Girl on the Run (Away from the Cheese)

There's a really effective way to distract yourself from realizing your baby is about to turn three years old, which is totally not baby territory, and that's to think about the fact that your other baby is on the verge of being a middle schooler.

It's true.

If you've been around here since the beginning, you've been around over a decade. The baby that started it all is just about to become a mother truckin' MIDDLE SCHOOLER.

As crazy as that is, middle schoolers do cool things. Crazy things, too. For example, Alexis on purpose ran a 5k this weekend, even though there were no bears chasing her. Weird, I know. But also cool.

So a while back, Alexis talked me into letting her participate in Girls on the Run. For those who are in happier place called "oblivious to this phenomenon," it's a program for girls where they train for and then run a 5k. It's all very obvious from the name, of course, but the part that isn't mentioned is the heavy dose of "let's build our self-esteem with cheesy activities!"

Alexis wasn't expecting the cheesy.

Alexis was not a fan of the cheesy. AT ALL.

Each and every practice session left her annoyed at the warm fuzzy stuff. As she said, "It's right there in the name - run. Girls on the Run. I WANT TO RUN NOT SIT AROUND AND TALK ABOUT MY FEELINGS."

I was so proud every time she complained. Normally I am anti-complainer, but I so get it. Sitting around and talking about feelings is the worst. I would have been annoyed too. The only thing I don't get is to WANT to go run instead. Given the choice between running and sitting around talking about feelings, I think my head would explode. That's exactly what hell is going to be like for me. Just endlessly trying to make that choice.

Anyway, Alexis has a fantastic story about how she ended up with her running partner. You should ask her if you see her. She also has a solid story about finishing in just over 34 minutes, which is pretty fantastic since she had to stop and wait for her running partner a bunch of times.

Just don't ask her how she feels about it all. If you do, her eyes might roll so hard they'll knock you unconscious.

A post shared by Burgh Baby (@burghbaby) on May 21, 2017 at 6:44am PDT

Grilled Asparagus and Fontina Sandwiches

This was Alexis' two dance recitals and a 5k weekend, so all of the things were a blur, including meals. I think Mila may have eaten jelly beans for dinner last night, in fact. BUT! Since today was the busiest of the days, I gave Alexis the choice of whatever she wanted for lunch. Anything in the whole wide world!

She picked Grilled Asparagus and Fontina Sandwiches.

I think that says a lot about how good these things are. I first posted the recipe a few years ago. Since then, I've brought Alexis over to the dark side so she fully understands that Fontina is the bestest. Hands down.

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We've already established that she's on her own path, so it shouldn't be all that surprising that when asked, "What should we have for dinner?" Alexis responded with, "Something with asparagus."

There are a lot of asparagus choices at our house, but most of them involve grilling. Because of course they do. Asparagus thrown on the grill is a thing of beauty.

All you have to do is rinse the asparagus, trim off the bottom, and toss it on the grill with low heat. A few minutes later, you have perfect grilled asparagus.

You know what you can do to make it better?

Bread. And cheese.

There's perfect thick-sliced Italian bread there topped with some Fontina, Gouda, or American -- A little something different for everybody. Alexis is finally starting to appreciate the majesty that is cheese, but she's stuck at the entry level American thing. The wiser adults can't quit Gouda. But, YOU GUYS. Fontina. Man, Fontina is where it's at when it comes to melty perfection.

Throw it all together and you get something that seems a little ... boring.

But if you cut into that "boring" sandwich, you find a thing of beauty.

Now THAT is a Grilled Cheese sandwich!

While Alexis sticks with the super safe American, she loves that sandwich enough to get the neighbor kids to try it. That leads to me getting texts about how a kid who had never tried asparagus before is now asking for it for dinner.

Win.

Grilled Asparagus and Fontina Sandwich

1 bunch asparagus (thinner is better)
Mayonnaise
Italian bread, sliced to 1/2" thick or thicker
Fontina cheese (obviously, other cheeses work, but Fontina is THE BEST)

1. Turn the grill on and set it to low.

2. Spread a thin layer of mayo on one side of each of your pieces of bread. Yes, I said mayo. Have you ever used it instead of butter when making a grilled cheese? If not, you should. It makes for a better crispy crusty-type thing.

3. Put the bread mayo side down on the grill. Place the cheese on top. I used thin slices of cheese, but shredding it would work better if you happen to be more motivated than I am.

4. While the cheese is melting and the bread is toasting, throw the asparagus on the grill. Turn it a couple of times and remove it from the heat as soon as you think it's done enough. I like it a little firm, but it's really up to you.

5. Toss the asparagus (cut it in half, if necessary) on top of the cheese then finish assembling your sandwiches.

6. Be happy. Be very, very happy. You've earned it.

A Force to Be Reckoned With