Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Date Night Out with Friends

Sunday night Tim and I got a baby sitter and went out on a late Valentine's date with our dear friends Tim and Katie. We had decided we wanted to try some place in Chicago, so I had been doing some research on recommended restaurants when I found out that the day we were planning on going out was the beginning of "Restaurant Week" in chicago. This is where a 160 restaurants in Chicago agree to put out a prix fixe lunch and dinner menu including three courses (appetizer, entree, and dessert). After much research and conversation between Katie and I, Barker ultimately looked at the menu and picked Fornetto Mei. It turned out to be a pretty good deal since just our entree normally would be the same price as our entire three courses ended up being.

It was a nice little romantic place. The food was very tasty, but the portions were small. I think Katie and I were comfortably full, but the boys said they could have eaten some wings afterwards -haha :)

My first course- crab cakes. They were delicious and the sauce had a little kick to it that was amazing!

Tim got the Beef Carpaccio for his first course. It was very interesting as the beef is raw under a bed of arugula, parmesan, and capers.
I got the Lobster and Crab ravioli. It was splendid!

Tim got the pan roasted, dry-aged 8 ounce steer tenderloin. He seemed to really enjoy it.
I got the tiramisu for dessert and Tim got the molten chocolate cake. We were so excited to try them, that I forgot to get pictures ;) But they were divine!
Afterwards, we walked down a few blocks in the snow to grab some coffee at Starbucks. We all just enjoyed catching up on life and discussing vigorously whatever topics came up. It's not often you come across a couple that you mesh with so well. We are so thankful for our dear friends and the past 10 years we have gotten to know them. We value these times as we know soon the Barkers will be going to Boston to help our friend's Dawn and Nate church plant there.
I am pretty sure I am thinking, "What do I do with myself without a 14 month old climbing up onto my lap right now?" Haha - It was so nice to get out just with other adults!
It was definitely a night to remember.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Maddy and Her New Cousin Noah

Tim, Maddy, and I drove to MO last weekend to visit my brother, his wife and their new baby Noah. We had such a wonderful time lazing around, watching the Olympics, playing Mario Wii, and best of all, snuggling the new nephew!

This is Maddy sacked out in her car seat on our way.
It cracked me up that she pulled her blanky over her head ;)
My brother showing the Noah to Maddy.
She was very interested and learned how to say, "baby"
Shannon and the sweet little guy
SMILES - and no wonder - see the Chinese food in the background? YUM!


Maddy playing in Noah's cradle
My brother and his little guy


Tim playing 2 player Wii by himself while holding the baby = talent ;)
Maddy did really love having all of the baby toys to play with!
We forgot how nice it was that newborns sleep wherever they are
We went to their church with them. It was a long drive, but it was worth it.
We had such a nice time seeing them all again!