Our FrontRunner Adventure

Samantha and I decided to take the kids to experience a local historic event - FrontRunner's Grand Opening. Because there is a stop just a couple of blocks from our home, it was a convenient point to jump on and head to Salt Lake. The trip down was exciting and the kids loved riding a train. However, the return trip was beyond crazy (we had spent the afternoon at Gateway and the Children's Museum). We couldn't fit on the train we had planned for because it was so packed. Fortunatley we were able to squeeze onto the next one after waiting another 30 minutes. However, people were also stuffed in every available space on this train too, including a large number of very tired children and their strollers. As we told Eli, that was the "squishy" part of our adventure. I'll admit - at that point I really wished I had my car. Driving home would have been much easier.

Helping Grandpa

Eli got to help Grandpa build a walkway in the yard. He gathered rocks, set them up, then washed things down to help it all settle.Apparently it was a lot of work. When he went in to wash his hands he never came back. I found him fast asleep - in Maggie's bed - in his work clothes. At least he washed his hands.

Eli and the "Big Help"

I have to remind myself daily that Eli is just 4 years old. Not only is he riding his bike with all of the older boys in the neighborhood like a pro, he is constantly watching, learning, and trying to help around the house. I do enjoy the help - but admit it's scary when he does things I'm not prepared for or sure he can safely do. Two examples from today:

• Change the laundry. I am still not quite sure how he took out the large load of heavy, wet clothes from the washer and put them into the dryer. This, is after he removed the clothes from the dryer and put them in a basket to be folded. While I was working upstairs (laundry room is down stairs) he came to me and clearly informed me that he had "changed the laundry because it was ready."
  

• Made dinner. Yes - he actually made dinner. While Maggie and I were cleaning up toys in the basement so that we could go upstairs to make dinner, Eli had simply taken off to take care of things. When we came up the stairs he had pulled frozen waffles out of the freezer, heated them in the toaster, and had them sitting on two plates ready to be eaten. He was in the process of getting the butter and syrup out when we found him. I hadn't planned on waffles - but needless to say, it was a very nice dinner.

Pat's Barbecue & Bill Kirchen

Stefanie and I took the kids down to Pat's Barbecue this week (one of our favorite places for great food and music). Bill Kirchen was playing and we thought it would be fun for them to see a great guitar player - since they all claim that is what they want to learn to play (Eli is still wavering between guitar and the drums). We also took our cousin Jacob - because he loves good music, too. It was a packed house...they all danced, gobbled corn bread, and had a great time.

Dessert Pizza

My friend Kim asked me to send her these recipes for an upcoming book club meeting. After typing it all in an email, I thought I'd post them here for anyone else interested. This is one of my favorite desserts and the three varieties are fun to serve together.
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Chocolate Chip Dessert Pizza

1 package (18 oz.) refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough
1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese softened
1/3 cup sugar
1 pint (2 cups) cold half&half
1 package chocolate instant pudding and pie filling (3.9 oz)
½ cup chopped nuts (or any fun topping like mini m&m’s, toffee chips, sprinkles, etc.)

1. Preheat oven to 350. Shape cookie dough into a ball, center on baking stone/sheet, roll out to make a 10-12” circle. Bake 12-15 minutes. (Cookie should be soft – do not over bake.) Cool completely.
2. In a small bowl cream together sugar and cream cheese. Set aside.
3. In another bowl combine half &half and pudding mix for about 2 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes to set.
4. When cookie is completely cooled, frost with cream cheese and then top with pudding mixture. Sprinkle on topping.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

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Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizza

1 package (18 oz.) refrigerated chocolate sugar cookie dough
*I also like to use the Betty Crocker cookie dough pouch – it’s a good cookie/size.
1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 cups whipped topping
4-5 varieties of sliced or small fruit: strawberries, bananas, blueberries, mandarin oranges, kiwi, grapes, raspberries, etc.
*Berry type pie filling is really good on this, too.

1. Preheat oven to 350. Shape cookie dough into a ball, center on baking stone/sheet, roll out to make a 10-12” circle. Bake 12-15 minutes. (Cookie should be soft – do not over bake.) Cool completely.
2. In mixing bowl, beat together sugar and cream cheese until smooth. Add whipped topping; mix well. When cookie is completely cooled, spread over cookie.
3. Arrange fruit on top of cream cheese spread however you like it.
4. Drizzle Glaze on top: ¼ cup sugar, ¼ cup orange juice, ¼ cup water, and 2 teaspoons corn starch
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

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Taffy Apple Dessert Pizza

1 package (18 oz.) refrigerated chocolate sugar cookie dough.
1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese softened
¼ cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup brown sugar
2 Granny Smith apples
1 tsp cinnamon
½ cup caramel ice cream topping

1. Preheat oven to 350. Shape cookie dough into a ball, center on baking stone/sheet, roll out to make a 10-12” circle. Bake 12-15 minutes. (Cookie should be soft – do not over bake.) Cool completely.
2. Mix cream cheese, peanut butter and brown sugar. Spread on cookie.
3. Slice and peel 2 apples. Cut into smaller pieces (diced) and sprinkle on top of the frosting. Sprinkle 1 tsp cinnamon on the apples. *To deter apples from tuning brown, soak in either lemon-lime soda or lemon with water. Drain and pat dry. This will buy you 24 hours.
4. Drizzle caramel ice cream toping all over.
5. Optional: ¼ cup chopped peanuts sprinkled over top.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

Eli & Stefanie's Great Adventure

While I was getting some work done at Stefanie's house, she decided to take Eli on a special adventure. Exploring, getting dirty, and having a great time is one of her specialties. We have always been lucky to have her around as our "fun guide."

Stefanie lives across the street from a great park where she took Eli to check out the stream, bird nests, have a snack, and most importantly - get dirty and wet. Eli loved it and can't wait to go on another adventure with one of the coolest aunts around.

Eli is pointing to one of the big nests they found.

Eli is now writing his last name...kind of.

At least he only had three letters to learn for his first name.

Aaargh!

Eli came home from school Friday ready to find treasure - fortunately I had a few shiny pennies in my wallet.

Maggie is great at accessorizing

...even in her sleep.

Our idea of a Sunday drive.

Lagoon already?

Yes! We picked a perfect day to kick off our Lagoon Season - something Eli and Maggie have been asking to do since they received the "can't live without" season pass in their Easter baskets. Eli found he had grown a bit since last year and can add two new rides to his access list...The Bat and Rock-o-Planes. The Bat is his new favorite. Maggie's is still the "fish" (aka Bulgy). Our Lagoon "Season" is mainly spring/fall - bypassing most of the hot summer crowds. It was a great time to experience the new "OdySea" ride before the rush (think "Dumbo" ride - only fish, with spouting dolphins, and REALLY annoying music).

Eli & Scissors (better than a Sharpie)

I guess I should be glad it was Eli and not Maggie, but I know it's just a matter of time before it will be her turn. I have to admit I also attempted addressing my own long bangs a time or two around his age. All things considered...it could have been worse.

Bedtime

Maggie & Eli have had a couple of rough nights this week.

Following Eli

Maggie is learning lots of great tricks from her big brother...