Fourth of July 2013

I took a few photos on the Fourth of July while we waited for our neighborhood parade to pass. It's mostly made up of kids riding bicycles, but we still waved our flags and cheered as loudly as we could.

Waiting for the parade.

Flags are fun.

Even some smiles from the little guy.

Have a Happy Day!

~MJ

Pre-school Graduation

I almost forgot to post about Buddy's preschool graduation. So, I thought I ought to continue my game of catch up and get the photos posted.
Graduation day was complete with awesome paper graduation hats. Here's Buddy being led in by his teacher.

and this is what he looked like for almost the entire ceremony.

At least until he received his diploma.

That perked him up a bit.

I can't say enough about how much we enjoyed the school he attended and his wonderful teacher. She really helped him blossom over the last year.

He loved his teacher, too. It's high praise when Buddy wants to buy you a copy of one of his favorite ABC books.

One of the best things about preschool was that Buddy got to be in the same class as his best friend and cousin. She is a real spit-fire and helped him to come out of his shell.

He told me that he wanted to marry her, but I had to give him the bad news that he can't marry his cousin. So, he decided that he'd marry his friend, S, instead. Clearly both girls love him.

Another picture of Buddy, his cousin, another classmate and Jellybean getting in on the action.

We're pretty proud of this kid.

I can't wait to see what Kindergarten brings.

Have a Happy Day!

~MJ

DIY High Contrast Mobile

Teddy Bear is becoming very social. He regularly complains (loudly) when we aren't giving him face time. So, I feel bad when I have to leave him to his own devices. I really can't have my face in his face all day long (sad, but true). I decided that Teddy Bear needed more stimulation, basically something to look at other than my face, so instead of purchasing a fancy mobile, I decided to make one.

I did a Google search for high-contrast images. It came up with a whole slew of them. I had an elaborate scheme for making them into a mobile, but then decided that no one has time for that. Simple is good. And even better? He actually looks at the pictures and likes them.

Recently, he has been figuring out how to bat at the pictures and the toys hanging on his play mat. There is a lot going on in his little brain. So fun to see him learning and making connections. That is definitely one of my favorite things about being a parent.

Hmmm...very interesting.

Have a Happy Day!

~MJ

Little Chef: Banana Date Oat Bars

So, are you getting the impression that the girl pictured above enjoys baking? You would be correct.

We were back in the kitchen recently trying out a new simple recipe: Banana Date Oat Bars.

Simple indeed.
First mashing:

What three year old doesn't enjoy mashing bananas?

Then pouring:

First time I've ever used dates in anything. They're a bit ugly, but tasty.

Pan Prep:

It's fun letting her get hands-on.

Bake, cut into squares:

Mmm, oaty goodness. Tiny Buddah approves.

and enjoy:

Unfortunately, Jellybean didn't love the end results. I liked them more than she did. It was still a fun, easy baking project. The recipe could probably use a little more spice and may have benefitted from some nuts. (We are tree nut free in our house)

Oh and look, I'm even wearing my matching apron!

You've got to love a selfie.

Try it out, tweak it, see how you and your little chef enjoy it.

Banana Date Oat Bars

Ingredients

2 large, very ripe bananas
1 teaspoon vanilla 
2 cups rolled oats
1/2 teaspoon salt 
1/4 cup pitted, chopped dried dates 
Grated nutmeg or cinnamon 

Method

Heat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x9-inch square baking dish with olive oil or butter.

Peel the bananas and mash their flesh in a medium mixing bowl. Mash very thoroughly until no large chunks remain; the bananas should be essentially liquid. (You will have between 1 cup and 1 1/4 cup.) Stir in the vanilla. Add the oats and stir them in. Stir in the salt and dates.

Pat the thick mixture evenly into the baking pan. If desired, sprinkle the top lightly with nutmeg or cinnamon. Bake for 30 minutes or unti the edges just begin to crisp up.

Place the baking pan on a rack to cool. When the pan is mostly cool, cut into bars and enjoy.

Have a Happy Day!

~MJ