Back From Aruba!

We're back (unfortunately)!

This was my view every day for the last week...

Ugh, and I miss it so much!! We did absolutely nothing for a full
6 1/2 days, and it was wonderful! We really enjoyed Aruba's awesome breeze. The food was indescribable (but pricey) too! We would lay out, either in the sun (which didn't last very long), or under our palapa in the shade every day. We both came home with pretty good tans. We enjoyed the swimming pool & lazy river, and thoroughly enjoyed a virgin strawberry daiquiri here & there (they're much sweeter without alcohol- plus, that's something you really don't need while out in the super hot sun).

I took fewer pics on this trip than I think I ever have on a vacay
(I sound like a spoiled brat here, but it's just nowhere near as beautiful as Maui), but I will post some of them soon. Zach took some good sunset shots too. We ended up with just one pic of us for the entire trip, but that's ok. We have tons more from other trips, and we're already talking about another Disney trip. :)

We both loved our little break from reality. A break from work, housework and (probably most importantly) a break from connections. The internet is a great way to keep in touch, but we all seem to use it as a crutch nowadays. It is always there, within arms' reach, so it's always nice to set it aside for a while. Breaks from Facebook are one of my favorite things about our weekends. This vacation was like one long, sunny, fun, relaxing weekend.

So, the week before we left, I wanted to use up & cook food we already had, since we made it a point to not go to any store (grocery store or Wal-Mart) that week- and we actually did it! I tried this recipe, and we LOVED it! I know it couldn't have compared to some of the Greek food that Zach has had before- he is half Greek, has been to Greece once, and his Papou (grandfather) lived right next to an awesome, authentic Greek restaurant. But, it was still very good.

I got the recipe from this site, and (in typical Ashley fashion) tweaked it a little.

-Greek Oven Potatoes-

- 5-6 potatoes (I didn't peel them)

- 1/2 cup olive oil

- juice from 2 lemons

- 1/2 cup chicken broth

- salt/pepper to taste

- 1 tsp. oregano

Peel potatoes (I didn't), cut (I'll also cut bigger chunks instead of strips next time). Coat with olive oil, lemon juice & chicken broth. Sprinkle with salt, pepper & oregano. I also added a pinch of garlic powder in there- we love that stuff! Toss to coat. Put in roasting pan/deep baking dish, and roast at 400 degrees for about an hour. I also saw one other recipe where you can roast at 450 for about 40 minutes, but I think the lower the temp. & the longer you cook them, the more tender & flavorful they are.

I got a little camera happy while making these (I was simultaneously preparing these for the oven & painting top coats on my rooster table), so here goes...

Ingredients

Potatoes with salt & pepper

Coated with juices & oregano

 Right out of the oven

Our yummy plate of baked flounder, potatoes & lima beans

I hope everyone has a great weekend! I have been washing clothes like a mad woman these past couple of days, but we came home to a clean house, so that's one less thing I have to do now.

I guess we will spend our weekend resting & spending time with our doggies. We missed them so much while we were gone! It's so much fun to go to the vet & pick them up when we get back. They're always super sweet & cuddly the first day or so, but then they're back to their normal selves (Daisy being mischievous & Cosmo being nonchalant).

Life is good right now in the Jones household. :)