More New Friends...

We have definitely put our zoo pass to good use this summer. This time we were brave enough to take two toddlers to the "World of Flight" bird show. They both loved it!

Gabe and Sonja

Gabe has the cutest cheesy smile.

Jaiden proved to me that he was a big boy when he rode the train without closing his eyes or covering his ears. A total 180 from last time.

There's that "cheeser" again.

Jaiden was so excited to see a "Papa" cougar. He even roared for me.

These two boys have become great friends! They played so good together. The end of their day resulted in a dip in the "pool."

Another successful day!

While the Dads are Away the Moms will Play!

Jaiden and his new friend, Carson.

The most handsome dude in the whole wide world!

My new friend, Katie. Her husband works with Dal. It's nice to have met such awesome people through Dal's work.

My pretty blues. Zoo pretzels are so yummy.

The highlight of the whole day... when Jaiden was able to get out of his stroller and feed the ducks.

Carson is so cute... he loved feeding the ducks too. Jaiden got a little selfish with the duck food.

This picture killed me. Reason #1: Jaiden just wanted to throw wood chips in the turtle shell. #2: There's some random little girl next to him. #3: Carson is just chillin' in the back wondering what the heck is goin' on.

He almost made it to the top of the steps... then he heard a helicopter.

The end of our zoo adventure. I wish I could have just fallen asleep in the back seat.

Pool Time

Jaiden's first swim of the year... success! Him and his Uncle Austie Pie. I love how his water wings are as big as his head.

He's really in to wearing his super sweet sunglasses. He knows he looks "cool."


He loves Austen so much. We got to the rec early and for an hour straight we had to search the pool for his uncle. "Austie, Austie... where are you. Boo!"

When it was time to leave he got the shivers so he just chilled while I wrapped him up in his warm towel. He loved the pool so much. It was fun for me to see how brave he became once he got into the water. We love our little peanut.

Finally!

I have finally found the best chocolate chip cookie recipe! It's been a long time searching and experimenting but I can now say my mission is complete. I found this recipe in a new cook book I just bought from a good friend. I made a couple of changes... I added both milk and semi-sweet chocolate chips, coconut, caramel, and changed 1 of the 3 cups of all-purpose flour to wheat. I will never use another recipe again!! If anyone is interested in these "fool-proof" cookies you can find them in, "THE FOOD NANNY RESCUES DINNER" by Liz Edmunds. There are a ton of amazing recipes in this book.

A Crazy Kid... And a Good Recipe.

Jaiden seriously cracks us up... all day, everyday. The older he gets the more he learns how to push our buttons... especially my(Mom) buttons. He knows that if I can tell that he is getting slightly out of control he will get "nums" sooner or later. Yes, I gave in once again and he got sweets... and silly me for giving him a messy treat. He loves anything with chocolate. Who doesn't? This is the beginning...

...and this is the end. This picture doesn't look that bad, but it was. He had popcorn and cocoa everwhere. And, of course, it was in his hair by the time we got home. I love those goofy teeth!

Another one of his shenanigans. He's always trying to hide in a cupboard or closet. It's hilarious how he can fit into such small and awkward spaces.

All of this chocolate madness made me want to make something delicious... my second favorite type of brownie. Cheesecake brownies. I love this dessert because it looks great and tastes amazing. Here's the recipe. Enjoy!

2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened

2 cups granulated sugar

3 large eggs

2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

8 ounces cream cheese

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

1. Preheat oven to 325*. Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish/pan with cooking spray. 2. Cream butter and granulated sugar together. Add 2 eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla, beat until smooth. Next, add baking soda, salt, cocoa powder, and flour until well incorporated. 3. Reserve 1 cup of dough, cover, and refrigerate for 25-30 min. Add remaining dough to pan and bake for about 25 minutes(when edges are puffed and base is set). Let cool on wire rack. 4. Mix cream cheese, remaining egg, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and confectioners' sugar. Spread over cooled base. Crumble reserved dough on top. Bake until filling is set, 25-30 minutes. Let cool, cut, and serve. Squares will keep, covered and refrigerated, for up to 3 days.

Goodbye Sunshine

Ok, this blog title sounds sad and well, it kind of is. I have mixed feelings about what we did to Jaiden today. One of Jaiden's best features is that he has had tons of super blonde hair since he was very little. I never wanted to cut it. But since recent comments (like five random people telling me what a cute "little GIRL" I have) I decided to make the change.

Jaiden was so good while my mom started trimming his hair. I told her I needed it short enough to do something with. She was reluctant because she thought Jaiden wouldn't hold still... especially once she turned the trimmers on. I told her as long as we have enough "num nums" he would be totally fine... and he was. He did great!

The most hilarious part was that Dal was the one that wanted to cut it from the beginning and I kept saying, "No, no. It's too cute." So, when he got home from work today he was totally caught by surprise. He told me Jaiden looked goofy and needs his hair back. Well, a little too late for that Dal.

I actually really like it. I do miss his hair...a lot, but this new "do" is growing on me the more I see it. He looks very grown up. I definitely feel like his toddler stage is coming quickly to an end. I love my little man.

Hey! I look just like dad now!

We Love a Man in Uniform

Congratulations Dal! Dal has been at his new job for a week! We are so excited for him and know that he will be a great corrections officer. He has been working hard and we love him for it!

Jaiden was so excited once he spotted his dad. He stood up on our legs and shouted, "Dad...dad...Dal...Dad!" He looks up to his dad so much. You could tell that he was one proud little boy.

Jaiden was also super excited to see his Mimi and Papa. He hadn't seen them for about a week and had lots of loves for each of them.

I love these goofy boys... We can't ever seem to get a family photo just right.