Living up to its Reputation

Well, this month is living up to its reputation. We just had a week of solid showers and downright cold temps. Whoever wrote the song "It Never Rains in Southern California" clearly has never lived here. And please tell me why people insist on saying, "Well, we needed it" every time it does rain? I for one don't. If I did, I'd be living in Seattle not Santa Barbara.

Thankfully, I had two things last week that buoyed me:

1) The hilarious Texts from Hillary

2) Memories from the 4th Annual Peeps Regatta (aka Easter Brunch)

Santa Barbara was in its prime on Easter Sunday. We got a break from April's rain antics and were blessed with sunshine and temps in the 80s. I was especially grateful since I was hosting a brunch for 30 people, 11 of which were under the age of 5. Plus, who wants to race peeps in the rain?!

We had quite a spread to fuel us for the race. We started with this dip I made last year, which someone called "a heart attack on a cracker." It's so light and healthy. Not. And the Yummy Mummy made the most tasty banana-chocolate chip walnut bread, but not surprisingly it was gobbled up before any pictures could be snapped. But that was balanced out with this fabulous and festive fruit basket compliments of the Fallons . . . .

. . . some beautiful roasted carrots from the Stones . . . .

. . . citrus asparagus . . .

. . . an Easter ham, of course . . .

. . . a spinach and sun-dried tomato stratta . . .

. . . and for the finale, Meredith's insane peep cake!

Yes, the local Cake Boss (see her other masterpieces here) whipped this up for brunch! What could be more fitting for a peep regatta? One of the kids asked if the bowl of peeps were her babies. I was like, "Uh, yes as a matter of fact!"

And I feel like you need tulips for Easter. I thought they were the prettiest pink.

Until I saw this vision in pink:

Anyway, on to the main event . . . . Once we were sated, it was time for everyone to claim a peep and prep for the regatta. This entails taking a sharpie and personalizing your peep.

Or you could just eat it like one two-year old did. That's certainly one option.

We got off to a clean start . . .

but Mason was on a mission and came prepared . . .

. . . and ultimately, he eeked out the win over Meredith and Connor. Samantha, who previously held the title of premiere peep racer, was a little bitter about it (nice face, Sam).

And if you stay long enough at my house, you'll get fed again. Around 9 pm the stragglers were delighted by my nice neighbor bringing over a flat of strawberries . . .

and a bottle of tequila for fresh strawberry margaritas, along with 3 boxes of pizza. The pizzas were a good call since we started drinking at 11 am.....

But seriously, I have the best, most talented and gracious friends ever. And I can think of few better things than sitting in the sunshine, drinking, eating and enjoying life with them.