Zoo days

We went to the zoo a few weeks ago and had a lot of fun. Bubbles liked the monkey's and Tornado of course loved the train ride.

Tornado spent most of the time asking to see the snakes. Over and over again as only a 4 year old can do. Finally we made it to the reptile house and showed him the snakes. So what did he do? He turns to me and says "Mom, I don't like snakes," and then turns to leave. Huh??? Did he just spend a good part of an hour asking to see snakes? Same thing happened with the giraffes. As we walked past elephants, bears, and monkeys he kept asking to see the giraffes. We took him to the giraffes and he spent less than 30 seconds looking at them. He's a funny kid. I never know what he's thinking.

Calling all Dutch Oven Recipes....

Please post or send me your favorites. We have FINALLY seasoned our dutch oven that we got for our wedding almost 8 years ago. It's been through 5 moves and it's patience finally has been rewarded. We are going camping next month (for the first time as a family) and are testing out recipes so we make sure we don't starve.

Sorry

I've got blogger block. I'll post something soon though. I promise.

Tornado's actual birthday - 4 years old!

Being a tree. Again.

Tornado's Birthday party

Someone should have warned me what it was like to have a birthday party with 8 4-year olds.

Tornado being a tree. Why? Who knows?

Decorating Goodie bags

Playing "Put the hammer in Bob's hand"

Playing "Bob Says..."

It's amazing what he picks up

Today Tornado kept saying "I'm sorry I'm late. I didn't sleep a wink last night!" We were confused for most of the day until we questioned him further.

Me: "Tornado, what are you talking about? Where did you hear that?"
T: "Farmer Pickles says it" Silently I could hear the implied "Duh, mom!"
Me: "Were you watching Bob the Builder this morning?"
T: "Uh huh." And off he went telling me all about Bob and Farmer Pickles and singing the theme song.

Last month it was still all things Thomas. Now Bob the Builder is his new love.

He is so fun and sweet.

Baby Bubbles is 1 year old!

At her 1 year appointment she was 1 oz shy of 19 lbs, and she's 30.5 inches long. She is a very intense little girl and she's always moving and eating. She can say Mama, Audrey, and hi.

Christmas

I realize these are way late, but better late than never right?

Garlic Lime Chicken

Since I have nothing to report except I hate snow, here's a favorite recipe of ours. Takes less than 30 minutes to make.

Garlic Lime Chicken

1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon thyme
6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chicken broth
8 tablespoons lime juice
cornstarch

In a bowl, mix together first 7 ingredients. Sprinkle mixture lightly on both sides of chicken breasts. (there is enough here to last you for the next 4 times you make this recipe. DON'T use all of it, it will be too spicy to eat)

In a skillet heat olive oil over medium high heat. Saute chicken until golden brown, about 5 minutes on each side. Turn down the heat, remove the chicken (keeping warm) and add the lime juice and chicken broth and cornstarch to the pan, whisking up the browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. Keep cooking until sauce has reduced slightly and thickened a bit. Add chicken back to the pan to thoroughly coat and serve.

Missing in Action

but I have a really good reason! I've been knitting and knitting to make these. I had to get them done in time to be shipped for Christmas.

Misc Baby Bubbles

This post is in honor of her! I took her to her 9 month appointment and she is 16.7 lbs (10%) and 27.8 inches long (80%.) She is such a fun girl and quite attached. She loves her mama!


Trying to get her picture. And yes, she's wearing Tornado's old jammies.

At our Sunday dinner and Papa's and Grandma's.