Springtime at the Zoo

In past years we've always baked ourselves going to the zoo in July or August, so this year we took advantage of a cool day in the 50's to go to Hogle Zoo.

Emma and Abbie seemed to really enjoy all the animals. However, on the ride home we asked them what their favorite part was and they said "Cotton Candy" in unison.

Notwithstanding Cotton Candy's allure, here's some evidence that Abbie really enjoys leopards, especially the kind that come up to the glass to look for tasty treats.

I've never seen the camels do anything in the past. This time however, being cooped up in the same pen together all winter long finally brought these two to a breaking point.

Emma does not measure up.

Unfortunately, I do.

Dallin enjoyed his time at the zoo too. He wasn't very impressed by the animals, but sure likes to get out with his "peeps".

Peace Out

Maiden Voyage

Emma can't be held back anymore! Not unless we are willing to run after her.

Now I'm looking forward to going on some family bike rides together.

April Fools'

The first surprise here: this is what we had for dinner. The second surprise: there's no sugar in these cupcakes and my kids loved them anyway.
Imagine the shock when I served cupcakes for dinner and it got even better when Ben put ketchup on his. I told Emma she could taste the frosting. She looked up at me and said - "hey, this tastes like food". APRIL FOOLS' - no cupcakes here - meatloaf and mashed potatoes, Mmmmmm.
It was a fun little surprise and incredibly easy.
We'll do this again on another silly day.
RECIPE:
Meat Loaf
1 pound lean ground beek
1 packed Lipton golden onion soup mix
1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
3 T ketchup
1 T worcestershire sauce
1 egg
Potato Frosting
3 cups mashed potatoes (instant is easiest)
Food coloring

Heat the oven to 375. Line muffin tin with 12 foil bake cups.
In a large bowl, mix together all meatloaf ingredients until well combined. Divide the mixture evenly among the lined cups. Bake for 15-17 minutes or until cooked through.

Divide the mashed potatoes among three small bowls and stir a few drops of food coloring into each batch. Spread a generous dollop on each cupcake.
Round it out with some mixed vegetables and enjoy.

Let there be peace on Earth...and let it begin with somebody else

Tonight, for FHE we talked a little about being peacemakers in our home. We role played a true-to-life scenario and had what we thought was some measure of success in comprehension.

After closing our family powwow Emma and Abbie had some minor disagreement. We gently reminded them..."Oh remember, we can choose to be a peacemaker in our home". Their response to each other..."I'm not gonna be the peacemaker - YOU be the peacemaker! - No YOU" and so on.

Ben and I couldn't help ducking down behind the couch and having a hearty chuckle. And hey, on the bright side - We don't have to plan a new lesson for next week!

Oh Boy

Dallin is six months old! With age comes ability.
This little man has mastered holding his own bottle. Now, before you are appalled at my mothering - I still cuddle him and feed him his bottles. But, I must admit a baby with a
few "skills" makes a mother proud and comes in handy on occasion.

Dallin also cut his first tooth this morning. Poor little guy -his gums are red and swollen on top and bottom. He's gnawing on everything he can get his hands on and there's a pool of drool wherever he is. It's lovely.

We love this boy to pieces and feel so blessed to have him in our family.
Love you Dallin!

Spring! + Snow?

Now that Winter is officially over, I'm celebrating by playing in the snow. Part 1: I went snowboarding twice this week. Yes! Part 2: We made the most of some good packing snow and put up a 7 foot snowman.

Emma & Abbie also built their own separate Snowgirls. Each was taller than its creator too. They made their Daddy proud. When we were done Emma told me it was the best day of her life. Up to that point I was pretty pleased with our creations, but that comment made my day. Thanks Emma.

Happy Easter

Easter Sunday at G & G Stewart's was a bit chilly but a lot of fun.

Cute kids - Don't you think?