Australia Day

Did ya'll realize what yesterday was? January 26th people. That means it was Australia Day. It's the day that the British first landed in Sydney years ago...or the day that Aussies celebrate just what it means to be an Aussie. Usually that involves some kind of BBQ, libation, and beach/footy combination. Two years ago, we experienced our first Australia Day (in the land down under). If you've been with us from the beginning, you may remember this post. One of the originals.

That day we made a deal: we will celebrate the 26th of January every year, regardless of the circumstances :). Last year, we had a small (last-minute) gathering because we almost forgot (terrible, I know) the special day....

This year we decided that we needed to be a bit more planned. We had our families over (as well as Ashley & Patty - two girls I mentor through Younglives) and had an evening of Aussie food, fellowship, and some Wii (compliments of the Greens - thank you!).

Here is Ashley mashing the potatoes (yes, I did tell her she could sit down :) - she was in her groove though, and they turned out great - she's a pro!)

Here are the guys "bowling". After three rounds, someone (Aaron) finally beat Patty. I think it was only because we made her start closing her eyes.

You may have wondered about my cooking goals. Yes, I have been making something new each week. I made a wonderful tortellini soup and then tackled two new recipes (and 3 old ones) for the party. The new ones? Australian meat pie (yes, I attempted to decorate the top like an Australian flag)

& chocolate steamed pudding (kind of cheating - since it's not truly Australian, but I paired it with this delicious sticky date pudding that I got from my friend, Donna, in the land down under). I forgot to take a pic of the puddings until it was a bit too late. You're probably thinking...sticky date what? But it is delicious, I tell you. Especially drizzled with a little extra caramel sauce.

That's it for now. Happy belated Aussie Day everyone!!!