A snack, a visit, and happenings

We have a new favorite snack. It is a tad on the messy side for the baby, but it was a hit. Pop some popcorn (microwave is fine) and spread it on wax paper or a jelly roll pan. Sprinkle with a couple handfuls of dried cranberries. Melt a cup of chocolate chips in the microwave, watching carefully, for a minute or until melted through. Quickly, spoon the melted chocolate into a piping bag or zip-top bag. Snip a corner and squeeze on top of the popcorn/cranberry mix. The chocolate will bind the popcorn and cranberries so spread it thoroughly. Let harden and eat. I think this would be fun to make as a party favor for school or birthday parties as well.

A few weeks back we went to Austin for the Austin marathon. It was a short trip and it confirmed my feelings that I definitely want to spend some more time in Austin. It seems like a fun city. While we only spent one night there we packed enough to spend a week! Martin kept asking why we had so much stuff. Hmmm, I wonder. I have given up on packing lightly when traveling as a group of five.

(hotel provisions)

Sunday was race day. We found a spot to cheer on runners and wait for Dad.

Big hugs for the runner, and the end to a fun, although quick, get-away.

Dinner time

We eat in a lot. There was a time when I wished we ate out more, but that time has passed. Three kids in a restaurant is not always fun. Even when their behavior isn't the issue there is always some distraction that keeps me from eating a hot meal. They have to potty, they need a refill, dropped napkins, food needs to be cut, "this isn't what I wanted!", I could go on, but I am sure many of you have heard it all before. So, we eat in a lot. I enjoy cooking when I have an idea what to cook and all ingredients are on hand. An easy meal that we all enjoy is nachos. I try to make them healthy and kid-friendly (no super hot stuff). A few nights ago I made tostada-nachos. I topped corn tostadas with rotisserie chicken, cheddar, olives, queso fresco, cumin and salsa. Bake till warm and cheese is melted. These were topped with lettuce and avocado. Dinner was done! Another recent hit was green curry. This was very easy. I browned chopped chicken thighs, sauteed some onion and followed the directions on the Thai Kitchen Green Curry Paste bottle. I added some different veggies (butternut squash, a left over baked potato, and chopped carrots). I made some Jasmine rice and that was that.

I am always on the lookout for quick and healthy options. I try to have everything purchased and thought out in advance so that the evening's witching hour isn't quite so scary. If all else fails then scrambled eggs or pizza delivery is always an option!