Low-Country Seafood Boil 2019

Yesterday we hosted a seafood boil for Adam's Birthday.  This meal is always a crowd pleaser -- you cover a table {or 2 if you have a family as big as ours} with newspaper {tip - cover the table in wax paper first} and spread out the food.  Everyone crowds the table and eats like scavenges.  Bonus :: easiest cleanup ever!

I will admit, the guys always cook this meal, but it looks pretty simple! ;)

We fill a turkey fryer with water and bring it to a boil.  Then add Zatarain's crab boil {we cooked 2 pots, so we had 2 boxes of seasoning}.  Add potatoes and Andouille sausage {we cooked 3} for 10 minutes.  Add corn {6-8 ears, cut in half} on the cob and cook until tender {DO NOT OVERCOOK!}  Add jumbo shrimp {5lbs}, crab legs {7 lbs}, crawdads {1lb}, large prawns {1lb} & mussels {1lb} for an additional 5 minutes.  Drain & dump on the table.  {this fed 15 people}

*In previous years we've added blue crab.  While they look cool, we find them to be too much work for the amount of meat you get.  

Science Center 2018

I swore I shared these already, but I can't find it, so maybe I'm just losing my mind! ;)  My sister and her husband bought the kids passes to the Science Center for the year, so we're trying to make use of it as much as we can.  I took my camera with the other day to get a few photos of the kids playing -- unfortunately the lighting in the rooms the kids prefer is pretty crappy. We ran out of time before they closed, but the kids can't wait to get back to the Lego exhibit soon.  On this day we started at the Dinosaur exhibit, went to the marble maze, then the grocery store, and ended at the bubble station. I know I'm a broken record, but I LOVE Christmas gifts like these -- best ever!!  {enjoyable all year, tons of fun for both kids, educational, great for during Iowa winters and summers!}

Tape Des Moines at the Art Center

Last week I took the kids to the Des Moines Art Center to check out the exhibit 'Tape Des Moines' before it leaves {January 21st!}  It's made completely of clear packing tape and you {kids & adults!} can actually crawl through it.  We all had so much fun!  We're members, but it's free for anyone {always}, so I would highly recommend going!  While we were there we also checked out a couple of the other 'tape' exhibits.  There are currently 4 different pieces created by 4 different artists.  You can only crawl through one, but they were all great!  I love when art is fun for kids.  When you're done, stop by there unique gift shop--they always have the coolest things!

mismatched socks, always! Cullyn's Jeans

Some of our favorite LOCAL EVENTS

I've posted in the past about The Berry Patch, Better Homes & Garden Test Garden, Phelps Youth Pavilion, Seven Oaks, Sports Class, Science Center of Des Moines, Glitterazzi, Art Class @ the Des Moines Art Center, Elmo Live, iCubs, Shear Madness, B&B Deli, Triad Tumbling, Zoo Tots, The Ritz, Baconfest, Backyard Adventures, SkyZone, Sculpture Park, Zoo Tunes, Iowa State Fair 2012, Iowa State Fair 2013, Iowa State Fair 2014, Tubing at SevenOaks in Boone, Free Little Libraries, Jumpin Jacks, and tons of local Christmas Activities.  I've briefly mentioned the farmer's market {which is a pretty big deal here} few concert and shows, and tons of restaurants, but there are so many places we've been and things we've experienced around this city that I haven't even mentioned.

*None of these places have any clue who I am or what this little blog is.  I pay for our entrance/membership like any other customer and blog only my honest opinions.