staycation - days 1 & 2

We started our family "staycation" on Saturday.  We have never taken a vacation and just stayed home before and I have been really looking forward to it!  Here is what we have been up to:

Saturday, day 1: I started the morning with yoga.  Hudson was so excited to go to the gym (it had been awhile) that we left 10 minutes earlier then we really needed to, when we got there I found out the class was 30 min later then normally scheduled.  I contemplated leaving but, decided to stick it out and wait. I am so happy I did, it was really worth the wait.  One of Ethan's classmates was in the kids care too so, he thought that was cool. Later that day Nannie stopped by for a late afternoon treat - dunkin donuts of course!  The boys decided to have a sleepover in Ethan's room and surprising did really well.  We only had to go and quiet them down 2 or 3 times before they fell asleep.

  
Sunday, day 2: After breakfast together we hit the tennis court.  I started the day off rough since we were missing a tennis racket and I get frustrated when things are not in the correct places.  I almost declined to go with Bert and the boys but, I would have regretted doing that so, I went along and took a jog around the tennis courts alone when we arrived to cool off. Hudson joined me for a walk around again while Bert & Ethan played tennis.  Bert & I played a few rounds while the boys climbed along the hill and played in the grass. I felt so much better when we returned home.  Our friend Steve came over to watch football, then Bert & Steve went golfing and the boys and I went to Chuck E Cheese (after I talked them into cleaning, sweeping & mopping the playroom). Once again the boys had a sleepover in Ethan's room. This time they went to bed even faster then usual. I snuck in a little time to fulfill an Etsy order (yay!) and work on my logo client then settled into bed early.

cranberry nut granola

 This is a recipe I made last week.  It makes a nice crunchy granola bar.  I didn't have honey so I substituted agave nectar and it was a bit too crumbly however, I ended up saving all the crumbs and we ate them as cereal and for ice cream topping, which tastes just like fried ice cream favorite of mine!  Who knew?  The bars and granola tasted great but, I think honey would have helped them stick together better.

Cranberry Nut Granola Bar

Makes about 36 bars

7 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon table salt
3/4 cup honey
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (optional)
1 1/2 cups almonds, pecans, peanuts, or walnuts, chopped coarse
1 cup diced dried cranberries

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 375 degrees. Toss oats, oil, and salt together in large bowl; spread out over 12 by 18-inch baking sheet and bake, stirring often, until pale gold, 20 to 25 minutes.

2. While oats are toasting, heat honey (or agave nectar) and brown sugar in small saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until sugar is fully dissolved, about 5 minutes. Stir in vanilla and cinnamon (if using) and set aside.

3. Remove oats from oven and lower oven temperature to 300 degrees. Transfer toasted oats to large bowl and toss with honey mixture until evenly coated. Stir in nuts and dried cranberries.

4. Line 12 by 18-inch baking sheet with aluminum foil, then coat lightly with vegetable oil spray. Spread oat mixture out on prepared pan, then pack tightly into even layer using wet metal spatula. Bake until golden, 35 to 40 minutes.

5. Let cool on wire rack for 15 minutes, then cut into 2 by 3-inch bars in pan. Let cool completely before removing from pan.

NOTE: Quick-cooking oats cannot be substituted for the old-fashioned oats here because their texture becomes too sandy when toasted.

dance party!

Gearing up for Hudson's birthday party last month we had a dance party! The boys getting down and ready to celebrate.  Click on the video below to watch them in action!

Hudson's new talent

Hudson can hold a spoon on his nose for an impressive amount of time.  He will even stand on one leg as well as walk slowly with holding a spoon on his nose.  We are so proud!!!  It is really cute.

welcome baby aziz!

Bert, the boys and I visited our friends Sulaiman and Joey over the weekend to meet baby Aziz.  He is a sweet little boy. We saw his nursery for the first time and it is an adorable jungle theme with hand painted jungle mural with a giraffe, monkey and zebra.  It was great to visit friends and hold Aziz while he slept peacefully in my arms.

Sulaiman, Joey and Jacynda, with love we welcome your dear new baby to this world. We share in the happiness of the beautiful new life you have created! Our love is with your new family. Congratulations!  

stuffed animal pit

Here are the boys romping around in a "stufffed animal pit" they made in Ethan's room.  Lots of giggling going on in this photo collage.  I just learned how to make a photo collage with the free photo application Picasa, so quick and easy!

soccer ball

For Hudson's 4th birthday, Grandma and Grandpa gave him a soccer themed gift.  Soccer lessons at the community park and a "paint your own" soccer ball gift set.  He really enjoyed painting his own soccer ball and I know he'll love playing soccer this October. Here is Hudson creating his very own soccer ball.