A week away from home is a LONG time.
I missed a lot of things about my day-to-day life.
I missed my bed.
I missed my normal eating habits.
I missed BodyPump classes.
I missed watching Jeopardy on the couch with Ryan and shouting out the answers like we actually have a shot at winning.
I missed my typical blogging schedule.
But, above all else, I missed this face.
As a first-time dog owner, I am constantly surprised at just how much a dog impacted my life.
It feels good to be back and I am reveling in the sloppy doggie kisses and full-on body slams that have been thrown my way today by Sadie.
Dinner
Tonight’s dinner was good, but it was even better because it was homemade. Though I thoroughly enjoy eating out, I do get sick of it after a while. Tonight I was more than ready for some home cookin’.
After a much-needed trip to the grocery store, we prepared a quick dinner of organic white cheddar macaroni and cheese. I added a protein punch to the pasta dish by stirring in a can of chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans).
I actually make boxed macaroni and cheese in a very bare-bones way. I don’t add any milk or butter as the instructions on the back of the box say to do. I simply drain the pasta and immediately stir in the cheese mix while the noodles are still damp. I’ve always made mac and cheese this way and think it tastes thicker and cheesier when made without milk and butter.
Ryan and I ate our mac and cheese alongside a sliced apple with peanut butter. 
Apparently we were in the mood for nostalgic food tonight.
Now I’m off to unpack a bit before hopping into bed. \
It feels good to be home. 
mmm mac and cheese! haven’t had that stuff in a while!
Virginia @ YtotheUmmy
Welcome back! We missed you. Glad you too had a blast. You definitely deserved it!!
Michelle
Ew. And by too… I clearly meant two. I need to go to bed, obviously.
Michelle
awww it’s always fun seeing the pets when you get home
Sarah K. @ The Pajama Chef
Oooh. My boyfriend and I were in the mood for a quick dinner last night and I ended up making Annie’s whole wheat mac and cheese and mixed in half a bunch of steamed kale. It was sooo good. I actually wanted to add chickpeas or beans but we were out.
Elizabeth
Chickpeas in Mac & Cheese must be so good!
Charlie
Sadie, mac and cheese and a newly married feeling – what a wonderful day
Meg
That’s exactly how we would make the mac ‘n cheese at home, and it’s exactly how I make it today in the dorm
I’ve never thought it lost any flavor by doing it the that way, and it’s alot easier to make here not having to have as many ingredients!
bloomingbuzz
That mac and cheese looks so good…which is weird (for me) because I don’t normally love mac and cheese.
Amanda (Eating Up)
i’m in the same boat as you…dogs have brought so much joy to my life, and i SO miss them when they’re not around me!
Heather (Heather’s Dish)
That dinner looks delicious!!!- PB and apples have been my favorite snack lately. mmmmm
Laura Fredlund
Welcome back! Were mac + cheese twins. I always just add the cheese packet!
kate
Welcome back! Looks like you had a fun time on your honeymoon!
Katy (The Singing Runner)
I was never a dog person, but my husband adopted a dog the summer before our wedding. After getting married we decided she needed a friend and man, was that second dog my baby
. We had to put her down a year ago and my husband got me a puppy for Christmas and it was love at first snuggle… I still can’t believe I’m a dog person. 
Caroline
The macaroni cheese looks very tasty!
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes
As much as I enjoy vacations towards the end I really want to get back home and to “normal” life.
Glad you two had a great time!
Erika @ Food, Fitness, & Fun
That looks like such a simple, delish meal!
My parents always said that you know a vacation is the perfect length when you’re sad to leave but happy to be going home <3
I would miss that dog-baby too!! So cute.
Nice to have you back!
X
Savannah P
My husband and I are the same way about our dog. Luckily, she is absolutely obsessed with the doggie daycare that we board her at – otherwise we would probably never go on vacation!
Megan
I love macaroni and cheese! So good! I never thought to just add the cheese packet without milk or butter. I am going to have to try that!
I’m so glad that your honeymooon worked out and that you had a great time!
Hope
I love the combination of mac & cheese with garbanzo beans. It’s delicious.
Chicago Cuisine Critique
I love boxed mac and cheese! It reminds me of childhood!
Rachel @ The Avid Appetite
I’m glad that you had an enjoyable honeymoon, but I’m also glad that you’re back! (:
I like my man ‘n’ cheese the same way, but I never thought to do it like that. Good tip!
Mimi
I have never even heard of only adding the cheese packet! My best friend used to add the cheese packet, milk, butter, and more shredded cheese! Yeah, it tasted AWESOME but don’t do that often!! lol
Amber K
I feel the same way about my cat (as you talk about your dog).. she’s so full of personality and I miss her terribly whenever I’m gone for too long.
Leanne
So grateful that my boyfriend and I are not the only 20 something couple in the world that watches Jeopardy … 1000 pts for us!
Jessica
Im looking forward to when i have a dog. I think its going to be a big change and a new love in my life! I never was a big animal person until recently and im amazed at how much love i have for them all now.
Marlo @lifeofapnwgirl.wordpress.com
I’m a first time dog owner too and am amazed how much I miss Koda bug when I’m gone for even just 1 night!
Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life)
I’ve never thought to try mac and cheese that way-cheesier sounds worth it though!
Cassie
oh man, i WISH i had boxed macaroni in the house right now!! looks so delicious… and your dog is so adorable!
Sarah
lol, i love that boxed mac n’ cheese and canned beans are a homemade meal
jk, welcome back!
Tamar
Congratulations on the wedding, Julie! Thanks so much for including us readers in the joyous occasion!
Grace