2-Rex: Summer Garden Pasta with Bacon

Supertoddler is only 4 days younger than Thatbaby.  Last year, we planned their birthday parties on the same day.  Which meant that our mutual friends were running between the two parties.  After Birthdaypalooza in April, I decided that we couldn't have a repeat this year.  Multiple parties in one day is hard!

This year we coordinated ahead of time, so this weekend we celebrated Supertoddler's Birthday.  Or as I explained it to Thatbaby, Supertoddler's Dinosaur Birthday!

Thatbaby was very excited to celebrate with Supertoddler.  He had been practicing by singing "Happy Birthday to Supertoddler."  And the party was every bit as perfect as you would expect from Supermom - even with a one month old baby!

There was coordinated food.

A giant ball pit.

And even a bounce house!

Although Jurisbaby and Thatbaby were just as happy to play with Supertoddler's toys in addition.

And of course there was cake.  And cupcakes!

Supertoddler did a great job of blowing out his candles.

And Thatbaby devoured his cupcake.

And asked for more!  (which he didn't get)  But which made him not so happy about photo time.

Although not as unhappy as Jurisbaby who didn't get the second capri sun that he wanted.

And even though Thatbaby was a little sad that the present we brought was for Supertoddler and not him, he was pretty happy with the goodie bag he got to leave with.

And we knew the party was a success when we saw this on the way home.

The weather today was also perfect.  It's been cool the past week, but the sun came out today for our second shot at summer.  Which made it the perfect time to try Kelsey's Summer Garden Pasta.  Or as Thatbaby calls it - "green pasta."  Everyone in the family loved it.  It feels very light, probably because of all the veggies in it.  And pesto sauce seems so fresh and green.  It's a great way to stretch out the summer just a bit longer.

Summer Garden Pasta with Bacon (from Apple A Day)

1 lb penne

1 cup corn kernels

1 1/2 lbs zuccini, cut into 1/2 inch thick half-moons

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup pesto

salt and pepper

4 oz goat cheese

6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped

1.  Cook pasta according to package directions.  Drain, reserving 3/4 c. pasta water, then drain and return to pot.

2.  Place corn, zucchini, tomatoes, and reserved pasta water in pot.  Cook over medium heat, partially covered, about 4 minutes.

3. Stir in pesto and cook until warmed. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

4. Spoon pasta into a large serving bowl and garnish with goat cheese and bacon.  Serve immediately.