Oh - The Fun We Have...

"Mom!  It has braids!"

Sydney continues to make us laugh!  Whether it's turning around in a store to find her dressed in costume or the amazing things she says, she has us laughing all the time.  Some of our recent favorites are

"What letters are in U.S.A.?"  This difficult question was asked around the time we were cheering on Team U.S.A. during the Olympics.  Not to worry!  She figured it out pretty quickly!

To a peacock she encountered at a nearby farm, "When are you going to spread 'em?"  Oye.

While introducing a "story" she was going to "read" us, "Mom and Dad, you're going to like this one - it's got lots of kissing!" 

Keep up the good work.  We love you, Sydney!
 

Allergy-Safe Candy

With Halloween approaching (kind of), I was thinking about how to handle the candy bag for Cole (I know it's super early, but I really don't want him to feel any more left out than normal).  Obviously, he can't enjoy candy like most kids with his laundry list of allergies.  Right now, his food allergies include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, tomatoes, and bananas.   However, after doing a little research, I was pleasantly surprised to find a decent list of treats he can eat!  I figured I'd post it here so I can access it quickly and have a place to point friends and family when they ask.  Here goes:

Smarties

Swedish Fish

Sour Patch Kids

Mike & Ikes

Hot Tamales

Peeps

Jelly Belly Jelly Beans

Necco Wafers

Dum Dums

Skittles

Lifesaver Gummies

Starburst

Obviously, some of these candies are easier for him to eat than others (although that will change as he gets older).  But - it's a great list to start - for sure.  I think I'll just have a bag of some of these candies ready and waiting to swap with the candy he collects when we trick-or-treat on Halloween.  Mission accomplished.

Chicken Tostada Upside Down Bake

Have I mentioned how much I love Picky Palate?  Wow - Jenny Flake can cook!  I tried this recipe Monday night, and it was deeeeelicious! 

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
4 small or 3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, shredded and lightly seasoned with salt and pepper
1 can diced tomatoes, fire roasted is great with this recipe
1 can corn, drained
1 can black beans, drained
1 can black olives, chopped
1 packet ranch dressing seasoning packet
1 1/2 tablespoons ground cumin
Pinch of kosher salt and pepper
1/2 cup fresh chopped cilantro
1 can Pillsbury Crescent Rolls, in the sheet form
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon Lawry’s Garlic Salt with Parsley
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Heat oil in dutch oven or other large pot over medium heat. Saute onions for 5 minutes then add in garlic; cook for an additional 1 minute. Add chicken, tomatoes, corn, black beans, olives, ranch seasoning, cumin, salt and pepper. Stir and cook for 5 minutes, until heated through, then stir in cilantro. Pour into a 9×13 inch baking dish that’s been sprayed with non stick cooking spray. Place Crescent Roll sheet over top of chicken mixture, brush lightly with olive oil and season with garlic salt.  Bake for 20 minutes, until just starting to brown. Top with cheese and bake for an additional 15-18 minutes or until cheese is melted and crescent dough is cooked through. Remove and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Original source: www.picky-palate.com

Family Farm Visit

A couple weeks ago, my parents and Lorraine and Evie met us over at Frying Pan Park.  We usually hit the farm a couple times a year and have a good time visiting the animals, playing on the playground, and enjoying a hayride.  This visit was no exception.  Here are some pics:

Chabot Beach Weekend

Once again, we were invited to spend the weekend at the Chabot's fabulous beach house!  And, as always, we had a wonderful time.  Mrs. Chabot is an incredible host, and we could not be more blessed to have her and Mr. Chabot in our lives.  The weather wasn't as cooperative as in past years, but that just enabled us to participate in some activities that we haven't in the past!  For example, for the very first time ever, we went peach picking.  The kids had a blast!  Yes - you read that right.  Cole even got to pick!  And, we came home with 10 pounds of peaches.  We ate yummy ripe peaches, we ate peach cobbler, and we ate delicious peach ice cream sundaes.  I even found a recipe for peach sangria, but we ran out of peaches before I could make it.  Clearly, we need to go back ASAP!  While we were at the beach, we also hit a great, out-of-the-way playground.  We didn't even make it to the beltway before Sydney asked me when we were going to go back to the beach.  Soon, baby... soon!

Grandma's Best Work

I love this pic because it shows off some of Grandma's best work: one of the cute sock monkeys she made the kids and the latest Summer haircut she gave Cole. One cute pair!