Peach Tomato Caprese Salad

This was one of the recipes Jennifer and I made while she was visiting.  

Peach Tomato Caprese Salad

8 oz. fresh mozzarella, sliced

2 peaches, cut into wedges

3 heirloom tomatoes, sliced (we used cherry tomatoes, sliced)

Basil leaves

3 Tbsp. lemon juice

1 Tbsp. pesto

1 tsp. honey

salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

Balsamic glaze for drizzling on top of the salad  (I really like Bertolli balsamic glaze)

In a small bowl whisk together the lemon juice, honey, salt and pepper.  Taste for seasoning and adjust or set aside. 

On a large serving platter, arrange the slices of tomato, mozzarella, peaches and basil leaves.  Drizzle the pesto vinaigrette over the salad.  Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or aged balsamic vinegar.   (we obviously just tossed it all in a bowl and stirred together.  It was still tasty!)  :) 

Jennifer and Laura time

June 20-23

I took my own 'staycation' when Jennifer visited.  We always have big plans for her visits... cook a lot of food, watch a lot of movies, float in the pool, visit and enjoy some wine.  Happily, we managed to all of these things!  :D  I sure do miss having Jennifer living closer.  Thankful for the time we get together.  

June 20

On this day we were making an Orzo salad with asparagus and shrimp.  Pretty good.

Then we ran down to visit Daddy for a bit.  That is always a good plan.  :) 

Jennifer and I were on our way to the pool when the fellas returned home with more materials for the pool deck.  I may have commented on how hot it was - which definitely got a rise out of Jackson.  :D  Yup... he was not wrong... he was much hotter than we were (once we were in the pool!  ha!)  

I took this photo and only later realized that
Jennifer had her book balanced on her head.  :D 

After enjoying some relaxing time in the pool floating and reading we sat on the patio for a bit before supper.  Dear Jonathan and Goose were out walking and we got to visit a bit. 

Goose is such a pretty boy!

June 21

After taking our family photos, I got a few snapshots of these cousins.  So great to see them all together again. 

Jonathan, Jennifer and Jackson 

sure do love these three!

in the afternoon we were back out at the pool!

We took this selfie and loved that Marvin was in the background...
still working!!!!

June 22 

Jennifer and I went to get pedicures and manicures at Elevated Salon, owned by my friend, Joelean.  She has such a beautiful and relaxing salon.  Arielle did our nails and she was wonderful - we loved the experience and I will be back! 

June 23

This was Jennifer's last full day here.  I was already sort of mourning her leaving.  Oh how I wish she still lived closer to us.  We went down to visit with Daddy again.  He feels the same way I do! 

We got into the pool before 2:00 pm on this day and hung out there for hours!  It was glorious.  Dear Marvin was working but wisely took a long break in the afternoon because the heat was overwhelming.  Truly, the pool was the only decent place to be.  

We were airdropping our photos to each other at the end of the day... all of us so tired but not really wanting to say goodnight and end Jennifer's last day of vacation here.  These two have been thick as thieves since Jonathan was a toddler.  Love them so much.  

Monday, June 19

June 19, 2023

Madeera had to leave to return home Monday morning.  We were sorry to see her go so soon and are already looking forward to her next visit.  :)  Mav came over to hang out for the day.  Mav is fascinated with tattoos and Jennifer has some really cool ones.  In the photo below he was literally trembling with excitement and joy looking at her tattoos.  :D  

Madeera, Jennifer, Maverick, Jonathan, Marvin, Jackson 

Madeera, Jennifer, Maverick, Jonathan, Marvin, Jackson

Madeera, Jennifer, Maverick, Jonathan, Marvin, Laura

Madeera and Jennifer

Madeera, Jennifer, and Laura

Mav and I dropped by Daddy's house later that morning and he immediately wanted to play with the phones there.  

He especially loves to talk on the old fashioned phone.  

I'm talking on the first phone and until the beeping gets too loud, we continue.  :D 

Mav is quite a conversationalist!  :D 

Then he checked out Grandpa's exercise bicycle.  :D 

Mav definitely has his circuit of things to check out and play with in Grandpa's house.  :) 

Back home and Mav and I are making paper airplanes together. 

Then Mav was showing Jennifer his sword and shield.  I could probably find photos of Jennifer with Jonathan and that very same sword and shield.  :) 

Maverick wanted a jello-fruit snack and got one for Jennifer, too.  He was so sweet and wanted to share.  Turns out Jennifer hates jello!  ha!  Who knew!  :D  She managed to hide it pretty well, though.  

Then Mav was sharing his water bottle with her and had to show her how to open it to drink from.  Cute all around.  :) 

see, you open it like this  :) 

Jennifer and I made these cucumber sandwiches and I am in love!  This dip is so easy and soooooooooo good! The best cucumber sandwich I have ever had!  The spread could easily be eaten as a dip with any fresh veggies, too.  Will make this over and over!

Maverick joined us in the pool - he had a blast.  What a little cutie pie. 

He is all about the job of getting the bugs out of the water.  :) 

Grandma and Mav

:D

Hello Marvin!

kicked back and relaxing

Jackson was backing the tractor in to park for the evening.  He had been moving the big round bales and would honk the horn when he went by as Maverick would wave at him.  So sweet.  Jackson is such a good Daddy and Maverick absolutely adores him.  

Marvin is still working.  Unending.  What a guy. 

time to go home sweet Mav!

Your Dad is here!  

Mav liked his new Spiderman beach towel. 

heading for home...

June 19