Birch Aquarium

I love these two.

Last weekend we had the pleasure to visit the Birch Aquarium at Scripps UCSD.  It was a perfect place for to take a toddler. We just let him run free and there was much to distract him from running off.  Maksim visited each aquarium exhibit on his own and pointed, oohed and ahhed, at the wild life that swam by. Everything there was bright, colorful and simply stunning.  We saw tropical fish, sharks, seahorses to name a few.  We had fun with many of the interactive exhibits (though some of us got wet) and even got to touch a starfish.  I really love how the photos turned out above but they really do not do this place justice.  You have to go for yourself!  I highly recommend visiting the Birch Aquarium whether you have kids or not.  You won't regret it! 

Love,

First Gen Fam

Little Locks

Before and After. Now he looks a tad more sophisticated, mu-ha-ha!

Haircut in process.

When I see a little mullet growing in on Maksim I know it's time for a haircut.  We headed to Little Locks in La Jolla again for his second haircut.  We asked for Melissa because she was so fast and patient when we brought him in for his first cut.  She is like Edward Scissor Hands, she works with some crazy speed.  I can't rave more about Little Locks. They are a kid hair salon with a toy boutique in the front and its just utterly adorable. While you wait kids can play with the train table in front and toys around the boutique. Kids can pick the type of chair they want to sit in whether is a red race car (Maksim's fav) or a four runner. I come prepared with plenty of fun snacks for Maksim so he sits still. Surprisingly he was soooo good.  I kid you not.  I don't think he would ever just sit there for me like he did for Melissa.  He watched Little Einsteins on the flat screen above, played with the steering wheel of the car, and ate the raisins I gave him.  He even didn't mind when she started using the buzz cutter.  He really amazes and surprises me sometimes. Maybe he likes getting pampered like his Mama. The new haircut is really cute and makes him look much older.  Great experience and we will be back in a couple months.

Love,

First Gen Fam

Turkey Lasanga

I wanted to take a break and put up one of my favorite recipes for Turkey Lasagna. It can easily be replaced by beef or even made veggie.

I like the idea of making everything from scratch, but really?  Who has the time?  With a full time job, a toddler and being pregnant there is just no way that is going to happen. I am a big believer in semi-homemade cooking (not to steal Sandra Lee's thunder or anything). It's quick and produces a result that is tasty and I ask those to try figure out what ingredients are not from scratch!  This lasagna is a perfect example of semi-homemade, its not hard to make but it does require a good amount of time for prep and layering in my opinion.  Initially it takes a lot of time but with all the leftovers you'll save time on making dinner on nights after.  The end result is one heavy dish (wouldn't want to drop it my foot) and its super yum-o.

Turkey Lasagna
1 lb ground turkey
1 package lasagna noodles
1 large chopped brown onion
5 diced garlic cloves
1 - 16oz pkg mozzarella shredded cheese
1 - 16oz tube of ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
1 egg
1 diced tomato
1 can of pasta sauce (pick your fav flavor we love garlic)
10 fresh rough chopped basil leaves
1 tbsp italian seasoning
salt and pepper to taste

1. Preheat oven to 425.
2. Boil water and cook lasagna noodles according to instructions.  When done lay them flat on a towel to cool.
3. Heat a large pot or skillet on med-high and add oil olive.  Add garlic and cook for 3-4 minutes. Add onion and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Add ground beef to the pot and cook for 10 minutes or until done.
5. Add diced tomatoes and pasta sauce.  Cook for 10 minutes.
6. Add italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste.  Stir in basil and reduce heat to low and simmer for 8-10 minutes.
7. In a mixing bowl combine ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and egg.  Mix until creamy.
8. Spray a 9x12 pan with Pam or grease it with olive oil so the lasagna does not stick.
9. Add a thin layer of the meat sauce to the bottom of the pan then line single layer to lasagna noodles on top.
10. Add a layer of meat sauce over the noodles.  Follow it with a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture.
11. Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese next.  Add another layer of noodles and repeat steps 9 and 10 until you reach the top or no until you run out of ingredients.  The last layer should be meat sauce mixture and a layer to mozzarella.
12. Place the lasagna pan on a cookie sheet to avoid overflow.  Place in oven and cook for 40 minutes.
13. Remove and let cool for 10-15 minutes before cutting into it.
14. Bon appetit!

Enjoy!

Best,

First Gen Fam

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Good-bye to Cleveland

Maksim loving the neighbor's trampoline.
My father recording our time together.  Father and I.

My Aunt and Maksim.  They had a blast together.  He calls her Baba-boo.

My favorite photo.  My Aunt, Father, and Maksim.  The photo scream joy!

Finally the last blog post about our Cleveland/Pittsburgh trip.  There were so many pictures I had to share them in several posts.  Our trip was full of excitement with my best friend's wedding and hanging out with family we have not seen in over a year.  We all learned many new things on this trip such as:

• Traveling with a toddler wasn't so bad.  Maybe because I always expect the worse. See my tips with traveling with a toddler here.
• Maksim learned the word "No" (thanks to Stoja's triplets)
• We as a family need to get a place with a "real" backyard.  Maybe a move is in order?  It is totally up in the air!
• Maksim loves trampolines as you can see from the photos above, hence why we need a yard.
• My hair is so silky smooth in Cleveland; it has to be the water.  
• Cleveland is green!  Really, really green in the summer.  I forgot that but my nose quickly made me remember.  My allergies were out of control!  
• We are loved.  We are so lucky to have such wonderful family and friends.  A big thank you to my wonderful Father and Aunt for making our trip the best and taking care of Maksim!

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Love,
First Gen Fam

Nada & Kam's Wedding: Instagram Edition

Limo bus pictures.  Nada is having the time of her life!  Prettiest bride ever!

My favorite part - Persian Ceremony

I am seriously catching up on blog posts that are long overdue!  Here are some Instagram photos from my best friend's wedding in Pittsburgh.  Since we were apart of the wedding I couldn't lug around my camera so my Iphone had to tell the story.  Serbians should marry Persians more often because it makes for amazing party!  To read about how we were involved and see pictures from their Rehearsal Dinner click here.

Love,

First Gen Fam

Triplet Fever in Cleveland

To get a picture of all four of them was almost impossible.  Good thing we had a water gun to keep them in line!

Stan had to get in on the action.

I really think these two hit it off.  

Stoja and I trying to get a picture together with all the kids.  This is the best shot we got.  As you can see it's my kid that isn't cooperating.  

While we were in Cleveland I got to catch up with my dear friend, Stoja.  I have known her my whole life and always felt like she was an extension of my family.  She came to visit us and brought her way-too-cute-for-words triplets.  All three girls are completely different when it comes down to their adorable faces and personalities.  I don't know how she does it but I do have to tell you they were so well behaved for girls that are almost two years old.  It was so much fun bringing the kids together and getting these great shots.  I can't wait to look back on these in years to come. Maksim loved their company and I am sure he will love it more when he is a teenager!!!

A big thank you to my friend, Stoja for bringing the girls by; I know its not an easy task.  It truly made our day.  I wish she lived closer because we would make an effort to do play dates all the time.  Missing her lots!

Love,
First Gen Fam

Nada & Kam's Rehearsal

This is the sweetest photo.  Nada and Kam embracing.

 Nada and Stan.  They look like a couple right?

The amazing menu of food at Lidia's for the Rehearsal

Persian party table.

Kam, his mother, and Nada.  

The big reason for our recent trip was to celebrate our best friends getting married, Nada and Kam, in Pittsburgh.  The Serbian and Persian cultures blended beautifully for this celebration.  I have known Nada since we were 12 years old where we met at church camp. She is a beautiful person and the happiest person I know.  Even when something is getting her down she always can spin it into a joke and look on the bright side.  I have to strive to be more like her!  I had the honor of them asking me to be their Kuma, or Godmother. In Serbian tradition, the Kum or Kuma is the Godfather or Godmother of the couple.  During the marriage ceremony I am their "witness" and/or "sponsor" and perform the exchange of the rings.  The Kumovi (Godparent) relationship is a little complicated to explain but simply my understanding of it is we have now become family.  This means our kids cannot get married or even think about it!  I will be the lucky one that baptizes their children as well.  Can't wait!!

The day before the wedding we all enjoyed ourselves at their rehearsal dinner at Lidia's Italian Restaurant.  Food was great but getting to know everyone that night really set the tone for one of the funniest weddings we have ever been too.

Not being able to drink made it tough due to my condition but I made it until 1AM that night.  So proud of myself!  I got the scare of my life later that night when Nada's dog, Cheeba, almost killed me when I walked into her dark home without her.  I guess he was being protective but I swear he was eyeing my jugular!  Ha-ha!

Love,
First Gen Fam