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This last weekend we celebrated J turning 5! We had three parties for him. Why three you ask? It's because I'm over compensating for the lack of parties I had when I was little and I want The Boys to have wonderful and memorable birthdays. I also think it's easier to have "school friend" and "non-school friend" parties. It's easier for me to not have to entertain all the parents and make introductions. The last party was a family party. All three went off without a hitch and J said, "I had the best birthday ever!" Well, that was worth it in my book. I'll post some pictures soon of the fabulous donuts and other treats we had at the parties. This year, J decided it was all about donuts and donut holes. Too funny but fabulously easy for mom!
NOTE: Image via it's mary ruffle
We are off to Park City to celebrate our 12 year wedding anniversary. We are taking W and J and even their friend K along. Not the most romantic getaway but I know we will have fun. I can't wait! I think having The Boys with us reminds us of one of the reasons we got married, to start an amazing family...that we've done. W and J are the most wonderful boys and we are truly lucky to have them. Enjoy the beautiful weather and have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Image via Flickr
Last year B and I took W and J to all the local Halloween haunts for kiddos. Out of all of them The Boys liked Red Butte Garden's, Garden After Dark, hands down. They loved it! I loved it! So it's not wonder that I'm excited for this year's Garden After Dark. If you have time for only one activity with your kiddos this Halloween go and experience Red Butte's Garden After Dark, you won't be disappointed.
How cute are these placemats! I think W and J would love these. What am I saying? I love these! See here for other designs.
In case you didn't get the memo, it's Idle Free Awareness Week in our lovely state. So do your kiddo's lungs, the environment, and your pocketbook a favor and turn off your car when you pick them up from school! W and J's school friends started this last year and they are making another push again this year. Way to go!
We've been trying to incorporate seafood into our meal planning. So far we have discovered that J likes shrimp but W does not. While we were in San Francisco a few weeks back (because we missed our connecting flight to China, we ended up staying the afternoon/evening in San Francisco, yet another story...but in the end had a great time...it was a happy accident) we discovered the Boys like calamari. As all parents do, we asked them to give it a try. They were hesitant at first but B had a stroke of genius. He told the Boys that it was fried Squidward (as in Sponge Bob Square Pants). They thought it would be so cool to eat Squidward and decided to give it a try. They loved it! I'm excited because I love calamari and now we can order this delicious appetizer when we go out for dinner. Well, I tried a new recipe this week and it's on the keep menu. Give it a try and let me know how you like it.
Bacon-Wrapped Cod
Ingredients 1 skinless, boneless cod fillet (1 1/4 pounds and 1 1/2 inches thick) Coarse salt and ground pepper 12 strips bacon (about 12 ounces total) Directions- Cut fish into 4 pieces and season with salt and pepper. On a work surface, arrange 3 slices bacon so they overlap slightly. Place a piece of fish at one short end and tightly wrap with bacon, cutting off any excess bacon. Repeat with remaining fish and bacon.
- Heat a large nonstick pan over medium-high. Place fish, seam side down, in pan and cook until bacon is deep golden brown on all sides, about 9 minutes, turning occasionally.
I served the fish with a side salad with homemade croutons and green beans. I make my croutons from the Rosemary bread I get from my local Costco. I cut the bread into fairly thick slices, cut them in half, and then in thirds. I place the cubes on a cookie sheet, toss them with olive oil and a little bit of salt and pepper. I put them in a 375 degree oven for about 15 minutes (I've never actually kept track of the time. I just look at them from time to time and toss them around with a wooden spoon). That's it! And they are so good! I put them in the Carrot Soup I make or you can make them a bit longer and thinner and use them for hummus or whatever other yummy dip.
Since W goes to a private school, the only clothes he really needs is for Summer. During a recent shopping excursion I was picking out some t-shirts for W and I got my first ever, "That's not cool Mom" from W. I showed him some t-shirts I had picked out and they apparently were not cool. I guess when you turn 7 you know what's cool and I guess my "control" over W is slowly slipping away : ) So now when I look at clothes for him vs J I wear a different set of glasses, cool vs. cute. Well, I think this t-shirt is "cool" and I like the fact it's from a local.
I also LOVE this!
You will be seeing a lot of red, white, and blue in the next few posts. Everything red, white, and blue just makes me smile. I think I will have to make these with W and J for the 4th of July.
My dear friend I.S. had a few ladies over to her house a few weeks back. She made this amazing Carrot Soup and I had to have the recipe. Not only is it delicious, it's healthy AND easy! I made it last night for tonight's dinner. W and J tried it last night and it was a winner. I'm going to serve it with some grilled cheese sandwiches and a garden salad. Give it a try and let me know what you think. Thanks for the recipe I.S.!
Carrot Soup
Ingredients
10-12 carrots cut up into even pieces
1 baking potato cut up into even pieces
3-4 shallots chopped
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
3/4 teaspoon ground coriander
3 cups chicken stock
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon sugar
salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Melt butter and cook shallots for 3 minutes.
- Add carrots, potato, and coriander. Saute, stirring a couple of times.
- Add chicken stock, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Increase heat to medium and bring to simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and gently simmer for 20-25 minutes or until vegetables are soft.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Ladle into a food processor and process to form a smooth puree. (I used my hand-held blender and pureed in the pot).
- Return puree to pot and add 1 cup of milk and more salt if needed.
- Serve with sour cream and cilantro (optional).
For years Kevin Lee has been photographing our family. It started six years ago and we've only missed one year. He's amazing with kids and W and J just love him. He makes them at ease and captures their personalities. He has a special on May 30th at Sugarhouse Park. For only $75, you get a 1/2 hour session and (1) 5x7 print! Visit his new website and book a session with him. While on the website, you may just catch a glimps of W and J!
Note: Image via flickr
Yesterday we went to see the Salt Lake Bees. It's been a long time since B and I have gone and it was a first for W and J. We met W's scout troop there. Although it was a small turnout for the troop we had a great time. W and J's grandparents joined us and they selected great seats in the shade. I was so happy about this since it was 85 degrees! Next time you need a great family outing think about going to see a ballgame and if your kiddos are REALLY into baseball they can join the Knothole Club!
With the end of the school year almost here I've started looking at Summer Camps for W and J. I'm a bit behind so I need to get going! There are some amazing camps out there from Red Butte Gardens, the Utah Museum of Natural History, and the University of Utah. I've signed W and J up for camps such as Undersea Explorers, Space Academy, Pretend Pirate, Cooking, and Oaks & Owls/Snake Scales & Lizard Tales. Check out the list of camps, here, here, and here.
W and J started little league this year and I have to say I'm really enjoying them enjoy the game. I love to see the smile on their faces when they hit, run, or just tried their hardest. I am especially impressed by the coaches and how they are teaching our little athletes discipline and respect. Thank you Coach DJ and Danny! Now, I'm off to the grocery store to stock up on sunflower seeds! Have a great weekend everyone!
Note: Image via Flickr
Over Easter Break I took W and J to the Utah Museum of Natural History's new exhibit, Toadally Frogs! You have to check it out. They did such a great job exhibiting the frogs. I didn't know frogs came in so many colors and sizes. I know your kiddos will love it as well! The exhibit runs through September 14th.
W and J would love these. I can see them laughing their little heads off and then putting them on their hands as if they were puppets. What a great way to start the morning with these cozies.
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