Monday, July 29, 2013

Rock Climbing

Checking off another item on our Summer Bucket List, Daniel and I redeemed our latest Groupon purchase for a three hour introduction to climbing class at the Boston Rock Gym. Considering I hadn't climbed since high school and Daniel since college, I would say we both picked it up pretty quickly. 




During the class we learned the basics of using the equipment {climbing shoes, a harness, locking carabiner, and belay device etc.} as well as other safe climbing habits including how to safely belay each other and hook yourself in for the climb. 


The gym has several rooms filled with floor to ceiling {there were literally people climbing across the ceiling} climbing walls. Beyond the typical walls there is a room we were shown towards the end of the class called the "Bouldering Room" {pictured below}. Basically, this room is filled with walls that you attempt to climb without a rope {requiring a whole lot of upper body strength that I do not have}.

Part of the Bouldering Room


Daniel's "bouldering" successes! 
...and my attempt ;)

I loved discovering all the fun and unique "rocks" like these red holding hands!

We are both excited that our Groupon included a two week membership to the Boston Rock Gym that we fully plan to use when we return from the beach in a few weeks! ...certainly a hobby we are both considering. 

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Glow Bowling

Daniel and I are always looking for something "different" to do for date night. SO for our most recent date night, we decided to go GLOW BOWLING at the bowling alley here on base!
 

Although neither one of us are very any good at the technical game it was still a fun, flirty night to act immature and let loose, goofing off and dancing under the wonderful ambiance the disco ball provided that we will most defiantly go again! The location {less than a mile from our home} & the price {less than $17 for shoes & two games each} can't be beat! Maybe next time we'll invite some friends & make it a double date.


I am, however, happy to report that both Daniel and I earned a strike or two ...possibly mixed in with the occasional gutter ball. 

 


Any other fun date nights you would recommend? What are some of your favorite spots/things to do?

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Taco Soup

It is no secret that Daniel & I share a LOVE of Mexican food. At least our self-deemed, "American Mexican food" ...tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, salsa, queso - you name it, we'll eat it!

Our most recent addition includes a recipe from my older sister's kitchen - Taco Soup. We love it because It's SO easy, we usually have all of the ingredients on hand AND it's oh so tasty - win, win, win!  

First, gather all of your ingredients. {I usually half the recipe since its only the two of us - that's why there is only one can of chicken breast, instead of two}.

Next, bring 3 cups of water, 1 package of taco seasoning, & 1 chicken bouillon cube to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.

Dump in remaining ingredients, stir and simmer 10 minutes. 

Serve with cheese & tortilla chips AND enjoy.

The other thing I love about this recipe is that it makes MORE than enough to freeze and have again another night.

| TACO SOUP |
Ingredients 
1 package taco seasoning
3 cups water
1 chicken bouillon cube
2 (12.5 oz.) cans chicken breast
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained
1 (14 oz.) can whole kernel corn
Salsa OR fire hot diced tomatoes

Directions
Bring taco seasoning, water, and chicken bouillon to a boil. Reduce heat an simmer 5 minutes. Then add remaining ingredients and simmer 10 minutes.
Serve with grated cheese an tortilla chips.

Friday, July 5, 2013

Fourth of July

To celebrate our Nation's Independence, we invited some of our neighbors & friends over for a laid back, backyard cook-out {check} complete with burgers, fruit salad, homemade lemonade {check} & of course, a friendly game of fish bowl. Check out some of my favorite shots from the day!


Homemade lemonade {check} with Mason jars of course. 

Maybe its the southern girl in me, but I LOVE me some bunting
- the twine, the pattern mixing... gets me every time.
 
 
 

Patriotic fruit {inspired by a Pinterest find here}.

Daniel hard at work, manning his station.
 
The start of so. much. food. YUM.

After the cook-out, a group of us ventured over to a middle school in Lincoln for fireworks {check}. 
 
 
Happy Independence Day from the Langstons!