Family Fun...Ice Skating

Last weekend we went for our yearly ice skating adventure.  Actually it was just my mom, brother Todd, me, and the kids that skated.  Eric, my brother John, and my dad got to watch.  I'm thinking that since I'll be 40 next year I'd prefer to watch too...ouch!  I could really feel it the next morning.  Thomas went right out on the ice.  Blake started a bit slowly but after a lap or two was attempting to race Thomas.  Taylor and Brooke did well also...a bit off balance at times but they like to go fast!

Eric took these pictures from above...I'm not sure it was the best place to take a shot!

Yes...I know you have to turn your head to see this picture...I'm just trying to figure out all this blog stuff ya know!?

We came home tired!  The kids are already to go back...I think I can wait until next year though!

Tuesday Tip - Kid Coasters

It seems to take me years of trying different ideas before I finally get one that really works!  There have always been too many dirty cups in the sink!  My children used to have individual water bottles but they just got too dusty from being dragged to baseball games, the park, etc. and they were difficult to keep clean. 

Kid coasters has proven to be more successful!  Whenever the kids want a drink, they can get their own cup (I keep them in a low cupboard).  Water goes on their coaster.  If they have milk or juice it is their responsibility to rinse their cup and place it on the coaster.  At the end of the day when I run the dishwasher I throw in the cups that are on the coasters.

Even Noah and Olivia (my daycare kids) have their own coasters!

It's been a system that's been working well for awhile for us...the only drawback is if one of the kids has a full cup of water on their coaster and it gets knocked over.  Now I probably just need to get one for Eric and see if I can rope him into the routine as well!

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things...Kanoodle

Santa, in addition to Grandma, Grandpa, Nana and Pop, Uncle Todd and Uncle John, was very good to my children this year.  So good in fact that there are still several gifts that have not really been played with.  I had looked at Kanoodle on Christmas morning but in the midst of reading all the many directions for assembly, my brain could just not take it.  So...Saturday after playing in the snow I decided to pull a new toy out and set it on the kitchen table.  It definitely is a winner!  The age on the package said 7 to adult but even Brooke who is 5 was able to play it.  There are over 100 different puzzles (pro to genius) that you can set up for your kids to solve.  Kanoodle is great for promoting spatial reasoning skills and problem solving.  Loud cheers were heard whenever one of the children solved a puzzle!  It comes in a cute little case so it will be fun to bring it with us whenever we need a little game...at the doctors office, while watching one of their siblings games, etc.  My only issue is you can't lose ONE piece!  It would mess up the whole game.  We will see how long we can keep the game intact! 

                                     

What's For Dinner? Charlie Gibson Enchilada Casserole

A LONG time ago during my maternity leave with Blake I had the opportunity to watch Good Morning America. The hosts were sharing some of their favorite dishes one week and Charlie Gibson shared his family's Enchilada Casserole. I figured if his family likes it then we probably will too! After all, who doesn't like a main dish that includes Doritos!? I'm sure it's not that healthy but it is yummy and my kids will eat it without too much fuss...unless they see a bean. I unsuccessfully attempted to take a picture of it. My camera needs to be updated a bit because it just looked like a casserole blob. Try it though...you'll like it!

1 can chili with beans
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
1 large 12-ounce package Doritos
10 oz. enchilada sauce (I use mild)
8 oz. can tomato sauce
2 T. onion, grated (I just shake in some minced onion)
1 1/4 cup sour cream


Take six cups of the Doritos and crumble with your hands into a large mixing bowl.  Add the onion, chili, 1 1/2 cups of the cheese, enchilada sauce, and tomato sauce and mix.  Pour into an 8 1/2 x 11 casserole dish.  Bake for 20 minutes at 375 degrees.  Spread sour cream over the top, cover with some more crumbled Doritos and 1/2 c. cheese.  Bake 5 more minutes.  Enjoy!