July 4th

I took the boys to Lebo on the 4th since Sharla and Amy were both going to be around.  Lebo has its own little celebration that includes a parade, kids' games, free swim, etc.  We took advantage of most of the activities.  Graham gave Aly a ride on the mule.  He loves to ride (drive) this and insists that he be the one to turn the key and take the key out.  He has very specific rules as to who should hold the key.

Miles won a bunch of pop in a ring toss game.  I think they were wanting to close up shop so she let him toss rings from about 6 inches away!  He also won a $10 Lebo gift card in a game of heads or tails.  I'm sure he will expect a trip to the drugstore to buy "toys" next time we are in town.

The pool was our stomping ground growing up--every day 1:00-4:00 while my mom worked!  My kids enjoy "Grandma's Pool" as well, especially when buddies Brady and Brett are around.  Forgive the lame hair; I'll do anything to prolong not having to wash my hair!

Are your kids into Fun Dip as much as mine are?  Maybe because it's only $0.25 or maybe because it's straight sugar...  I try to talk them into letting me eat the sticks (best part), but it's usually a no go.

Color Run

Sharla and I participated in the Kansas City Color Run last weekend.  It was a lot of fun--not exactly a race where you really get busy and run fast (tons of walkers, lots of kids), but a great opportunity for people who don't normally do a lot of running to get motivated to sign up for a 5K.  You can see that we reverted to our younger  years and decided to go as twins.  (PS--on an unrelated note....as I was working with one of my friends setting up her blog, I figured out that I had commenting features blocked, so if you have wanted to comment before but could not get past my roadblocks, I removed all of those features)

Before and after shots.  We didn't actually get this colored during the race, a lot of it was from the color throwing party at the end.  We were mild compared to many people.

This was the finishing area as we were leaving.  The line of people in the background is another wave of people just finishing.  I don't know if this is a yearly thing for KC, but if you are looking for a fun way to get running, sign up for it next year.  I'll be working on Sharla to do a 10K with me :)

Baseball Wraps Up

We traveled to KC this weekend for one last baseball tournament.  Luckily, we were able to take the scenic route and drop Graham off in Lebo on the way.  It was so nice not having to try to bribe him to stay in the shade/sit down/stay out of people's food/etc.  The Braves played well and made it into bracket play where they lost a close one.  Owen struggled to hit in the first two games, but turned things around in the later games.  He played great defense and pitched really well--lots of strike outs.  He was definitely sad to see the season come to an end (me too).

The U9 Braves (minus two players) being serious, and then silly.

Terrible Two?

I can't believe my baby is 2!  He seems so much more boy than baby now.  He got a potty chair for his birthday--we're all about practicality here!  Both Owen and Miles (on their own) treated Graham to something special today.  Miles used his pool snack money and bought Graham a ring pop to eat during his T-ball game tonight.  Owen took money out of his birthday stash and bought Graham a shaved iced treat tonight.  Graham was happier with these simple gestures than any toy.  At age 2 he:

• Repeats anything you tell him to say.  Says "yes" (pronounced "yesssth"), "scared/scary", and "Mommy, hold you" (meaning he wants me to hold him) all of the time.  However, when you ask him his name, he usually goes by "Miles."
• Attached to "Blankie" and two Mickey Mouse stuffed toys.
• Could drink endless bottles of Gatorade.
• Rides his scooter, kicks, runs, plays basketball, etc. just like his big brothers.
• Still sucks his right thumb like a champ.
• Loves cantaloupe, milk, Nutri Grain bars, and ketchup.
• Runs to Owen or Miles if he gets in trouble with one of his parents.
• Still thinks Mommy is #1, although Grandma Jean sometimes moves into the lead when we visit.

 Enjoying his icee at Miles' T-ball game.  He actually had two since it was his birthday.

 Yes, this is Stinky Blankie.  He usually asks for you to put it on his head, shepherd style.

We're bringing the baby back.  Owen got this for Christmas when he was 18 months old.  It's been packed away, and he's been into babies at school, so we pulled it out in honor of his birthday.

Pinterest #22

After some weak recipes last week, I was happy to find two good ones this week.  I made this casserole for our family and for a friend's family (welcoming a new baby).  Adam and I both really liked it.  The kids were on full alert for anything odd looking--they seem to be able to find the smallest green pepper that was in the 1/2 cup of salsa that was in this entire recipe.  They ate it, but didn't ask for seconds.  

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

I thought these looked interesting when I pinned them, so again I made some for the friend and then took the rest of them to Adam's office where I heard they were a hit.  The kids loved the "frosting"--on or off the cupcake.  The recipe made so much frosting that we still had a bowl left just to eat by itself.  My kids love dough, so this was perfect since there were no eggs in the dough.  I can't decide if they look really professional or like a pile of something else...

Chocolate Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Cookie Dough "Frosting"

Six!

Miles turns SIX today!  It doesn't seem like we've been in Manhattan that long (moved here right before he was born).  He is an amazing boy--definitely the entertainment in our family.  At this age he loves:

• Following/copying Owen.  Usually this is a good thing (as in sports), but sometimes he doesn't understand why his privileges are not the same as Owen's.
• Entertaining Graham, although sometimes his form of entertainment (giving Graham "scorpion bites") is questionable.
• Sports (t-ball, swimming, basketball, anything really).  This includes kicking and throwing things on the house over and over again.
• Shoes (he asked for a gift card to Target to buy crocs, and to Dick's to buy some zag flip flops)

Niner!

Happy Birthday, Owen!  NINE already!  He's becoming so independent, helpful and mature.  A great role model to his little brothers--especially Miles who adores him.  My kids don't ask for big birthday parties or gifts (decided on a small sleepover later this summer when everyone is done with baseball and camps), so tonight we offered to take them to City Pool (we haven't been) or let him go watch friends play ball.  He thought for a while and said, "Mom, could we go to City another time and tonight I'll go watch baseball?"  So typical of him!  At this age he loves:

• EATING!  Requested tacos for his birthday meal.  The dude hit 70 pounds recently--hides it well, like his dad :)
• SPORTS!  Basketball, baseball and football (ranked in this order).  Playing and watching.  Also loves to swim, but "just for fun"
• TV!  There is no limit to what he'd watch if we allowed it, but he especially likes watching sports, Whale Wars, Deadliest Catch, and shows like iCarly :)
• FRIENDS!  Always asking for and plotting for playdates, sleepovers, etc.  He has a ton of little friends and seems to know half of this town.
• TECHNOLOGY!  Becoming an Apple geek like his dad.  Good thing he doesn't know the password to our iTunes account.

Father's Day/Pinterest #21

We spent a large part of Father's Day weekend at the baseball field, but still managed to find time for some (practical) gifts of underwear, swim shirt, and cutting boards.  I had good intentions of trying this pork tenderloin recipe, but I'd have to say it was a fail.  Maybe it was the cut/size of meat I chose, but it took much longer to cook and something just wasn't right...

Pork Tenderloin with Pan Sauce

My second fail of the weekend were these EASY cookies.  Mine looked just like this pre-baking.  However, when I took them out the bottom layer of the cookie was stuck to the pan.  It didn't call for a greased pan, but maybe that would have made the difference??  So, it was two "fails" in one weekend. Good thing Adam is not picky--he ate both.  I guess that's part of the reason we like him so much :)

Cake Cookies

Royal Weekend

Two weekends ago we took the bigs to a Royals game (while Graham stayed with my parents).  Owen chose the seats, which meant left field so we'd be close to Alex Gordon.  

I haven't been to Kauffman Stadium in I don't know how long; I was very impressed with the place.  Looks like it would be fun to sit in the bar-like area around the fountains.

Unfortunately, we didn't get to see a win (although they did win this series), but the weather was great and not having to chase after Graham made it a fun afternoon.  I wasn't sure I'd be able to sit still and enjoy the game, but I think I've grown to like the game more now that Owen has played for a few years.

Pool Rats

Fortunately for the boys, we've had plenty of warm weather lately.  They would go to the pool (any pool) everyday if I let them.  Since dropping our MCC membership, the kids have enjoyed Cico and Northview.  Owen is old enough that he knows a lot of kids in town (through school, childcare, CCD, sports, etc) so he is bound to run into kids he knows.  And Miles is usually right on Owen's heels.  I'm so thankful they are good swimmers and can be turned loose in the pool without restrictions and only minimal supervision from me--and instructions NOT to dive or try flips off the high dive!  Graham looks to be another water baby.  So far I've managed to keep him interested in the shallow end so that I don't have to get in past my knees since the water is CHILLY for this old lady.

 The M's

 Chariot riding in the lazy river!

Relaxin'

Alien Baby!

Pinterest #20

Two good recipes this week...

Taco Salad

The taco salad was very tasty (minus the tomatoes, of course).  The whole family liked it, although Graham just had the meat and chips by themselves.

Mini Pizzas

These little cupcake pizzas were a total hit, especially with Miles who can take down some serious pizza.  Usually I prefer a detailed recipe with cooking times and temp, but only the ingredients were listed for this.  FYI--if you do make these, I think it helps to cook the "crusts" for a few minutes before adding the toppings.  I'll definitely be making these again soon!

Pinterest #19

I found this felt flower and thought it would be cute for a baby gift.  I made the hat below for one baby and the headband (again modeled by Miles) for another baby.  I also made a very cute gray/white/yellow one but don't have the right thing to put it on now.  Maybe for a fall baby :)  Okay, enough for now.  I'm only behind by 3 now.

Pinterest #18

I love flower hair decorations (this is when I need a girl) and have a whole board of "flower pins."  I made a few things loosely based on some of these flowers, plus some other "old faithful" flowers.  

Tissue and Tulle Flower 

I didn't use the tissue paper since mine were going on shoes, but I think these would be good for a wedding or shower.  Cheap, easy, and pretty.

Circle "Flower"

Not sure about this one...

Petal Flower

I really like this flower--didn't use the streamer part.

So... here's what I did...

Used tulle flower to decorate some flip flops for a birthday gift (modeled by Miles).  Below are the other flip flops we made/included in the gift.  

 Circle flower hair clip to match some outfits for a friends' girls.

 Headband to match another outfit.

 Hair accessories to match some Easter dresses.

 Another headband to match a birthday outfit for our cousin.

Pinterest #17

This chicken was excellent--Adam even put it in his "top 5" of things I've made.  Try it!  You know it's easy.

Melt in Your Mouth Chicken Breast

Another winner--made this for the snack bar at the school carnival.  I turned out really well--something different than the usual pretzel mix.  The colors (you use Reese's Pieces) would be good for a Halloween party.

Crunchy Peanut Butter Mix

Pinterest #16

Rice & Beans Wrap--easy, good, nothing special, but would make it them again.  

Rice and Beans Wrap

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti--easy, makes a ton (as in could feed the family for 3-4 nights), tasted really good the first night, but wasn't psyched to eat it again the next day.  Would cut down the recipe next time.

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

Pinterest #15

I counted up and figured out I'm 8 posts behind if I stick to my goal of trying something from Pinterest every week this year.  I've made use of a lot of my pins, just haven't documented any good/bad results.  Here goes...

I made these ice cream treats for Miles' class to celebrate their student teacher completing her semester.  Easy and fun.  FYI--sugar sprinkles are not as cute as the ball sprinkles.  I chose these bright colored cupcake holders in order to have something to put them in as the kids ate them.  Seemed to work well.  Miles said they were a hit.  I'll put this on the "make again" list.

Ice Cream Pops

T-ball Round 2

Miles is pumped to be on his own team rather than just playing with Owen in the driveway.  He had a great time at his first game last night.  His team is the Astros and he has 3 little friends from school on the team with him.  The first time he was on base he was leading off preparing to steal--I guess he has been watching Owen's games!