paper towel until today when his new case arrived. That's how much he loves it! Too funny.

For the celebratory dinner we had a few friends over and made a Jamie inspired feast: pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw, beans, turtle pie, and pretzels. While everything was delicious and all housemade, the real find was the pretzels. I've since made them again and will surely be making them one more time tomorrow. Maybe even next week. They're that good and so easy. I have a new favorite recipe now!

 First you shape the dough. You can also make twists or sticks or bites. It doesn't matter.

 Then you prep the baking soda boil and ...

 let the pretzels go for a 30 second swim. This is where the magic happens, or so I read.

 Follow with a little egg wash and salt sprinkle.

After 12 minutes in a 450 degree oven, this is what comes out. Seriously, get yourself to the kitchen and make these. You will not be disappointed. Apply a light layer of grainy mustard and you'll be in heaven in no time. Pop in the toaster next day, and it's like they're fresh from the oven. Will report on our cinnamon and sugar attempts later this week.

Just because we're on vacation doesn't mean we don't get down to business and work some times. After recently discovering hiking -- who knew it was so much fun and so much fun with your dog -- Riddle was in need of a little haircut. She a master at picking up burrs and ticks. Not good. Now she's back to her puppy cut and ready for the hills.

Here's master groomer Jamie with his grooming rig. Riddle is a very good girl while getting her haircut, but she sure looks sad in this pic.

Here's to a Happy New Year. 2011 has been lovely. See you in 2012, the fifth year of WTC! We'll have a party soon.

m&j&r