The Weekend Daily: Hunger Games and such

I was really, really lucky to see an Advanced Screening of The Hunger Games on Wednesday. Two days before it came out! Two days!
I couldn't believe that I would be walking around, like a normal person, knowing I had seen The Hunger Games before most of the country. I could hardly contain myself.
Since I have seen it I have read a lot of reviews from websites and blogs, mostly positive with some criticism, but overall quite good.
I agree with most of what I have read---the movie was fantastic! Yes, it lacked some of the elements that made the book so rich, all the same---it was a strong portrayal of the book.
There were some scenes from the book that I missed seeing in the movie, but only because I think that someone watching the movie without reading the book would be confused. I think there were a lot of implications in the movie-- betting that a majority of viewers would have read the book already.
All in all--I loved it. Movies are never as good as the books, but this one came pretty darn close. Most of all, the books and the movie have encouraged reading and thoughtfulness in young people {and adults} everywhere! It's hard to deny the benefit there.
Anyhoo...here is a picture of me, in my best Katniss inspired outfit.

See that Mockingjay pin? Dan had it overnighted to me just so I could wear it to the screening! What a guy.... 

We kinda counted this as our date night too. It was great. We only had to wait in line about an hour, but it was all fun. We ate hot dogs and nachos and got some cool free swag. 

Other than that, we hung around this weekend, ran some errands, watched some TV, ate at Furr's Cafeteria {throw back time, big time!} and relaxed with this little girl....

Have you seen The Hunger Games? Whatcha think of it???

The Weekend Daily: Visitor Style!

This weekend, Dan's mom visited! We had a great time just going around town, shopping and eating. Riley also had a vacation of sorts---she went to Doggie Day Camp at Petsmart! {highly recommended--she loved it!}

Some photos from our weekend. Come again soon, Cathy!

Above: We found some great deals here. And some unique items too. See below:

I also picked up some really delish cranberry juice and drank the whole bottle in 1.5 days!

Riley had a little adventure herself this weekend. She went to Doggie Day Camp at PetsMart and let me tell you, this place is a Godsend! She plays all day, eats doggie ice cream and can even watch doggie themed tv shows. Best of all, she gets lots of play time with other dogs at the camp. I especially love that she gets to interact with other dogs--I want her to be well socialized and not scared/mean to other dogs she sees. Another bonus? When she gets home she is TIRED. Sleeps through the entire night! Woo hoo!

We also took a quick trip to our favorite little shaved ice spot and snapped these really flattering shots....
Just a note: If we have that slightly crazed look in our eyes it's only because it took a few shots to get us  both in the shot.

We had a great weekend! Lots of fun and time with family is always nice! Last night, as we were relaxing at home I snapped the below shot of one our beautiful Arizona sunsets.

The Weekend Daily: We ate our way through.

This weekend seemed to be made of food. We were busy, but no matter what, food seemed to be involved. Truthfully, pretty much perfect. Unless you're a calorie/carb counter....ahem. 

First off, we went to a fajita cook-off for my brother in-law's law school program at ASU. It was at a local park in Tempe and the day could not have been more perfect. Warm and sunny. 

The cook-off was great! There were 11 groups competing, all cooking fajitas and various toppings. One table even had catfish ceviche! The great thing about this event was that you could eat all you wanted, and then vote in the end. My entire family went, including our good friends too!

Above: Like I said, perfect weather. 

Above: My fajita plate......

Above: Dan's fajita plate. Let's just say I enjoy the spice!  *Of note: the fry bread featured in the picture above was perfection fried.*

Above: My Dad and my sister Molly..... contemplating their vote via their tummies. :) 

After the fajita cook-off we stopped by my a garden party fundraiser for my mom's choir group and then headed home for a relaxing night.

Sunday we enlisted the help of a great friend and her truck to help us clean out our last storage unit and then headed home to cook some food for a little Oscar viewing party at my parent's house. 

On the way we stopped by our favorite donut shop to pick up Texas Kolache. Basically, a cheesy hot dog wrapped in a baked croissant-like dough. So wonderful. I almost didn't post this picture because it was taken in the car, mid bite and came out blurry, but then, I decided it was an action shot. 

For the Oscar party I made homemade pizza with whole wheat crust and sugar-free {almost} donuts. 

Hope your weekend was delicious too!