Snoopy's

Many years ago, on a whim and a hankering for a hotdog, we unknowingly started a "tradition".  When the weather is nice and we don't have much to do, we go to Snoopy's and "tailgate".  Davis thinks is a great time and I get a kick of how exciting he thinks it is.  I don't mind the hotdog either.  I don't eat them often, but when we go to Snoopy's, it has to be all the way.  We introduced Hanna to it sometime ago and this was probably only the second time she has been.  It's yummy, full of family fun and we make a big pool of shared ketchup (close to 12 packets).  Simple.  Fun.  Delicious.

Family Walk at the Lake

We decided Friday during dinner to try and take a walk on Saturday.  It has been a while and we wanted to feed the ducks, get some much needed exercise.  My motivation was the exercise and to take some current photos of the kids while burning some of Seis' energy.  Anyone with kids knows what it takes to get a family ready and out the door.  There are coats, shoes, and in this instance, me with a camera and the dog all harnessed up.  As soon as we crossed the road it started to sprinkle.  With my camera I was tempted to turn around.  Mind you we were only 3 minutes into the "walk".  We decided to keep going and the sprinkles tapered off for another 15 minutes or so.  I was able to get a few photos and we were able to share our corn tortillas with the ducks.

The ducks coming in for the feeding.

What would you like for breakfast, Hanna?

"Lucky Charms and Fruit Loops!"

Why not, I thought?  Why settle with one when you can have two?  I just love the freedom kids have to think outside the norm.  I wish I thought more like a child sometimes.

Pullen Park Play

We visited Pullen Park yesterday to check out the recent renovations and play with one of Davis' Primrose friends, Camille.  It was a beautiful day, I can't believe the weather we are having in December.  The kids had lots of fun.  Hanna fell asleep as soon as she hit the car seat.  If you know her, that is rare.  I don't think she requires sleep.

Recently, Davis has become a Clemson fan.  No idea where he got it from, but hey, we just roll with it.  He is proud of his hat.

Davis admiring the bamboo.  He still can't believe it grows in NC.  

Post about nothing...

I am sitting outside on our screened in porch in complete amazement with how nice the weather is.

I am passing the time while the kids play outside and thinking about having a little adult time tonight.  How do I prepare for a nice dinner out?  Eat only veggies the day of, so you can enjoy a great dinner without the guilt.  Okay, so I will probably still have some guilt as I enjoy a glass of wine (or two), but I tell myself its okay as long as I don't over indulge the whole day.   Veggie soup full of cabbage was on the menu today.  Zero points if you are counting (on the old WW system).  Likely a ratatouille version of vegetables tomorrow (sans potatoes).

We have reservations with friends tonight at Poole's Diner.  It's a great place to eat if you haven't tried it.  They usually don't take reservations, so I am surprised we actually got them and on short notice.  Must be a New Year's eve special event.

Have I mentioned its been a great week, being off from work?  I am blogging about soup for goodness sake!  We are marking things off the "to do" list (that have been there a while) and just taking they days as they come.  It's so rare that we do that.  The Christmas trees are still up.  I have no desire to take those down yet.

One long over due chore for some time was to give Fishy's tank a good cleaning.  That has been almost a year coming.  I am not sure he could even see in the old water.  With a little scrubbing and rinsing, Fishy was swimming with such purpose in his renovated home!   It's true what they say about Beta fish.  You can't kill them.  They are survivors- we have had him over two years and he is still kicking.  Hope all that fresh water doesn't kill him!

Thanks for your patience, Fishy.

Christmas 2011

I decided to purchase "matching" pajamas this year for Christmas morning (as mentioned in an earlier post).  It's a tradition my mom and I have done for years.  This year, I thought- hey, what not extend it to the whole family!  It was a little tougher when you put a male and two kids in the mix but there are websites that offer family sets.  Vince was a good sport about it.  I ordered the kids a few sizes up (they had saggy bottom this year) so we could use them for a few years at least.  Here are a few pictures- don't you judge my bed head!

We had two excited children Christmas morning!  They of course got way more than they needed.  It was a wonderful Christmas and we continue to be blessed by God's grace.  I am grateful my company is closed this week and Vince was able to take the week off with us so we can have a full week together as a family.  God is good.  I hope your new year is shared with those you love, filled with joy and brings you peace.

Breakfast with Santa

Last weekend out we had breakfast with Santa at our church.  We enjoyed a delicious breakfast complete with pancakes for the kids!  After a full belly the kids got a chance to pose for a picture with one of Santa's helpers.  Happy Holidays from two cute kids!

My New Favorite Cookie

White Chocolate Mint Cookies....yummy!  The kids weren't a fan, but I sure was (Vinnie too).  So I modified a few things and used a different extract than the recipe calls for, but they turned out mmmm mmmm good.   There were Andes mint chips in them.  For those of you who didn't know (and why would you really?), that is my favorite chocolate.  My mom gets me a bag every year for my stocking.  Funny thing is, I can make that bag last for close to a year.  Hard for Vince to understand.  He eats his stocking stuffer (turtles) in a month or less.

My dad's oatmeal cranberry cookies are still a strong second...

Happy Baking this holiday season!

Happy Birthday Micah

Last weekend we visited Charlotte to celebrate Micah's 6th birthday.  We always have a good time together and the kids enjoy playing together so much.  It's truly a blessing to have a cousin so close in age.  I have a feeling they will always be very close.  The photos are from Ella Walker (photographer for hire!).  She is amazing and I happen to think she had some good subjects to work with.  More photos from the party on her blog linked from mine.  Enjoy!

Happy Birthday, Micah.  We love you bunches!!!!

Pajama Day & Picture Day

The holiday spirit was in full swing this morning before school.  Davis' class earned pajama day at school for good behavior so he sported his Christmas pajamas.  They can bring robes, slippers and even stuffed animals!  We all have matching pajamas for Christmas morning.  Cheesy, I know, but it will make for a cute Christmas morning photo.

It was picture day for Hanna today at Primrose.  This dress was one of three cute holiday dresses my mom got her from the thrift store she volunteers at once a week.  I don't think these dresses have even been worn.  She finds some good stuff and having her there to skim the best stuff off the top for the kids has its advantages.

Two cute kids, we sure are blessed!

Photo disclaimer:  in a rush to get to school (like every morning) so a camera phone photo was the best I could do in a pinch.  :-)

Here is a picture of the PJ set I ordered for the family.  Cute I know!  I did not however order a set for Seis.  I think he'll be okay.