Friday, February 21, 2014

fun day

Paul got half of Presidents' Day off, so we made the most of our afternoon. After naps, we met him at the zoo. I only got these three pictures.  Hawk found the world's scariest looking eel, Lullaby chose her favorite goat, and Matix's zoo map was half eaten by another goat.

Then after the zoo, we got some wood and met up with the Newells for a family home evening at the park.  Paul did a short lesson, then we roasted marshmallows and made s'mores and watched the kids play.  It was a nice evening.  We played until it was dark and the police came to shut down the park.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

food

Some days I encourage playing with food. I cut up little bricks and odd shapes of cheese for them to build with while I get the rest of lunch ready.  Or let them build pretzel people for snacks.

Other days, I find that they have been helping themselves to the frosting from all the cookies.  These cookies were slated for a friend, but of course, we ate them all ourselves after Matix taste-tested most of them. :)

Either way, meal time is always an event. Solace is currently very entertaining at the table. Making faces, and laughing big belly laughs. Love this baby.

I have been trying out some new foods with the family, and although mostly they like what I make, sometimes it's a complete flop. Paul and I ate and enjoyed these scallops, but the kids thought I was trying to kill them. They literally choked down each bite. Poor things. The scallops really tasted good though, so I will try it again.
Other things I have made that they liked were spicy coconut curry, salmon (cooked several different ways), and quinoa. We've eaten lots of quinoa before, but the things I have been adding are new (mushrooms, chickpeas, etc.).  I'm glad I don't have picky kids. They don't always love what I make, but they will eat it. And that's good enough for me.

Valentine's Day

The kids got packages from Grandma Stacy and Grandma Kim for Valentine's Day and those packages sat on our counter for several days, just BEGGING to be opened. :) The kids did a good job waiting, and finally on Valentine's Day they got to open them. Candy and treats from Grandma Stacy and a wooden marble run from Grandma Kim. Plus they had the treats from us too.  It was a happy morning. Thanks Grandmas!

This wooden marble run is part of the marble run that I had as a child. Which I loved then, and love now.

Matix went to preschool and had a little Valentine celebration. He left covered in fun crafts they made together.  He made me this paper flower too, which I love.

Then we all went over to the Newell's house for heart shaped pizza for lunch. Adorable. Mindy, you are so clever. Thanks for lunch!

Sully was there too. Hanging out on the floor, trying to chew on anything he could reach.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

big boys

Oh these boys. These big boys are so much fun. They have BIG personalities, BIG hearts, and BIG ambitions. I can hardly believe they are mine. :)

bath time

Solace prefers baths in the big tub now, although I occasionally still use the baby bath tub. He lays and tries to roll over, gets an ear full or mouth full of water, freaks out a bit, then laughs hysterically. He is such a funny little boy. I love him.  Such a sweet personality already.

froyo

February 6th was National Frozen Yogurt Day, which means that Menchie's Frozen Yogurt was giving away 6 oz. of free froyo and toppings. You know I love FREE. So we went, and invited the Newells too.

The kids had a BLAST taste testing all the flavors and choosing their own, and then putting CANDY on top of that?! Too much fun.

This trip was only made better because Logan and Summer were there. Our kids love them SO much.