Keeping the update going

Well, my dad did not approve of my short post. He said there weren't enough pictures. Picky, picky. I will resume where I left off...

We celebrated my sister's birthday a little belatedly with a busy, fun morning. The boys and I had breakfast at her place. Ethan helped point out any non-toddler proofed items.



After breakfast we headed over to Color Me Mine. Kim wanted to paint a pot and then have the boys put their handprints on it. A 2 year old in a store filled with breakable items is a little stressful on a mom but it was so cute to watch them make their mark.
Caleb really like the feel of the paint brush. I'll have to get a picture of the finished product from Kim.
My dad was VERY excited to take Ethan to a DODGER game. There were some logistical issues with getting there and it turned out that Mike had to meet them there. I was needlessly apprehensive about the 45 min car drive and my dad's ability to handle any meltdowns. I gave my dad a full arsenal of E's favorite snacks and even the ipad. He didn't need any of them. Apparently, Ethan didn't want to play with the ipad because that meant he would have to take off his baseball glove. He was just about as excited as Grandpa.

The entire way home Grandpa had him practice saying, "Go Dodgers!" and it actually stuck for a few weeks. He's been asking to go to another game ever since.
Sweet sleep.
We only made it to one concert in the park this summer and we had a blast! It was Beatles night and we road the boys down in the bike trailer. They had such a wonderful time and Ethan cried when we left.

I tried to get a picture of Caleb in his Angels Tori Hunter shirt before I couldn't fit it on him anymore.
Whenever Caleb wore his Angels then Ethan HAD to wear his too! (sorry Grandpa)
Does this look familiar to anyone? :)
Ok, that gets us to early Aug. More update later

Ultimate Granola

I made this granola for our annual trip we take with our college friends and I promised to put the recipe up again. It's very flexible so use the nuts and dried fruit you prefer.

Mike and I enjoy watching cooking shows and recently Mike came across a particularly good one. The following recipe is from Tyler's Ultimate and it is both very yummy and very easy. Enjoy!

ULTIMATE GRANOLA

4 cups rolled oats

3/4 cup raw almonds
3/4 cup raw pecans

1/2 cup flax seeds or pepitas (I used flax seeds at Shaver)

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup canola oil (or olive oil)

1 tsp vanilla

desired dried fruit (I enjoy raisins)

Preheat oven 300 degrees. Mix dry ingredients. Warm honey and oil in pan and add vanilla. Stir. Pour over dry ingredients. Mix well but gently. Spread evenly onto cookie sheet. Bake 20 min. Stir. Bake another 20 min. Cool and break up any clumps. Add dried fruit as desired.

At Grandpa's Request

You wouldn't know it if you "follow" the blog but I actually think of new blog posts on a daily basis. They just don't make it onto the blog. My dad noted that I hadn't done an update since July and I'm guessing that he needs new material to show everyone who walks through his office door. ;)

Well, first of all, Ethan is starting to say more and more comical things. There isn't a day that goes by now that he says something in all seriousness that makes me laugh. Today as I was making lunch he wanted to know what the mayo was. I told him and then held up the mustard bottle and asked him what it was. He informed me that it was "mustache." I tried not to laugh too much because he was being serious and I let him know that it was actually mustard. He was very sure and said, "No, Mom. It's mustache." I love it!

Mike and the boys at Montage beach towards the end of July.

Don't leave a two year old alone with a bottle of paint even if you think the bottle is sealed!
We went down to Laguna for my dad's birthday (July 6th Happy Birthday again, Dad!). Here we are waiting for the trolley. Ethan is not in timeout. He is attempting to rest his head on his hands.
This is just after his nap. I put him down in just the green shorts but when he greeted me at the door he had added his boots! In case you are wondering he is saying "MUSCLES!"

Well, that's what I have time for. Maybe I'll make it to Labor Day soon. :)