Labor Day

It is always a treat to get to spend an extra day with Marc. :) We decided to make the most of the holiday and take the kids out for a picnic and explore some more of the many hiking trails we have within a few minutes of our house. Peoria really is quite beautiful. We were yearning so much for green landscape when we left Africa and Peoria has not disappointed us. I think there are around eight nature preserves just in the Peoria area.

We decided to try a new area out today called Robinson Park Nature Preserve. We really didn't even make a dent in the hiking trail, but Eli and Hailey had so much fun. They love seeing all the different plants, picking up sticks, and listening to the birds. They seem to be nature lovers as much as we are. Today, I had Eli searching the path for a snake skin. We talked all about snakes and how they shed their skin every few months. We didn't find one but he sure had fun looking!

Hailey was convinced before we left the house she was ready to wear her big girl undies for a full morning out. I kept trying to put her pull-up on her and she would shake her head at me and say, "No pull-wup mommy. Panties!" She did great and was even willing to take a potty break in the great outdoors. :)

We took a picnic lunch (that Marc volunteered to pack all by himself) and enjoyed some PB&J (except I am the only one who likes the "J" part), chips, apples, and grapes after our little hike. I could tell Marc packed the lunch when he threw a bag of Dora fruit snacks at me and said, "I packed us some, too." Ha!

We headed for home after lunch to put the kids down for their nap. I started working on some dinner while Marc went and visited with some family for a little bit. I made Swiss steak and mashed potatoes tonight. Not really a Labor Day meal, but it still tasted good. This was one of my favorite meals growing up. I never actually watched my mom make it, but I have followed the recipe she gave me fairly closely and I think it tastes similar. I started doubling the recipe in the past year because, well, our family just keeps growing in size and appetite. :) This makes enough for us to eat for two nights. I am a big fan of meals that make enough for leftovers the next night or that make enough for me to cook for our family and another family at the same time.

Swiss Steak
Serves 8
2 1/2 lbs. eye of round steaks (1/2" thick cut), trimmed and cut into small pieces
2 green peppers, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 cans of tomatoes
1 small can of tomato sauce
pepper, salt, and garlic powder
flour
oil

Sprinkle the meat pieces with seasonings and coat with flour. Cook meat in large skillet in hot oil until brown on both sides. Remove meat and drain on paper towels. Return meat to skillet. Add in green pepper, onion, tomatoes, and sauce. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 3 hrs. or until meat falls apart with fork (can also be cooked in the crock pot all day on low). We like this with mashed potatoes but you could also serve it over rice.

Happy Labor Day!