Sleepover!

Pick a night and have a movie/sleepover.

It is so fun to stay up and talk to your kids.

Pick a new movie, get bundled up on the floor and have a fun night!

Make popcorn, or eat suckers!

Throw evening plans out the window and chill with your favorite little people!

Someone did not want to be in the sleeping bag! LOL

It is really fun to be a kid again. Even if it is only for one night!

Fall Baking : Apple Brownies!

I love the fall, and I love baking. I also love Honey Crisp Apples!

My kids also enjoy being in the kitchen making stuff and being with me, but most importantly - 

they love eating their own creations!

Today we made Apple Brownies from Martha Stewart's Apple Collective.

Calling them brownies was a stretch, but they were delicious!

Everyone had a job!

I added a tbsp of vanilla to the batter, and it was so good.

A perfect recipe for a quick baking day.

Quick Date!

We meet our friends for lunch, or at chick-fil-a.

A lot of my friends who work meet over coffee.

How about taking time out for some hot chocolate and a sweet treat.

Some one on one (or in my case 5 to 2) time!

 I promise the conversations, and the $3.00 will be worth it!

I love these little moments and discussions that we have as a family.

Sensory : Seeing with our Ears

Have you ever taken your kids on a blindfolded walk?

You should try it!

The sights, sounds, and smells, are such an experience for those little minds.

I took my kids to the local nature reserve.

The rule was one blindfolded person, and one guide.

The 3 year old didn't like this. But, she is 3 and 3 year olds don't like anything.

The other kids loved it!

We stopped, listened and observed.

It was cold, but so peaceful and quiet.

When we got home, we took notes of our observations and drew pictures of what we 

heard but couldn't see.

I love being outside, even if it is fall/winter.

There are less people out, and the kids have more room to enjoy.

You should try it!

Cooking : Meatless Monday/Mystery Dinner

We like to have a little adventure and let the kids make their own dinner...sometimes.

Last night, I wrote a bunch of ingredients on different pieces of paper and the kids chose what we were having.

They chose: Mushroom, Garlic, Spinach, and Pineapples.

(We had pineapples on the side)

We made quesadillas.

 I sauteed mushrooms, garlic, and spinach and put them all in separate bowls.

The kids then built them.

 The kids were pretty happy with their creations.

 It was a fun family night, and made a perfect meatless monday!

Easy Science : Bubble Making

Kids love making stuff, especially if its cool, and something that they know you have bought before but can make yourself!

 Coat Hangers, Straws, Joy, Glycerin, measuring cups, large container (to put everything in) and smallish container (i used mini pie tins)

Coat hangers are for making wands:

Straws are for wands too!

Mix 2/3 cup Joy, with 1/3 cup glycerin, and 1 QT water.

See how those Hospital Jugs come in handy? :)

We also use them for the bathtub. :)

Ready, Set, Blow!

 I couldn't help myself!

PS - these are not edible!

 oh dear!

These stay good for one week in the fridge!

Have fun!

Kitchen Time : Fall Mix 1 & 2

We try really hard to eat healthy foods in our house.

I am not crazy about it, but we try. :)

I love fall baking, and my children love to make anything - so it worked out that the first cold snap was a baking day!

We made Apple Cinnamon Chex Mix

 And, Halloween Crack.

Taking time out of our busy schedules and spending time in the kitchen with our children teaches them so much. Yes, it requires patience, extra clean up, and loads more time, but it is worth the effort.

Did we do a full organic meal? No. 

Did we teach them advanced techniques? No.

But, we made something together, and this is something they will remember. 

Take some time and make a fun easy treat with your kiddos. :)

Here is something interesting I found on the web.

By Elaine Magee, MPH, RD

Indeed, cooking with kids can be the gift that keeps on giving; it has both short-term and long-term payoffs.

Some of the short-term benefits:

• It encourages kids to try healthy foods.
• Kids feel like they are accomplishing something and contributing to the family.
• Kids are more likely to sit down to a family meal when they helped prepare it.
• Parents get to spend quality time with their kids.
• Kids aren't spending time in front of the TV or computer while they're cooking.
• Kids generally aren't eating junk food when they're cooking a meal at home.

Some long-term benefits:

• Learning to cook is a skill your children can use for the rest of their lives.
• Kids who learn to eat well may be more likely to eat healthfully as adults.
• Positive cooking experiences can help build self-confidence.
• Kids who cook with their parents may even be less likely to abuse drugs.

 Awesome!