"My Park!"

Cliff, with our good friend Lucas, got the playset put up over the weekend. Aidan calls it his park. He will point outside and tell us that he wants to go to the park. It's pretty cute. After Lucas and Cliff finished it on Saturday, Aidan and Lucas's girls went outside to play on it. Too fun.

Painting

My best friend Ryla gave us a recipe for some homemade paints. They were super easy and Aidan has been loving it! His masterpieces are posted all over our fridge.

Magical Eraser

I recently purchased a wall hanging pot rack to give my little kitchen some more storage. My pots and pans have been looking very grungy and I was wanting them to shine a bit more before I hung them for everyone to see. I could not find anything that made them clean. My friend natalie told me to try one of those eraser sponges. I didn't think they would work but they did. Here are some pics of the results. My big pot is completely black on the bottom so it didn't work on that one. So if you have any suggestions on how to get that one clean I would love to hear it.

Two Months Old

It's been a bit of a whirl wind but our little girl is two months old now. She's a little bundle of cuteness...and gas. She's been kind enough to allow us to have a little more sleep over the last few weeks, which is greatly appreciated. It's clear that the problem is not her, but entirely us. She's seems totally content to do things her way and problems only arise when mom and dad try to get her to do things our way. I wonder if that is some sort of foreshadowing? The truth is that when her tummy isn't making her miserable she's absolutely happy. She has a killer smile and is slowly positioning both of us to be wrapped around her little finger. So, here's a glimpse of little Ryla.

Who need Santa...I've got Grandparents!

Aidan and Ryla's Christmas present from Cliff's parents was delivered earlier this week. Cliff has been busy putting together now that the snow has melted. It will be so great to send Aidan outside to get some exercise when we aren't able to make it out to the park. It's hard to picture little Ryla on it because she is so little but I know that she will enjoy it soon to. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!

Now and Later: Southern Vegetable Soup

Here is the recipe for the now and later Southern Vegetable Soup. The pic I have of it here is from the frozen batch that got reheated.

1/2 Cup chopped onion
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 cans vegetable broth (14-1/2 ounces each)
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 package (16 ounces) frozen mixed vegetables
1 cup sliced fresh or frozen okra ( i put the whole bag in)
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies
2 teaspoons dried savory
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon
1/8 teaspoon white pepper

1. In a Dutch oven saute onion and garlic in oil for 3 minutes or until tender. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender.

2. Serve desired amount. Cool remaining soup; transfer to freezer containers. May be frozen for up to 3 months.

3. To use frozen soup: Thaw soup in fridge overnight. Place in a saucepan and heat through. Yield: 10 servings (2-1/2 quarts).

Family Pics

Our friend Danielle came over a week ago and took some pics for us. She did so great for just snapping them right in our home. Looking forward to getting some framed and on the walls!!

Aidan's bday Party

We had Aidan's birthday party last Saturday at Mobius Museum and had such a great time. We had around 30 people there and 14 of his closest friends...LOL. We all had cake together and then headed out to play. I still can't believe he is 2!!!!