We just returned from our annual family trip to Aptos / Rio Del Mar. This year was a little later in the season due to "the final, final wedding". Unfortunately there were a few bumps. One, Jenn was not able to join us due to her having to move her office. Two, the Davis family also had to drop out. Randy "had" to go film the Giants in the World Series in Detroit for ABC. Joe and Brittney had to skip waiting on the nest for baby Cooper. There were a solid nine & a half that did show up though and we were treated to spectacular weather. Crystal clear skies from sun up to sun down with temps in the 70's.
This years "Liver Classic" was a foursome - Tom, Jamison, Shawn and Creed. Due to late night political debating some were more prepared for golf then others. Thomas & Molly could not come until Saturday afternoon. Jessica, Jamie, Wyatt and I met Tom & Molly in downtown Santa Cruz for lunch.
Wyatt got in plenty of beach time. Wyatt and I ran the beach for hours. If Wyatt was awake we were running. The weather was so good we actually got into the water. Grandpa held Wyatt upside down and dipped his head in a wave which elicited much laughter.
Saturday night instead of wine we did a Beer Tasting. It was a good theme and translated into some delicious food. An added kick to the event was it had to be done in costume!
Jamie and Creed may look like they did not follow the rules but for some reason they think they look like Tom and me!! Thomas and Molly surely won because they were so creative. Molly, the Pinata and Thomas, Mugatu!
Thomas & Molly presented a Bohemia Beer paired with baked goat cheese & salsa curtesey Rick Bayless.
Jessica & Creed served Pumpkin Soup in the pumpkin!! paired with a Samuel Smith, Nut Brown Ale. Delicious. A special note of thanks to Jessica for the help with cooking of my dish while I was running the beach.
Tom & I served a Speak Easy Porter with Chicken Sliders. The chicken is cooked in the porter and the sauce is also laced with porter.
Jamo minus Jenn treated us to a comparison of Stouts, Murphy's and Shipyard (big difference). Jenn sent along a carmel popcorn with pecans that went great with the beers.
Jamie & Shawn finished off the evening with a Guinness Stout and a divine Guinness (Guittard Chocolate) Brownie. Trust me too, the brownies just kept getting better. I know because I ate several the next night.
The evening was a hit. The effort that everyone put in the evening was greatly appreciated. I was just happy that I had ran on the beach with Wyatt!
