The Last Week of (J's) Summer

It's hard to believe that Jordan started medical school this week. (It's "just" orientation, and he isn't exactly thrilled about it, but I personally LOVE orientation and am thinking he's probably having a grand time. Class officially starts next week Monday.) Our last week "together" as two unemployed young people frolicking carefree in a new city was a little more low-key, but still busy in true Betsy-fashion. (And possibly even Larson-fashion...there were times when I wanted to stay home and J wanted to go out!) (This was also the week that I did Vacation Bible School on base...so it may not seem like we did a lot, but for 3 days I was driving 30-45 mins - one way - to spend time with a wonderful group of 3rd and 4th graders!)

Philly Time

Jordan's all-time favorite sandwich is philly cheesesteak. He loves those things. You can about imagine how excited he was to go here. He got the biggest thing on the menu: The Monster. ($10.99) Yes. It's as huge as it sounds. Triple rib eye steak, sautéed onions, green peppers and mushrooms served with melted Swiss American cheese and cream cheese...he asked how many calories it had, out of curiosity, and they said they don't count them, but that cheese alone is 300-400. Holy goodness. I opted for a cheeseburger ($3.79) and fries (free fries and drink on Thursday nights when you order The Monster - lucky me!). It felt like a burger night to me, and it was delicious. We'd go back here, it's only a short drive from our apartment.

Friends!

Josh and Audrey, our friends from Texas, came over for an evening swim. Audrey and I had Strawberry Beer...I wish I could remember what brand this was. It was a beer I actually liked!! Jordan would know, I'm sure. Josh and Jordan had a true man drink: scotch. Yick. Not for me! But they seemed to enjoy it. We walked up to the front pool and sat in the hot tub, even though it was still in the 90s (at 9pm at night). Felt awesome to get into the cool pool after that.

A few nights later, we went over to Josh and Audrey's for a home-cooked meal and a rousing game of Settlers of Catan! (You know it's a serious board game when there's an entire website devoted to ONE board game.) Audrey spoiled us with breaded chicken breast, cheesy mashed potatoes, leafy salad with walnuts, feta and more with a vinaigrette dressing, and zucchini. And for dessert...creme brulee. My fav. (I couldn't believe my luck: creme brulee TWICE this month - Chandra and Audrey, you are the BEST.) 

Family!

Grandpa and Grandma (on mom's side) were here for the weekend, staying with Pat and Kathy on base. G&G, uncle Pat and aunt Kathy and cousins Mary and Greta came over for lunch after watching Brave at the theater. We had sandwiches, salad and the aforementioned "yeller" watermelon. Kathy and Greta also helped us finish the 750-piece puzzle we'd been working on...thank goodness!! 

Weston, MO

Can you tell we LOVE this little town? Weston's parents were in town, so Weston & Nicole and Larry & Leah and Jordan & I went out for the evening. We started off with wine-tasting at Pirtle (and Jordan splurged on a bottle of Mead wine) and then to the cigar shop for the guys to have cigars. Around 8pm we headed over to O'Malley's for dinner - Jordan got The O'Malley (Their Signature sandwich slathered with Corned Beef, Swiss Cheese and Marinated Slaw on grilled Marble Rye Bread with Spicy Brown Mustard, offered with a mound of Pub Fries 9.99) and I got the Chicken Salad Sandwich (the House Specialty, original recipe. Served with lettuce and tomato on a flaky croissant, accompanied with fries 9.99). Jordan looooved his sandwich, but mine sounded better than it was, I did love the salty Pub fries though. The coolest part of the night was going to the Pub - there's a $5 cover charge on Saturday night because there's Irish bands playing in the two different pubs. It's housed 55 feet underground in five stone cellars that were built in the 1800's when the brewery first opened. The cellars were originally used to lager and chill the beer. It was pretty awesome. Now you all definitely want to come down and have a pint with us. Check your calendars and make your plans!